Helpful Links
If you know of any useful links that should added, please contact ASO
The following are organizations that the Autism Society of Oregon (ASO) is familiar with. It does not represent all the organizations that exist. Given the sheer number of websites on autism in the state of Oregon alone, this would be a difficult task to maintain. Please continue to use your search engine for internet sites about autism. Also, please visit the Professional & Community Directory for specific categories.
DISCLAIMER: These links are provided for information only, and are not intended to be an endorsement on the part of ASO. Please do your own research into whether these groups can be helpful to you.
RESOURCES - General:
211 info
For people living in Oregon and Southwest Washington seeking information on affordable housing, healthcare, food assistance, and clinics. Access on-line or by phone by dialing 211.Advocates of Children That have Special Needs
(A.C.T.S.N. pronounced “action”)
A support group located in Wilsonville for parents and caregivers that have a child with special needs including autism. A.C.T.S.N. offers information, assistance, and support through monthly group meetings, formal trainings, and spokespeople.ARC of Oregon
Advocates for the rights of adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have full community participation. Find your county's local chapter and learn about Oregon Special Needs Trust (OSNT), Guardianship, Advocacy and Planning Service (GAPS), and the basics about self directed support services for adults.Autism Insurance for Oregon
Asking legislators to adopt a comprehensive Autism Health Insurance Reform bill in the 2012 legislative session. Working to enforce the laws that already exist, to get insurers to pay for medically necessary treatment for autism. Their recent success with Kaiser and Pacific Source have opened the door for coverage of intensive treatments like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Learn how to file an appeal and subscribe to their mailing list.Autism Parent Training Program at Providence Neurodevelopmental Center for Children Teaching social-communication skills to children with autism and related disorders: A parent-implemented approach.
Autism Research & Resources of Oregon (ARRO)
Located in Beaverton, the ARRO Westside Family & Community is the first phase of ARRO’s greater vision of building a ”center of excellence in the field of autism research and resources in the State of Oregon.” The ARRO Westside Center provides a place to meet, share ideas, get support and provide autism related services.Autietots
Provides listings of autism-friendly businesses and services in Portland, Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.AutismAsperger.net
Web home of Stephen Shore, author, speaker and Assistant Professor of Special Education at Adelphi University. His site serves to create greater awareness of the autism spectrum.Autismoregon.org (run by Parents of Autistic Children [POAC])
A site for parents, teachers, individuals, family and community to search for resources.Autism Research Institute (ARI)
Located in San Diego,California, ARI is dedicated to research and outreach to individuals with autism and their families. ARI conducts research, and disseminates the results of research, on the causes of autism and on methods of preventing, diagnosing and treating autism. E-newsletter available.Autism Society of America (ASA)
The nation’s leading grassroots autism organization. The mission of ASA is to improve the lives of all affected by autism by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. ASO is the state chapter for Oregon.Autism Society of Oregon (ASO) - Lane County Chapter
Works closely with local grassroots autism organizations - Bridgeway House, KindTree Productions, 4J School District, Direction Service, Hilyard Community Center, U of O, Autism Training and Support, Autism Speaks, and many others.Autism Society of Washington (ASW)
State chapter of the national organization Autism Society of America, and the sister chapter to ASO.Autism Training and Research Center at PSU, Graduate School of Education
Provides training and consulting on evidence-based practices to educators and parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and conducts research in areas that are important to educators and families of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.Bridgeway House
Located in Eugene, serving the needs of children with autism and related disabilities while educating and supporting their families through a wide array of services, including treatments, therapies, social groups, fitness classes, education, support groups, advocacy, and more.Child Development and Rehabilitation Center (CDRC) Autism Program at Oregon Health & Science University
Provides services to children on the autism spectrum: diagnostic evaluations, treatment and consultation to families. As part of the Autism Treatment Network (ATN), the CDRC Autism Program enrolls interested families in a patient registry, which allows for a better understanding of the medical conditions associated with autism.
