| A variety of support and information groups exist to | | | | syndrome; training for parents and professionals; |
| help families that are living with autism. Physicians, | | | | reliable information and publications, and routinely |
| psychiatrists, educators, and parents who join these | | | | lobbies and campaigns for the funding of autistic |
| groups describe the tremendous benefits of belonging | | | | programs and research. |
| to an organization that advances the cause of autism | | | | In Canada, the Autism Canada Foundation is the main |
| research, as well as providing a support group for | | | | autism advocacy group. Their goal is to "engage, |
| families, friends, and teachers of autistic children. | | | | educate, empower, and unite people to find a cure for |
| Founded in 1965 by Dr. Bernard Rimland, the Autism | | | | autism." The Autism Canada Foundation supports |
| Society of America is the premier national autistic | | | | research that addresses the cause of autism, |
| support/advocacy group in the United States. It is the | | | | promotes public and government awareness of early |
| oldest and largest "grassroots" organization in the | | | | diagnoses and effective treatment options, and |
| autistic community. The Autism Society of America is | | | | provides caregivers with a wealth of objective |
| dedicated to increasing public awareness of autism | | | | information on treatments, therapy, and educational |
| and the issues faced by families living with autism; the | | | | rights and opportunities. |
| society's mission is to provide information, education, | | | | Online support groups are a wealth of knowledge and |
| support, and advocacy for autistic programs and | | | | experience. Knowing everything about autism is the |
| services. | | | | first step in ensuring that your child has the most |
| The National Autism Association is an American | | | | advantages possible. In addition, mental health and |
| support group designed to educate and empower | | | | medical experts strongly recommend that families and |
| families living with autism. They work to educate | | | | caregivers of autistic children attend local support |
| society about autism, its heredity factors, and | | | | groups. Some people may find the idea wishy-washy |
| environmental factors. Those involved in the autistic | | | | or "corny", but the resources available to members of |
| community are encouraged to assist their loved ones | | | | support groups are amazing. Parents and caregivers |
| reach their full potential and raise money for autism | | | | can share ideas and strategies for communicating with |
| research. | | | | their autistic children and receive emotional support |
| The National Autistic Society is an organization in the | | | | from someone who understands the process and is |
| United Kingdom that works with individuals and | | | | living through it as well. Often, people from your autism |
| government bodies to promote the rights and interests | | | | or Asperger's syndrome support group are among the |
| of individuals diagnosed with autism, as well raising the | | | | only people who understand what it is like living with |
| awareness of those living with and affected by autistic | | | | these children, and will never be "sick" of hearing you |
| individuals. The Society provides local advice and | | | | talk about your fears and triumphs. There is no |
| support for families affected by autism; care and | | | | substitute for experience, and the advice given and |
| education for children and adults with autism; | | | | friendships made at support groups is often invaluable. |
| employment training for adults with Asperger's | | | | |