Based on recent surveys, approximately 28 percent of the people Autism Society assists list the ability to “access and navigate care systems” as one of their top concerns, with an additional 16 percent looking for ways to work with their local affiliates on finding and providing long-term services & supports.

For this reason, Autism Society has created a digital toolkit of resources, information, referrals and supports to help autistic individuals and their families navigate long term services and support, as well as public policy assistance with long-term care services & supports. We’ve also highlighted just a few programs and services offered by our affiliates.

Policy Resources for Long Term Services & Supports Advocacy:

• Autism Society Public Policy Resources on Website
• Health and Long Term Services & Supports (LTSS) Fact Sheet
• RAISE Family Caregivers Act: The RAISE Family Caregivers Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop, maintain, and periodically update a Family Caregiving Strategy, a recommendation of the Commission on Long-Term Care.
• CCD Principles
• Home and Community-Based Services: a comprehensive data tool that examines how well programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are serving residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Allies for Independence: a unique national advocacy organization dedicated to the implementation of a strong, vital, and accessible long-term services and supports system.

For Caregivers:

• Future Planning: information about guardianship, Special Needs Trust, Letter of Intent, Will & more.
• Caregiver Aging Preparation Tips
• ENABLE Special Needs Planning
• National Respite Network: Find trained, local respite care
• IBCCES: 15 behavior strategies for children on the autism spectrum
• Autism Support Network: Tips for respite and self-care for caretakers
• Autism Parenting Mag: when your child needs a guardian

Holiday Support Assistance:

• Chattanooga Autism Center: Sensory Friendly Thanksgiving Tips
• Center for Autism Thanksgiving Tips
• Autism Society: 12 Thanksgiving Tips

Affiliates in Action:

• Autism Society of Oregon‘s Take a Break Program
• Autism Society Tidewater‘s Respite Nights
• Autism Society Ventura County‘s Caregiver Resource Guide
• Autism Society of Northern Virginia hosts a successful parent support group for parents who care for an adult on the autism spectrum.

We encourage you to contact the Autism Society affiliate in your area, as our affiliates are often the most knowledgeable about local services. To find an affiliate in your area, click here.

The Autism Society’s National Contact Center staff are here to get you to the resources you need and to make this time a smooth, happy transition to a great school year ahead! Our Information & Referral Specialists are available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (Eastern Time) at 800-3-AUTISM (800-328-8476) or info@autism-society.org.

The Autism Society is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all affected by autism. $50 allows the Autism Society to provide an hour of support to our affiliate network to create localized education resources, support, and advocacy to individuals and families affected by autism. If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting our efforts through a donation, every bit helps. Donate here!