Collaborative Problem Solving
From the website: "Lives in the Balance is the non-profit organization founded by child psychologist Dr. Ross Greene, author of The Explosive Child and Lost at School, and originator of the Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) approach. The CPS model is highly effective with kids often described as angry, difficult, defiant, and oppositional. While those terms don't tell the true tale, this website contains a ton of information – streaming video, an extensive Listening Library, and a boatload of additional resources -- to help you learn about and implement the research-based CPS model and provide you with the strategies and support you need to help kids with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges."The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation for Adult Autism
A national organization focused on adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD.) It is a volunteer-run organization whose mission is to develop and fund
The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Signature Programs that address critical needs and gaps in services and supports for adults living with ASD.Developmental Disabilities (DD) Training Co-Op Class Calendar
A calendar of training classes offered by the Portland area DD Training Co-Op. Classes are designed to provide affordable training to people who provide care and support to individuals with disabilities. Classes are open to the public however, registration preference is extended to: DD Training Co-Op member agencies' staffs; DD certified foster parents; and family members of individuals receiving DD services within the Portland area.Easter Seals of Oregon
Serves children and adults with disabilities through program centers in Portland, Salem and Medford. They offer comprehensive pediatric therapy, camping, employment services, warm water aquatics, money management program, healthy start, postpartum depression prevention program and parenting classes. Recreation & respite (R&R) care offered only in Salem and Medord. For more information on the R&R program, please click here.Emerging Leaders Northwest (ELNW)
Organized through the Oregon Health Sciences University and the University Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities ELNW are leaders ages 13-30 with disabilities who provide support to other young people with disabilities through community, web-based information and guidance. They offer workshops, trainings, mentorships, internships, and an interactive website. There is also an Emerging Leaders chapter in Salem.Families for Community (FFC)
Located in Medford, helps to support parents that have a child experiencing disability. They have six ways to get connected: a blog, events, Facebook, an online community support group, one for GFCF members, and parent support groups. They provide mentoring parent partners, and hold trainings and workshops.Family And Community Together (FACT)
A family leadership organization for individuals and their families experiencing disability. FACT is the NEW Parent Training and Information Center in Oregon, providing free support and information to parents navigating the Special Education process. FACT has a Special Education Helpline (at 1-888-988-FACT), holds free trainings throughout the state, offers a free parent mentoring service (FACT Parent 2 Parent). CLICK HERE to subscribe to their e-newsletter for information about their programs and events.GEM Children's Foundation
Located in Salem, connects children with special needs and their families to existing services and works to increase access to resources and information. Through grants and collaborative efforts, they will support community organizations serving children with special needs. In partnership with ASO, they run Game Clubs in Salem for children on the Autism Spectrum.Global Autism Collaboration (GAC)
Networking and collaborating with autism organizations worldwide to generate necessary legal and social change to deal with the global autism health crisis.Help Autism Now Society (HANS)
Provides information and support to physicians and other medical professionals in the early recognition and diagnosis of autism. (Has easy-to-understand information about early recognition of autism & autism symptoms.)Journey with Julian
A blog written by Dwayne Ballen about his son, Julian, who has autism. His hope is for the blog to help people understand and appreciate individuals with autism. Dwayne Ballen lives in North Carolina, and is an award winning journalist and television sportscaster.Kindtree-Autism Rocks
Located in Eugene, dedicated to serving and celebrating people on the Autism Spectrum through art, recreation and community. They have a weekend-long retreat in late August for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to have fun. See their lising in Summer Camps.Northwest Autism Foundation (NWAF)
Located in Oregon City, produces an Autism Resource Directory and provides continuing education to professionals in Oregon. They sponsor workshops and lectures on the latest in autism spectrum disorders and hold Autism Oasis conferences every couple years to bring scientists and doctors together to talk to parents and caregivers about current treatments for autism spectrum disorders. NWAF also offers a lending library on autism spectrum disorders that individuals can borrow and return to.Oregon Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs (OCCYSHN)
Promotes coordinated, family-centered, community-based systems of care through programs and projects including: CaCoon (CAre COOrdinatioN) Program, home-visiting public-health nurses; Community Connections Network (CCN), multidisciplinary teams that meet across the state to serve specific children and to address community needs; Family Involvement Network (FIN), hiring, training, and supervising Family Liaisons, local family members of children and youth with special health needs who provide the family perspective on CCN teams; and a Medical Home offering tools and information for both providers and families. CAre COOrdinatioN and Community Connections Network are for children and youth up to age 21. All services are free regardless of income and insurance.Oregon Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)
