Support Groups: Self Advocates

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.

A non-profit group focused on helping parents and people with high functioning autism. Volunteers serve people in Summit, Stark, Portage, Wayne, Medina and parts of Cuyahoga counties. Parent support groups and adult support groups are available in Akron. The adult group also organizes social events.

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

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.

Support network website that offers information, a blog, social network opportunities and online support for women with autism and their families.

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.

Join them for new support groups for autism parents and caregivers.
The evening group will meet on the first Wednesday evening of each month at 6:30pm at Panera in Austintown.
The morning group will meet on the third Thursday morning of each month at 9:30am at Crumbles Bakery in Youngstown.

The group will be led by Kesha Lampley, caregiver of a child on the autism spectrum.

Assessment Services
Their assessments follow a collaborative model where clients and providers work closely together to determine the nature of the problem and how to assess it. We offer a wide array of evaluation and assessment services for children, adolescents, and adults. Evaluations currently offered may vary based on provider availability.

Autism Support Group
The autism support group is dedicated to offering support for individuals who are 18 or older and have high-functioning autism.

Counseling Services
Services are available for a variety of conditions and concerns.

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.

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.

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