For those living with autism or who have a loved one on the autism spectrum, having resources available is vital. Autism resources offer support, grants, and information, making them important for families as well as individuals.
Keep reading to learn about the numerous autism resources available in Columbus, Georgia.
Resource List for Children with Autism in Columbus, Georgia
In the Columbus, Georgia, area, there are many autism resources, including grants, scholarships, and more.
1. Parent to Parent of Georgia
Parent to Parent of Georgia offers multiple services for families impacted by autism. The organization has various support groups, including those for Hispanic families, parents, and East African families. It also offers online groups.
Parent to Parent of Georgia also provides training for parents and other caretakers on learning strategies for dealing with challenging behavioral issues. The organization has offices throughout Georgia.
You can reach out by calling 770-451-5484 or by filling out a form here.
2. Georgia’s Special Needs Scholarship
The Georgia Department of Education offers this scholarship for K-12 children. It provides funds for private school education when public school does not offer the assistance a child with special needs requires.
To qualify for the scholarship, the child must have attended at least one year of public school in Georgia or have attended a special needs preschool. The student must also have either a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Plan.
3. West Georgia Autism Foundation
The West Georgia Autism Foundation offers grants for families who have a child on the autism spectrum. Its mission is to enrich the lives of those affected by autism.
Past grants have included scholarships for young adults with autism to attend technical college, as well as research grants. Families in need can also apply to receive support.
In January 2023, the West Georgia Autism Foundation will host one of its large fundraising events to help families in Georgia.
Learn more by contacting wgaautism@gmail.com.
4. ASD Ascend Scholarship
The ASD Ascend scholarship offers tuition money for young adults on the autism spectrum who want to attend college. The foundation awards five $1,000 scholarships.
The ASD Ascend scholarship is open to entering freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who have autism and want to get an associate degree or bachelor’s degree.
Winners must provide documentation of an autism diagnosis.
You can contact the ASD Ascend foundation through this form.
5. Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is one of the leading resources for parents, caretakers, and anyone else who loves someone on the autism spectrum. Autism Speaks provides valuable information on autism, access to specialists who can help parents, support groups, and more.
It also offers grants for families of autistic children, scientists focused on autism research, and autism service providers. Each year, Autism Speaks hosts various walks to help raise money for local services.
Contact an autism response team at 888-288-4762 or by emailing help@autismspeaks.org. If you speak Spanish, call 888-772-9050.
6. Marcus Autism Center
Marcus Autism Center has many resources to help a child with autism. It can help families with everything from arranging animal therapy sessions to applying for benefits.
The center offers specialized services and programs to help improve the lives of children with autism and their families. It has a library dedicated to helping families find the resources they need for every developmental stage of their child’s life.
Call Marcus Autism Center at 404-785-9400.
7. Children’s Autism Assessment Center
Children’s Autism Assessment Center offers some of the best assessment and diagnostic services in the area. It provides gold-standard neurodevelopmental diagnoses for disorders on the autism spectrum while also offering tailored services and recommendations.
Children’s Autism Assessment Center also offers consultation services for families who would benefit from support in the management of their child’s developmental concerns, like picky eating, late toilet training, sleep difficulties, and challenging behavior.
You can call 404-390-1322 or email drbrandismith@caacatlanta.com for more information.
8. Georgia Kids First Special Needs Fund
This scholarship is a general one that provides help for children K-12 who are autistic or have other challenges. The scholarship allows people to redirect their Georgia State income taxes to those in need, providing them with specialized services and educational support.
To apply for the scholarship or to learn more, call 404-808-6936 or write to info@gakidsFIRST.org.
ABA Therapy in Columbus, Georgia
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the gold standard for autism, based on the process of learning and behavior. It uses positive reinforcement, and it is easy to adapt it to meet each child’s needs.
It is a type of therapy that can help decrease problem behavior while improving attention, focus, academics, and social skills. It can also help improve communication skills.
At Hidden Talents, you can get a therapist who specializes in ABA therapy to come right to your home. To learn more about our in-home ABA therapy in Columbus you can call 404-487-6005 or email info@hiddentalentsaba.com.
