Self Advocacy (14-21 Years)

An online book written specifically for adolescents who are newly diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. It covers several topics, including a definition of autism, how to learn to live with autism, what it means for their future, and how to self-advocate.

This book was written with assistance from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD), The Arc, Autism Now!, and the Autistic Self advocacy Network (ASAN).

This tool kit provides basic information on advocacy and negotiation skills. The information in this kit has been provided by experts in the field who have both professional and personal experience with advocacy and autism.

This organization helps individuals on the autism spectrum with social groups and provides coaching for employment, independent living and other teen and adult related needs (ages 14+).

A monthly Asperger’s Adult Support group is available for adults with Asperger’s to socialize and discuss pertinent issues in their lives. Meetings are held at the Rocky River library and Beachwood library. The group also organizes occasional social events. They also host a monthly mindfulness event for individuals with autism. Each event will take place at a different location. Reservations are required to attend.

In addition, Autism Personal Coach offers a PARENT support group, dates and topics vary. Reservations are required to attend.

Visit the ASPIES website or search our Event Calendar for upcoming meeting dates.

Advocacy group that organizes an online community of adults and youths with autism.

The Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities (GCPD) serves as an advisory council for the Governor and General Assembly on statewide disability issues.

Associated with the Governor’s Council, the Youth Leadership Forum is a five day leadership training program for 11th and 12th grade high school students with disabilities. Student delegates will learn about choosing a career, history of disability as a culture, technology and resources, and self and systems advocacy.

Founded and led by youth with disabilities, KASA focuses on developing leadership in adolescents with disabilities and educating communities about disability awareness.

This guide was published to help older teens and young adults gain more self-determination putting them on their way to becoming self-advocates.

The guide covers several subjects like discovering good leisure activities, finding strengths and challenges and how to use them effectively, managing health care, and independent living skills.

To read the guide, click here.

Springboard Momentum is a three to twelve month Coach Mentor program working with young people to help them effectively launch into adult life.

They work with teens and young adults with high functioning Autism, helping them with practical issues via using licensed social workers as mentors and a psychologist as a parent coach.

A website focused on collaboration of creative abilities of people on the autism spectrum and others who are neurotypical.

The Art of Autism accepts many art forms, including blog posts, art, poetry, video submissions and requests for book and film reviews. They seek diverse viewpoints including those from people with autism, parents, siblings, therapists, and others.

They also offer various art opportunities for kids to use creativity to express themselves.