132 Finding the Right Support Group

Whether you are at the point of receiving the diagnosis, or your child, or grandchild, or sibling has a disorder, coming to terms with it and moreover learning what you can do to help may be very emotionally challenging. That is where a support group may help from accepting the diagnosis and adapting to it, to learning how to reduce the stress, navigating the medical, educational, and social systems, as well as receiving tips and techniques on how to deal with specific behaviors, daily living, or advocacy from peers with similar situations.

So what is a support group?

A support group is a group of people (usually primary caregivers, but also may be siblings, grandparents, and so on), who have a common goal in mind (for example, helping an individual with ASD). However, groups do not have to be limited only to caregivers. Some groups may include medical professionals, educators, social services, and others. Support groups provide an opportunity to share concerns and successes, ideas and strategies. Meetings can be informal (e.g., meeting at a local McDonalds or coffee place for social purposes and emotional support) or more formal ones that serves to provide topical training and education.

If support groups are different, how to choose?

Support groups may differ based on the goals that members would like to accomplish, in other words what brings them together. The goals can be very pinpointed (like advocacy) to very broad (for example, filling the gap in service and information in the local area). Moreover, support groups might be affiliated with a larger group (serving as a local chapter), school, or a service provider. They may be ongoing or created with a specific curriculum in mind (and will be dissolved after the purpose is achieved). When it comes to choosing, each family may have somewhat different needs, so select the group that works for you and your family, and provides the support you need. Try one group and see if it works out for you. If not, try a different one.

Autism Society of Indiana

13295 Illinois St., Suite 110, Carmel, IN 46032
800-609-8449
www.autismsocietyofindiana.org/
Local chapters throughout the state

The Arc of Indiana

107 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204
800-382-9100
317-977-2375
www.arcind.org
Local chapters throughout the state

GALA – Grupo de Apoyo para Latinos con Autismo (Indianapolis)

www.facebook.com/galagrupodeapoyo/
317-209-7863

Indiana Disability Resource FINDER

www.indianadisabilityresourcefinder.org/

Local Community Cadres through HANDS in Autism ®

handsinautism.iupui.edu/collaborations/lcc/
317-274-2671

There are many options for support available; you simply must be willing to seek it out!