Support Groups: Caregiver/Family (General Audience)

A Facebook group labeled as “Appalachian Family Center for Autism and Disability Resources and Education” that is open for anyone to join. They also have a “secret” parent-only group that serves as parent support group. This requires having a FB friend in the group. The creater of the group, Noriko Kantake, can add you to the secret group.

Asperger Experts is based out of Seattle, Washington and is a group that enlivens, empowers and educates people with Asperger’s, their families, and the communities in which they live. It is staffed by parents, people with Asperger’s, and professionals dedicated to serving and assisting others through sharing knowledge and building communities.

The core of their work focuses on planning, producing and distributing highly transformational courses, as well as creating and managing online communities for people with Asperger’s and their parents.

The Autism Society of Ohio is a chapter of the national Autism Society and has it’s 501c3 non-profit status under the umbrella of the national Autism Society.

It is dedicated to improving the lives of all affected by autism in Ohio through information and referral, family support, advocacy, professional development, raising awareness and resource development.

A team of volunteers who offers support and emotional assistance. The team can be requested in a catastrophic event or a death or dying experience affecting an individual, family member or employee involved with the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

A support group for adults ages 18-25 with Asperger’s or high functioning autism. The group is typically held at the Kent Student Center or the group will go out to a restaurant in the area. The group follows the university calendar, so it is closed during school breaks. Contact the phone number to learn about meeting dates.

Support groups are also available for caregivers in Kent and Ravenna, as well as a support group in Medina for families.

Empowering Epilepsy is a non profit 501c3 public charity organization promoting the empowerment of people with epilepsy and their families. Their mission is to enable people with epilepsy to take charge of their lives. Thus, their goal is to create a caring community based in Cleveland and Northeastern Ohio to help enrich the lives of people who have experienced epilepsy and positively focus on their mind, body and spirit.

They hold monthly support groups in both the Cleveland and Akron areas, conferences and awareness events to bring people with epilepsy together and discover ways to live well with epilepsy. Their main goal is for people with epilepsy to realize that they do not have to go through this alone. There are many others who experience epilepsy and understand the trials and tribulations people with epilepsy have experienced. They want to help you learn what you can do while living with epilepsy and empower your life.

The Family Advisory Council provides an opportunity to exchange information about programs, services, and options available to people who have family members with developmental disabilities. The primary goal for the Council is to use the resulting family network to reach as many families in Ohio, and provide them with information and education.

To become a part of the Family Advisory Council and to get the most updated information and announcements, join their newsletter:
Newsletter signup: Family Connections

Interested participants are invited to connect in an open support group during monthly sessions. Meetings are held in the evenings and located at the Auburn Technology Learning Center. This group of families and professionals are joining one another to learn, support, encourage and provide helpful resources discussing a variety of topics.

To find upcoming meeting dates, visit the Lake County Autism website or search our calendar of area events.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

They are an association of hundreds of local affiliates, state organizations and volunteers who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.

They have several local chapters throughout Ohio. Check their website for local branch offices.

Includes guides, webcasts, workshops and information on services throughout the autism journey, from diagnosis to adulthood.

This advisory group is open to any patients, parents and caregivers working closely with the Comprehensive Care team. The group suggests, evaluates and assists with changes to improve care. Meetings are held about once every 2 to 3 months on the MetroHealth campus.

A new parent network created on Facebook to help support individuals with disabilities and their families.

For families in Coshocton, Cuyahoga and Knox Counties, but is expected to be a statewide option soon.

This resource allows people to rate providers of services for people with developmental disabilities in Ohio. This online system provides an opportunity for you to rate your provider and learn how others have rated their providers. ProviderGuidePlus is intended to help people select a provider and help to improve services overall.

Resource directory for providing information to families and professionals throughout Ohio.

RISE is a support group that encourages and supports family members living with a loved one with a disability. They enourage learning from each other and from experts, and offers spiritual inspiration and practical tools to use at home.

Childcare is provided at support group meetings, with a suggested donation of $1 per child.

The SALT program assists families of children with disabilities in Warren, Greene, Montgomery, Darke, Miami, and Preble counties to connect with resources, services, agencies and/or other information. They invite representatives to speak on topics such as Social Security, DD or OOD Services, Waivers, Camps, Legal issues, and guardianship. Each month provides a new topic, and an opportunity to ask the representative questions directly. Transition youth activities are part of the program.

Montgomery, Greene, Warren Counties: https://www.facebook.com/SALTMontgomeryGreeneWarrenDD
Darke, Miami, Preble Counties: https://www.facebook.com/SALTDarkeMiamiPrebleDD

State Support Teams provide assistance to parents and guardians navigating state and federal special education initiatives, laws and regulations. This includes referrals and guidance for resources and services for children through age 21. State Support Teams also provide assistance to parents and districts involved in potentially contentious special education issues.

They have online and in-person support opportunities for families.