A Statewide agency helping parents find child care including Children with Diverse Needs and Abilities . They have an online brochure, Child Care Aware, available in both English and Spanish. They partner with the Inclusive Child Care Program that helps eligible families with higher costs of care when children (up to their 18th birthday) need extra close supervision, special accommodations or other supports for safety. They have an online booklet explaining their services Open Hearts, Open Doors: Offering Inclusive Child Care.Parents of Autistic Children (POAC)
Provides information to parents about behavioral intervention therapies for children on the autism spectrum. They have a comprehensive Parent Guide covering information about autism and starting a behavioral therapy program.Portland Asperger’s Network (PAN)
A parent support organization helping families and individuals under the autism umbrella, including Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, and PDD-NOS. They run an online community, monthly Game Club in West Linn; a quarterly parent support group, a Teen Club, monthly Me Time meetings (for caregivers of adults) and a Girl Scout troop.Portland Autism Group
A group of community-minded professionals, from many different disciplines, who are committed to providing quality services for people with autism and their families in the Portland community. Their efforts include case study and collaboration, providing services, event planning, research, and autism awareness activities. A subcommittee of ARRO, above.Portland's Disability Program
A division of the Office of Neighborhood Involvement providing Information and referral regarding: Local compliance, accommodation services, living with a disability, and more; Community advocacy through the Portland Commission on Disability; Engagement opportunities with city government and neighborhoods, as well as community building and awareness raising events; Voluntary Emergency Registry (VER) and Emergency Self-Preparedness workshops; Produces the biweekly Disability NEWS that features event/meeting listings, news and other information of interest to people with disabilities in Portland.Providence Neurodevelopmental Center for Children (PNCC)
A group of pediatricians that evaluate and treat children with various developmental delays, including the medically fragile. Services include: follow up clinics for high-risk infants, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language therapy, aquatic therapy, augmentative communication/assistive technology, Audiology, medical nutrition, pediatric weight management, and feeding and swallowing. Locations in East Portland, West Portland, Gresham, and Newberg. Has Autism Parent Training Program.Resources Connection of Oregon (RCO)
Located in Salem, serves adults (18 years and older) with developmental disabilities.Sensory Support
Sensory Support offers advocacy/consulting services to families who have a child with sensory processing disorders. Fees apply.Social Thinking
Information and curriculum developed by Michelle Garcia Winner, Speech Language Pathologist, to help individuals with social thinking. "Social thinking is what we do when we interact with people: we think about them. And how we think about people affects how we behave, which in turn affects how others respond to us, which in turn affects our own emotions." Winner has published Social Thinking books, holds workshops and trainings. Sign up for her e-mailed newsletter.Special Education PTA of Portland (SEPTAP)
A district wide Special Education PTA working in partnership with local school based PTAs. They hold bi- monthly meetings, special events, and have an online forum giving members the chance to connect with each other, their school district, and resources in the community.Swindells Resource Center of Providence Child Center
Located in Portland, Medford, Hood River and Newport. They support parents and caregivers of children who have special needs, developmental delays or disabilities by providing resources, information and education to communities throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Has a FREE online My Child's Life Care Notebook and Organizer that functions as a personal health record and helps parents coordinate the complex records of their child's care, services and providers. Notebooks come in English, Spanish and Russian. Also runs an online library.Threshold
A social service organization located in Salem that offers direct provider training services and adaptive alternative educational programs.
Resources - Special Education:
Family And Community Together (FACT)
A family leadership organization for individuals and their families experiencing disability. FACT is the NEW Parent Training and Information Center in Oregon, providing free support and information to parents navigating the Special Education process. FACT has a Special Education Helpline (at 1-888-988-FACT), holds free trainings throughout the state, offers a free parent mentoring service (FACT Parent 2 Parent). CLICK HERE to subscribe to their e-newsletter for information about their programs and events.Oregon Department of Education
Works to make sure that every Oregon public school student has equal access to high quality educational services. (Information on identifying a child who needs special education services and obtaining special education services).Oregon School Boards Association
Links to Education Service Districts in OregonSpecial Education PTA of Portland (SEPTAP)
A district wide Special Education PTA working in partnership with local school based PTAs. They hold bi- monthly meetings, special events, and have an online forum giving members the chance to connect with each other, their school district, and resources in the community.Wrightslaw
Wrightslaw disseminates information about special education law and advocacy.
Government Resources - State:
Department of Human Services (DHS)
Oregon’s principal agency for helping Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.Supports for Adults with Developmental Disabilities - includes Individual Support
Plans and Brokerage Support Services.Support for Children with Developmental Disabilities - The first step in locating services for your child and family is your finding your local Community Developmental Disabilities Program, Click on your county for contact information.
