What is Autism Society of Indiana?
Discover the impact of Autism Society of Indiana! From support services to collaborations, empowering individuals and families affected by autism.
UPDATED:
May 27, 2024
BY THE TEAM
Understanding Autism Society of Indiana
The Autism Society of Indiana (ASI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. The organization provides a wide range of services, support, and resources tailored to the unique needs of the autism community in Indiana.
Mission and Services
The mission of the Autism Society of Indiana is to improve the lives of individuals affected by autism through advocacy, education, support, and public awareness. ASI fulfills its mission by offering a comprehensive range of services and programs. These services include:
- Early detection of autism
- Employment accessibility information
- Programs and sessions on preparing for adulthood
- Water safety awareness workshops
- Family support waivers
- Support group information days
Geographic Reach
The Autism Society of Indiana extends its services throughout various regions in Indiana. The organization provides support services and direct care programs across the following regions:
Central Indiana
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
- Mental Health Therapy
- Adult Services
- Diagnostic Locations
- Speech Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
Northwest Indiana
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
- Mental Health Therapy
- Adult Services
- Diagnostic Locations
- Speech Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
Northeast Indiana
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
- Mental Health Therapy
- Adult Services
- Diagnostic Locations
- Speech Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
Southern Indiana
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
- Mental Health Therapy
- Adult Services
- Diagnostic Locations
- Speech Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
Each region offers specific services to cater to the needs of individuals and families in that area. The Autism Society of Indiana strives to ensure that individuals with autism and their families have access to the necessary support and resources, regardless of their geographic location. By providing services across different regions, ASI aims to improve the lives of thousands of Hoosiers on the autism spectrum.
To fulfill its mission, the Autism Society of Indiana relies on donations, fundraising efforts, volunteer opportunities, and sales from their merchandise store. These contributions enable ASI to continue providing valuable services and support to individuals with autism and their families, making a meaningful impact in the autism community in Indiana.
Support Offered by Autism Society of Indiana
The Autism Society of Indiana is committed to providing support and assistance to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Through a range of services and initiatives, they aim to improve the lives of those affected by autism. Let's explore some of the key support offerings provided by the Autism Society of Indiana.
Direct Care Services
The Autism Society of Indiana offers Direct Care services, which provide vital support to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. These services aim to enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism by addressing their unique needs and challenges. The Direct Care services may include educational assistance, behavioral support, and skill-building activities, among others.
Water Safety Workshops
To ensure the safety of individuals on the autism spectrum around water, the Autism Society of Indiana conducts Water Safety workshops. These workshops are designed to educate families with members on the autism spectrum about the importance of water safety. By providing information, resources, and strategies, the workshops empower families to create a safe environment and prevent water-related incidents.
Newsletter and Events
The Autism Society of Indiana keeps individuals and families informed through their newsletter. This newsletter serves as a valuable resource for those interested in staying up to date on programs, events, information, and news from the National Autism Society. It provides a platform for sharing important updates and insights related to autism.
Additionally, the Autism Society of Indiana organizes events to engage the community and provide further support. One of the events they host is the "30 Days of Autism Re-Cap," which offers a comprehensive recap of the program with visuals and testimonials. These events create opportunities for individuals and families to come together, learn, and share their experiences.
The Autism Society of Indiana's support offerings extend beyond Direct Care services, water safety workshops, and their newsletter and events. Through their dedication and collaboration with various organizations, they strive to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals with autism and their families.
Collaborations and Initiatives
The Autism Society of Indiana actively collaborates with various organizations and implements initiatives to enhance support and understanding for individuals with autism. These collaborations and initiatives include Today's Champions Partnership, First Responder Training, and Picture Communication Boards.
Today's Champions Partnership
In honor of Bryan Clauson, Today's Champions is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about autism in the racing community and providing autism training and resources to key community members, including first responders, security personnel, and teachers. Through the partnership with Today's Champions, the Autism Society of Indiana is able to offer valuable support to individuals on the autism spectrum.
As part of this partnership, the Autism Society of Indiana provides sensory-friendly backpacks to individuals with autism. These backpacks contain objects that aid in relaxation and stress relief, promoting a more comfortable environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. The support from Today's Champions enables the Autism Society of Indiana to distribute these backpacks to those in need.
First Responder Training
Through the collaboration between Today's Champions and the Autism Society of Indiana, the Autism Society of Indiana offers First Responder Training to individuals who may respond to emergencies. This training equips first responders with basic knowledge about autism and strategies for assisting individuals with autism during high-stress situations. By providing this training, the Autism Society of Indiana aims to alleviate uncertainties and improve interactions between first responders and individuals with autism.
Picture Communication Boards
Another significant initiative resulting from the partnership between Today's Champions and the Autism Society of Indiana is the distribution of picture communication boards. These boards are designed to facilitate communication between first responders and individuals who may be nonverbal, have limited English skills, autism, other disabilities, or mental health issues. Over 10,000 of these boards have been distributed to all first responders and law enforcement in Indiana, ensuring effective communication and understanding during emergency situations.
Individuals also have the opportunity to order a picture communication board through the Autism Society of Indiana's website. This initiative enhances communication for individuals who may face challenges in expressing themselves verbally or have limited English skills or autism.
Through these collaborations and initiatives, the Autism Society of Indiana strives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with autism. By working together with organizations like Today's Champions, they can make a significant impact in promoting understanding, providing resources, and improving interactions with first responders within the community.
