San Antonio has a range of essential resources to assist in your autistic child’s journey.
Local support groups and community centers provide invaluable opportunities for connection and guidance, while online resources offer a convenient way to access information and support from home.
Additionally, San Antonio features a variety of educational resources and workshops designed to equip you with practical tools and knowledge.
Quick Note: For top-tier ABA therapy services in San Antonio, contact us today.
Local Support Groups
San Antonio-Autism Society of Texas Group
Overview: The San Antonio-Autism Society of Texas Group provides a welcoming environment for students, therapists, educators, and adults with Autism in San Antonio. The group shares valuable resources, information, and events, promoting a supportive community for those involved with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Activities: The group offers community inclusion events, recreation, and support groups throughout Texas, while also advocating for individuals with Autism at state and national levels. Members can join the "Adults with Autism in Texas" Facebook page and access various resources, including free information, referrals, and support for those interested in starting a local group.
Overview: The Arc of San Antonio is dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supporting their full inclusion in all aspects of community life. With over 70 years of advocacy, the organization works to create a future where individuals with disabilities are included in work, play, worship, travel, and other community activities.
Activities: The organization offers a variety of national and community programs to empower individuals with disabilities, including over 600 local chapters that provide resources and support. The Arc of San Antonio continues to drive change through education, advocacy, and inclusive initiatives that impact over 1,000 programs nationwide.
Moms Connect About Autism (MoCAA) Support Group
Overview: Moms Connect About Autism (MoCAA) Support Group is dedicated to promoting holistic parenting for children with special needs and fostering a supportive community for mothers. The group offers valuable mental health support and resources for moms of special needs children living in San Antonio and the surrounding areas.
Activities: MoCAA facilitates a supportive environment through their Facebook group, where members can connect and share experiences. Special needs moms can also access personalized support by contacting Jennifer Warwick via email for additional assistance.
Community Centers
Overview: For over 100 years, University Health has been committed to advancing medicine and providing high-quality, compassionate care to the community. As the only locally owned and operated health system in San Antonio and Bexar County, they are dedicated to serving the health needs of the region with respect and excellence.
Services: University Health offers comprehensive patient care focused on high quality and compassion, including innovative treatments and educational programs. Their core values emphasize attentive, kind, and resource-wise care, aiming to be one of the nation's most trusted health institutions.
Overview: Autism Community Network is a local nonprofit dedicated to early recognition, diagnosis, and management of autism spectrum disorder. The organization focuses on empowering families and caregivers through education and support, fostering community connections to relevant services and resources.
Services: The network provides educational resources, support groups, and community events aimed at supporting families affected by autism. By offering these services, they help families become effective advocates and caregivers, ensuring individuals with autism receive the support needed to lead successful lives.
Online Resources
Overview: Autism Speaks is committed to creating an inclusive world where individuals with autism can achieve their full potential. Established in 2005, the organization focuses on advocacy, research, and services to enhance the quality of life for autistic individuals and their families.
Features: Autism Speaks provides reliable information and services across the lifespan, supports research and innovation for improved quality of life, and leverages advocacy and partnerships to extend the work of service providers. They also focus on adult quality of life needs, including transition, employment, and housing, while promoting diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.
Overview: Future Horizons provides valuable resources for those dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders, including a range of publications and information on upcoming conferences. Created to support teachers, therapists, and family members, the organization aims to offer the most current information to help address the challenges of autism.
Features: The website features a comprehensive list of publications, including books, videos, and The Autism Asperger’s Digest Magazine. It also includes details on conference dates and locations, as well as links to other autism-related resources. These tools are designed to support and inform individuals facing autism-related challenges.
Educational Resources and Workshops
Overview: The Autism Circuit, based at ESC Region 13 and funded by a Texas Education Agency grant, aims to enhance the skills of educators working with students on the autism spectrum. This project focuses on providing professional development and practical resources to support effective teaching strategies for students with autism spectrum disorder.
Programs: The Autism Circuit offers a comprehensive Toolkit with "Ready to Go" tools categorized into Behavior, Communication, Social, and Classroom Organization. Each tool includes explanations on usage, printable templates, and resources for further learning on the evidence base for the strategies. The Toolkit is searchable by skill, setting, behavior, or tool name, helping educators efficiently find and utilize the resources they need.
Overview: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas, guided by the commissioner of education. TEA works to enhance outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems throughout the state.
Programs: TEA offers detailed information on special education, covering school programs and applicable laws. The agency helps schools implement best practices and ensure compliance with regulations to improve educational results for students with special needs.
Overview: Autism Internet Modules (AIM) provides free, online professional learning resources designed to support individuals who work with or live with someone with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Created by experts and practitioners, AIM offers a collection of 50 self-paced modules that help users understand, plan for, and support individuals with autism through case studies, instructional videos, and interactive content.
Programs: AIM features include professional development certificates and graduate credit available online, with no face-to-face meetings required. The modules are ideal for both individual and group-based learning and offer tools such as pre- and post-assessments, discussion questions, and activities to track and expand learning.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Student Disability Services
Overview: Offers a variety of educational programs and resources for families of children with autism. These initiatives aim to support and educate families, enhancing their understanding and management of autism.
Programs: The university provides workshops, seminars, and conferences designed to offer in-depth knowledge and practical strategies for families. These events are tailored to meet the needs of those impacted by autism, fostering community engagement and learning.