2011 Tax Exemption for Parents of Children with Disabilities
Describes basic information about the 2011 tax exemption for parents of children with disabilities.Inclusive Child Care Program (971-673-2286)
Provides financial help with the increased cost of child care due to a child’s special needs.Life Span Respite Care
Respite care information for families provided by the State of Oregon.
Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder (OCASD)
Located in Salem, with members appointed by the Governor, the Commission’s mission is to “develop appropriate, collaborative and timely supports and services across the lifespan.”Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities
Oregon Department of Education
Works to make sure that every Oregon public school student has equal access to high quality educational services. (Information on identifying a child who needs special education services and obtaining special education services).Oregon School Boards Association
Links to Education Service Districts in Oregon
Governement Resources - Federal [Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)]:
Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Disability Resources
Learn about qualifying and applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs are governed by the federal Social Security Administration (SSA).Oregon State Bar
Information sheet on SSISocial Security - Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool
Provided by Social Security Administration, the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) helps you find out if you could get benefits that Social Security administers. It is NOT an application.Social Security Disability & SSI Disability Claims
Helps readers understand eligibility and process.Social Security Disability Resource Center
Explains how the disability process works.Benefits & Entitlement Specialist Team (BEST)
Based in Portland. Provides FREE representation to individuals with disabilities, particularly those experiencing homelessness or risk of and poverty, in filing claims for Social Security benefits. However, their services must be obtained through a referral from a community partner, such as DHS.
Government Resources - Military:
Operation Autism
An on-line resource that offers A Resource Guide for Military Families.
Housing:
Home Forward (formerly Housing Authority of Portland), Disability Program
Develops and manages a range of affordable housing options. Serves all of Multnomah County, including the cities of Portland and Gresham. 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 110, Portland, OR97204; Phone: 503-823-2036 email: Nikole.Cheron@portlandoregon.govMortgageloan.com (Housing & Mortgages for People with Disabilities)
A guide for individuals living with disabilities, and their family members, in the process of buying a home of their own. Learn about important steps in buying a home and about financial assistance programs that are available for people with disabilities who want to buy a home.
Legal Assistance:
Disability Help Inc.
Based out of Texas, but works on cases throughout the United States providing non-attorney representation to assist individuals as they work through the complex application process for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security disability benefits.Disability Rights Oregon (DRO)
Assists individuals faced with legal problems directly related to their disability. Has staff in Portland, Ashland, and Salem.
Safety:
Dennis Debbaudt’s Autism Risk Management
Provides autism training and resources for law enforcement, emergency first responders, parents, educators, care providers, and the autism community. Has a FREE Autism Emergency Contact Form that can be filled out prior to an emergency.I.C.E Bands Northwest
Located in Beaverton, sells personalized silicone wristbands “in case of an emergency.”
Technology Information and Assistance:
Access Technologies, Inc. (ATI)
Located in Salem, specializes in Ergonomics and Assistive Technology.Oregon Department of Education, Oregon Technology Access Program (OTAP)
Funded by a grant by the Oregon Department of Education to assist school districts in meeting the needs of students with disabilities who could benefit from assisted technology.Oregon Technical Assistance Corporation (OTAC)
Located in Salem, involved in projects and initiatives in Oregon for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Transportation
TriMet Honored Citizen ID card
Entitles bearer to (1) reduced fares valid in all zones; (2) priority seating; and (3) a personal attendant rides free (if you qualify).
For Children:
The So Cool Center, Inc.
Runs a Comic Book Social Group for children ages 9-12, led by a speech language pathologist. The group is held in NE Portland.
For Teens/Adults:
A Piece of the Puzzle
A social community website for individuals with disabilities. The website has a social wall, a chat area and a game room with over 200 games.Autistic Self Advocacy Network-PDX
A group that is ONLY for persons on the autistic spectrum who are 18+ and are either medically or self-diagnosed. They bring together young adults and adults who are on the autistic spectrum to share ideas, to give advice and support, and to create a learning environment for self advocacy.Autism After 16
Provides information and analysis of issues primarily affecting people on the autism spectrum ages 16 and older, including transition out of high school, college, employment, housing and social relationships.The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation for Adult Autism
A national organization focused on adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD.) It is a volunteer-run organization whose mission is to develop and fund
The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Signature Programs that address critical needs and gaps in services and supports for adults living with ASD.Emerging Leaders Northwest (ELNW)
Organized through the Oregon Health Sciences University and the University Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities ELNW are leaders ages 13-30 with disabilities who provide support to other young people with disabilities through community, web-based information and guidance. They offer workshops, trainings, mentorships, internships, and an interactive website. There is also an Emerging Leaders chapter in Salem.Project Grow
For adults with disabilities to participate in community around farming and art.Resources Connection of Oregon (RCO)
Located in Salem, serves adults (18 years and older) with developmental disabilities.WrongPlanet.net
A web community designed for individuals (and parents / professionals of those) with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, PDDs, and other neurological differences. They provide a discussion forum, where members communicate with each other, an article section, with exclusive articles and how-to guides, a blogging feature, and a chatroom for real-time communication with other Aspies.