Services for Individuals and Families
The Autism Society of Indiana (ASI) offers a range of services to support individuals and families affected by autism throughout Indiana. These services aim to provide assistance, care, and promote independence. Two key services provided by ASI are Respite Care and Participant Assistance & Care (PAC).
Respite Care
Respite Care services offered by ASI are designed to provide temporary relief for caregivers of individuals with disabilities. This service allows parents or guardians to take a break from the constant supervision and care of their loved ones with autism. During this time, caregivers can connect with others, attend events, relax, run errands, or simply rejuvenate, knowing that their loved ones are being cared for in a safe and supportive environment.
Participant Assistance & Care (PAC)
Participant Assistance & Care (PAC) services provided by ASI focus on enabling individuals with autism to thrive in their comfortable environments. PAC services aim to promote independence and active engagement in the community. With the support of trained professionals, individuals with autism can receive assistance tailored to their specific needs, helping them participate in daily activities, develop social skills, and enhance their overall quality of life.
These services are available to families and individuals across all 92 counties in Indiana through the Indiana Medicaid Waiver program. The program aims to provide temporary relief and independence for individuals with autism, ensuring access to the support they need.
By offering Respite Care and Participant Assistance & Care (PAC) services, the Autism Society of Indiana strives to empower individuals with autism and provide support to their families. These services play a vital role in promoting the well-being, independence, and inclusion of individuals with autism in their communities.
Regional Direct Care Services
The Autism Society of Indiana aims to provide support services throughout various regions in Indiana, catering to the unique needs of individuals and families affected by autism. The organization offers a wide range of services in different areas, including Central Indiana, Northwest Indiana, Northeast Indiana, and Southern Indiana. Let's explore the specific services available in each region.
Central Indiana
In Central Indiana, the Autism Society of Indiana collaborates with various centers and organizations to offer comprehensive support services [3]. Some of the services available in Central Indiana include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Mental health therapy
- Horse therapy
- Neurodiverse schools
These services aim to provide individuals with autism the necessary resources and therapies to enhance their development, well-being, and overall quality of life.
Northwest Indiana
The Autism Society of Indiana partners with institutions in Northwest Indiana to deliver essential support services to individuals and families affected by autism. Some of the services available in Northwest Indiana include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Diagnostic locations
- Inpatient psychological services
- Adult services
These services focus on addressing the unique needs of individuals with autism in the Northwest Indiana region, aiming to improve their social, emotional, and cognitive skills.
Northeast Indiana
Northeast Indiana also benefits from the services provided by the Autism Society of Indiana through collaborations with various institutions. Some of the services available in Northeast Indiana include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Diagnostic locations
- Inpatient psychological services
- Adult services
These services aim to support individuals with autism in Northeast Indiana by providing diagnostic and therapeutic services, as well as resources for adults with autism to enhance their independence and overall well-being.
Southern Indiana
In Southern Indiana, the Autism Society of Indiana works in conjunction with centers, clinics, and providers to offer vital support services to individuals and families affected by autism. Some of the services available in Southern Indiana include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Outpatient psychiatric services
- Pediatric therapies
- Adult services
These services aim to improve the lives of individuals with autism in Southern Indiana by providing therapeutic interventions, mental health support, and resources for individuals of all ages.
By offering region-specific support services, the Autism Society of Indiana strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with autism and their families across different areas in Indiana.
Becoming a Direct Care Provider
If you are interested in becoming a Direct Care Provider with the Autism Society of Indiana (ASI), you can reach out to the designated contacts for each specific area. ASI offers Direct Care Services through a team spread across different areas of Indiana, including Central, Northwest, Northeast, and South regions. Each area has designated personnel to assist with Direct Care services, making it accessible for individuals and families in those regions.
Central Area Contact
For individuals seeking to become a Direct Care Provider in the Central Area, they can contact Sara Waltz. Sara is available to provide information and guidance regarding the requirements, application process, and any other inquiries related to becoming a Direct Care Provider in the Central region.
Contact details for the Central Area:
- Name: Sara Waltz
- Email: sara@inautism.org
- Phone: 317-545-2204
Northwest Area Contact
If you are interested in becoming a Direct Care Provider in the Northwest Area, Nicole Padilla is the designated contact person. Nicole can provide you with the necessary details and information regarding the process of becoming a Direct Care Provider in the Northwest region.
Contact details for the Northwest Area:
- Name: Nicole Padilla
- Email: nicole@inautism.org
- Phone: 219-789-3342
Northeast Area Contact
Rachael Podsadecki is the contact person for individuals interested in becoming a Direct Care Provider in the Northeast Area. By reaching out to Rachael, you can gather the information and support needed to pursue a Direct Care Provider role in the Northeast region.
Contact details for the Northeast Area:
- Name: Rachael Podsadecki
- Email: rachael@inautism.org
- Phone: 260-483-9714
South Area Contact
For those looking to become a Direct Care Provider in the South Area, Brittany Crane is available to provide assistance and guidance. Contact Brittany to learn more about the requirements and steps involved in becoming a Direct Care Provider in the South region.
Contact details for the South Area:
- Name: Brittany Crane
- Email: brittany@inautism.org
- Phone: 812-202-9405
By reaching out to the respective contacts, you can take the first step towards becoming a Direct Care Provider with the Autism Society of Indiana. They will provide you with the necessary information and support to navigate the process and contribute to the valuable services offered by ASI.
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