What are the procedures to start up an autism support group in Wichita, KS?

Question

What are the procedures to start up an autism support group in Wichita, KS?

Answer 1

There already is a group, which looks like it also offers training for parents that you might want to check out.  

http://www.autismawareassoc.org/calendar...  

The only real procedures to start up a group, is finding like minded people who share the same needs/goals. Then find a place to meet, and go for it.  It really is nice to talk to other parents in real life about your struggles with autism.

If you want to start your own, form a YAHOO Group for autism support in your local area.  Hand out the login information to everyone who might know someone with autism.  It's a great way to get information out about meetings you might have.

Your local paper probably has a community calander where you can post information about a meeting.  Here's one with discussion boards, where you can try to stir up interest http://www.kansas.com/  

Your county special education department, your local school district special education department, the teachers, the school psychologist who might work with, or at least did testing on your child are all good people to pass the word on that you're starting a group.  Tell them they can pass out your e-mail and phone number to interested parents.  

Good luck!

Answer 2

I would contact Oprah.com and go to the link for autism for Jenny McCarthy.  Her child has autism , and she has done much research that produces real results.  Please give it a try.  I think that she has also written a book.  That would also probably be on the link on Oprah.com.  I will pray for you and your whole family tonight.  I don't know what the cost is, but you probably could obtain a copy of the DVD of the day that Jenny McCarthy was on Opray discussing autism.

She was also on Larry King one night discussing her research compared to the doctors that disagreed with her about vaccinations(sp?). It was a very educational discussion.  I don't know if Larry King has it set up where you can just review shows without paying for a copy.  Just be sure to GOOGLE it!

sks

Answer 3

I live in Olathe, KS. Try google and see if there is any legal procedure/ steps to start an autism support group. It is a wonderful idea to have the support. I started my animal group in my home town by asking a friend who has experience starting her own and helped me how to do that. Another idea, you may want to browse across the yahoo group in Autism to see if you can find someone in Wichita.

Answer 4

Probably same as they are anywhere. I am from Illinois. Go and talk to the director of special education in your district and a few other moms. Get a doctor on board if you can. Then start with something like a play group where kids can go play in a structured setting and the parents can talk.

In my county, one woman started a support group that way and it was great for people. That grew into an autism society. She started it with 200$ now the group has been given awards in Washington and stuff. That was like 10 years ago when she started it. She just had to stick to it. Other people had tried to start a group and failed and quit but this woman kept on and now we have a lots of opportunities in my town. We have a clinic, an autism preschool, adult groups, social groups for those of us who are on the spectrum, training for parents.

You just plunge right in.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

Answer 5

Put an ad in you local paper and give your name and number and see if you get connections. In Brisbane, Australia there are heaps of autism support groups. Maybe there are some and you do not know. Contact the Autism Spectrum Disorder groups and they will help you. One thing, I have a child with autism and you need to filter the information and the people with bizarre thoughts on autism

Answer 6

www.google.com

Answer 7

You should contact the local hospital and speak to a social worker.  Tell her what u want to do and authorize her to give your number to other parents.  The hipa laws wont allow anyone to give out your info without your consent.  I am sure there are many other parents out there that would love to chat but just dont know how.  You can also put an ad in the paper for parents that want to get together.  Talk to the church school daycare centers and even child serveces.  Good luck