For College Students:
Autistic Self Advocacy Network-PDX
A group that is ONLY for persons on the autistic spectrum who are 18+ and are either medically or self-diagnosed. They bring together young adults and adults who are on the autistic spectrum to share ideas, to give advice and support, and to create a learning environment for self advocacy.Autism After 16
Provides information and analysis of issues primarily affecting people on the autism spectrum ages 16 and older, including transition out of high school, college, employment, housing and social relationships.Emerging Leaders Northwest (ELNW)
Organized through the Oregon Health Sciences University and the University Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities ELNW are leaders ages 13-30 with disabilities who provide support to other young people with disabilities through community, web-based information and guidance. They offer workshops, trainings, mentorships, internships, and an interactive website. There is also an Emerging Leaders chapter in Salem.We Connect Now
Developed in an effort to connect and integrate college students with disabilities in a virtual community with a voice on important issues.WrongPlanet.net
A web community designed for individuals (and parents / professionals of those) with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, PDDs, and other neurological differences. They provide a discussion forum, where members communicate with each other, an article section, with exclusive articles and how-to guides, a blogging feature, and a chatroom for real-time communication with other Aspies.
For Parents:
Advocates of Children That have Special Needs
(A.C.T.S.N., pronounced “action”)
A support group located in Wilsonville for parents and caregivers that have a child with special needs including autism. A.C.T.S.N. offers information, assistance, and support through monthly group meetings, formal trainings, and spokespeople.
Easter Seals - R&R (Respite care in Salem & Medford)
The Recreation & Respite (R&R) program for parents of children ages 3-18 (including siblings). Experienced staff and volunteers provide dinner or a snack and any necessary physical care while parents/caregivers take a much deserved break. R&R (formerly Parents Night Out) is currently offered in Salem and Medford on Friday evenings and/or Saturdays. Medford area only -"In-service R&R Days." The Medford program will provide care on Medford Schools "In-service Days," designed like their "Saturday Recreation & Respite (R&R) Program."Families for Community (FFC)
Located in Medford, helps to support parents that have a child experiencing disability. They have six ways to get connected: a blog, events, Facebook, an online community support group, one for GFCF members, and parent support groups. They provide mentoring parent partners, and hold trainings and workshops.
Helping Children with Autism
Autism Treatment Strategies and Parenting TipsParent to Parent of Oregon (P2P of Oregon)
Recruits and trains parent mentors that have experience with disability, and matches those mentors with parents in need of support. P2P of Oregon is the state chapter of Parent to Parent USA and affiliated with FACT Oregon.Southern Oregon Developmental Disabilities Group for Parents
An online forum for parents of children affected by Autism, PDD, Asperger's, ADHD/ADD, Fragile X Syndrome and all other Developmental Delays.Special Education PTA of Portland (SEPTAP)
A district wide Special Education PTA working in partnership with local school based PTAs. They hold bi- monthly meetings, special events, and have an online forum giving members the chance to connect with each other, their school district, and resources in the community.Teen Autism
A blog started by Tanya Savko, parent of an autistic teen and author of the novel “Slip”. The Blog is for parents of teens with autism.
Wise Old Sayings: Communicating with an Autistic Child - A Parent's Guide
Communicating with an autistic child has very few “one size fits all” solutions and, in many cases, it will take a lot of trial and error and patience in order to find successful strategies for communicating.WrongPlanet.net
A web community designed for individuals (and parents/professionals) with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, PDDs, and other neurological differences. They provide a discussion forum, where members communicate with each other, an article section, with exclusive articles and how-to guides, a blogging feature, and a chatroom for real-time communication with other Aspies.
Other: Books / Art
The Girl Who Spoke in Pictures
To see ASO's Professional and Community Directory, please click here.