An autism diagnosis can be daunting. Fortunately there are ample resources for families seeking support in Savannah.
The resources available in Savannah and the surrounding counties can help patients with ASD and their families navigate challenges and form new connections.
Resource List for Children with Autism in Savannah, Georgia
Savannah has various organizations that provide aid, guidance, and recreational activities geared toward including those with ASD.
Georgia Autism Center
The Georgia Autism Center provides families with assessments that help pinpoint a diagnosis. Since ASD is a spectrum of conditions, diagnosing a child’s difficulties often requires several tests, including developmental, social, cognitive, adaptive, and behavioral functioning.
In addition to correctly diagnosing ASD, the Georgia Autism Center coordinates care. It offers educational support and planning, including assisting with developing IEPs and ongoing financial and emotional support for families of children with ASD and other special needs.
FOCUS Georgia
Originating in Atlanta, FOCUS (Families of Children Under Stress) provides programs and services for families of children with disabilities to enhance their everyday lives. FOCUS works with children up to 29 and supports families who face a wide range of health challenges.
FOCUS offers support services for over 4,500 families in Georgia. It provides support groups, family activities, overnight camps, adaptive swim teams, and assistance for families seeking resources.
Chatham County Safety Net
Chatham County Safety Net works throughout the county to offer behavioral and primary health care, improve access to care, and strengthen the infrastructure of the county’s health department.
Chatham County Safety Net helps those navigating the challenges of the health care system to identify the resources available to them. It works with Children’s Medical Services, Family Support Services, and other programs to ensure that children and families receive the care they need.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. of Coastal Georgia
Finding Resources in Educational Needs and Developmental Services (F.R.I.E.N.D.S.) of Coastal Georgia offers community services and recreational activities for children with an ASD diagnosis.
Initially developed in 2009 to provide summer camps and other activities to children with ASD, the organization now offers multiple programs and activities for people in Savannah and the surrounding areas.
Offerings include summer camps, social and community-based services, social skills groups, parents’ night out events, peer mentoring, and a supportive employment program. The group works with children ranging from school-age to young adults.
Parent to Parent of Georgia
Parent to Parent of Georgia provides services for Georgia families with special health care needs and disabilities. Working with those who have disabilities, from birth through age 26, Parent to Parent of Georgia matches families with the resources they need and provides peer support to those navigating a new diagnosis and challenges.
The organization has a vast database of providers and groups, information on how to access resources and services, training, and special events geared toward those who may struggle with sensory issues or other challenges.
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) works to create social and policy changes that make new opportunities for residents with developmental disabilities and their families.
GCDD’s Real Communities Initiative is a nationally recognized concept that offers inclusive activities throughout Georgia, focusing on projects that allow those with and without disabilities to work together socially and civically to develop their communities.
The organization offers valuable information on inclusive schools, activities, and programs.
Children 1st
Georgia’s Department of Public Health’s Children 1st program identifies and collaborates with families, schools, health care providers, and agencies to support at-risk and developmentally delayed children.
The program connects eligible children with early intervention programs, public health initiatives, and community-based resources.
Easterseals of Southern Georgia
Easterseals of Southern Georgia works with children, young adults, adults, and caregivers to support those with autism and their families. Its mission is to provide services, education, advocacy, and outreach to engage those with autism and provide them with the skills necessary to participate actively in their communities.
They offer family, residential, vocational, rehabilitation, and respite services to provide relief to caregivers.
Katie Beckett Medicaid Program
The Katie Beckett Medicaid Program allows the state of Georgia to disregard family income when considering the needs of disabled individuals who live at home. Children who meet the criteria can qualify for Medicaid based on the institutional level of care they require.
The program is also called a TEFRA waiver. It allows those approved to use Medicaid as their secondary insurance, providing coverage for medical supplies and services that primary insurance doesn’t fund.
Families can pursue additional therapies, such as those offered through Easterseals, that support participants’ long-term success.
Lindsey’s Place Camp
Lindsey’s Place Camp is a nonprofit organization that offers on-site recreational programs for those with special needs. The experience promotes self-confidence, self-esteem, and independence.
It provides programs to support the personal growth of participants in a caring, nurturing environment that challenges and supports. Lindsey’s Place Camp hosts weekend retreats with campers at Wesley Gardens in Savannah.
ABA Therapy in Savannah, Georgia
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy for those diagnosed with ASD. Using the science of learning, ABA therapy increases positive behaviors while reducing negative, harmful behaviors and is considered to be the gold standard of therapy methodologies to support ASD.
ABA therapy centers on a highly effective approach. It aims to increase communication and language skills, improve social and memory skills, and help children with autism cultivate a longer attention span and focus.
A quality ABA program does not take a cookie-cutter approach. Instead, they will customize a plan to meet your child’s individual needs.
When it comes to ABA therapy in Savannah, Hidden Talents is the go to agency. Our dedicated team of therapists will treat your child like family. If you have any questions about ABA therapy, insurance, or how our program works, give us a call. We will be happy to answer any of your questions.
