Autism Support Groups in Georgia

September 23, 2022 Autism Support Groups in Georgia

Parenting a child on the autism spectrum can often make you feel isolated and without support. If you live in Georgia, however, you have access to multiple support groups that can make your and your child’s life a bit easier. But what are support groups for autism, and how can they help?

What Are Autism Support Groups?

Autism support groups are a group of parents, grandparents, caretakers, or anyone else who is raising a child with autism. Some support groups also welcome teachers or other professionals who want to learn how to interact with and help children with autism. These groups make it possible for parents to help each other, offering support through difficult moments and sharing information on educational or medical matters. Autism support groups can help those who are caring for a child with autism feel less alone with the challenges they face. Primarily run by volunteers, these supportive communities can be of any size. But whatever their size, they are of profound importance.

The Importance of Having an Autism Support Group

Autism support groups offer support to the entire family of a child on the autism spectrum. They provide a way to gather information on autism and learn new strategies. They also give you a space to vent frustrations without fear of judgment. Raising a child with autism is challenging and can be overwhelming, so having an outlet that lets you express what you are going through is essential. Siblings of children with autism can have complicated feelings about their siblings and are often also in unique positions from which to offer care. Including them in a support group can ensure they get the information and encouragement they need. Support groups can also help fill a gap in local services. Some groups offer training for parents and other family members, as well, to help improve skills that can help them raise an autistic child. Support groups can offer training in:

Behavior management
Self-help skills
Understanding the special education system
Working with medical professionals
Learning to use adaptive technology and equipment
Identifying community services

They also help teachers who have children with autism under their professional care, offering guidance and teaching strategies to handle behavioral concerns.

The 5 Best Autism Support Groups in Georgia

If you have a child on the autism spectrum and live in Georgia, these are some of the best support groups to which you can turn.

1. Autism Speaks Georgia Support Group

This support group provides information and promotes solutions for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. They offer advocacy and support and provide education to promote understanding and acceptance of people with autism. Autism Speaks also helps fund research and focuses on helping families get the proper diagnosis as early as possible. It is a group that helps families have reliable access to the information they need. This group serves the entire state of Georgia. You can contact them at georgia@autismspeaks.org or by phone at 770-451-0570

2. Spectrum Autism Support Group

Spectrum Autism Support Group offers monthly sessions, respite programs, and summer camps to help families of children with autism, providing information, support, and social skills improvement. They offer groups for:

Siblings
Spanish speakers
Parents of teens with Asperger’s syndrome
Grandparents
Parents
Adults on the autism spectrum

These support groups help over 1,500 Atlanta area and Gwinnett County families. You can reach them at info@atl-spectrum.com or at their mailing address: P.O. Box 3132, Suwanee, GA 30024.

3. Marcus Autism Center Support Group

Marcus Autism Center helps fund autism research and provides support groups for parents and programs for young adults and children with autism. It also offers bilingual groups and groups geared toward all members of a family of someone with autism. You can reach the Marcus Autism Center at 404-785-9400 or visit their main campus at 1920 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA 30329-4010, Monday to Friday.

4. Georgia Parents Support Network

The Georgia Parents Support Network offers information and support for families of children with autism as well as other developmental and mental health concerns. This includes a new program that helps identify and provide outreach to teens and young adults on the autism spectrum who are facing homelessness. You can reach the Georgia Parents Support Network at info@gpsn.org or by calling 844-278-6945 or 404-758-4500.

5. Autism Engagement Group

The Autism Engagement Group is a support group for young adults on the autism spectrum. It offers the chance to build social skills, find community, discuss daily challenges, and much more. The group serves the Atlanta area and surrounding counties. You can reach them at 404-860-1894.

Get the Support You Need

You do not have to go through this on your own. By turning to support groups for autism, you can get the information and assistance you need. If you are looking for the best ABA therapy in Georgia give us a call. Our friendly team is ready to answer any of your questions.