As a Special Needs Advocate that is moving to Indiana, I was struck at how amazing ASI volunteers and "Ally's" are . I was given so much help and information talking to Mary Roth, Carmel, IN. It really helped to relieve my anxiety and stress with the upcoming move to a new city with my Autistic son Dylan that is graduating from High School. She gave me so much hope that there IS help and resources out there in my new community. I can't wait to get settled so I can support ASI the way they have supported my family.
I never heard of Asperger's until my son was diagnosed. I had a lot of questions and nowhere to turn for answers. ASI was instrumental in helping me get information and answers. We would've never made it to where we are today without knowing they were there if we needed information. These are people that care about our loved ones like nobody else. It's nice to know that there are still people in this world that want to help folks like us. They make you feel like extended family and that's pretty special. I'm not an extraordinary person a celebrity, or famous athlete. I'm just a regular guy with a child on the spectrum. If you need anything related to autism, ASI is the place to turn to.
Incredible, dynamic organization and leadership. My agency has benefited tremendously from our partnership.
The cornerstone of ASI - it's most visible, direct way that it helps families -- is the Allies program. As a part-time volunteer, I have seen from the inside how this program works, and how many people ASI helps. There are allies around the state, helping families deal with the diagnosis of a child, a school district, finding a good speech therapist, the right approach to help a child socialize, find employment -- you name it. The Allies program is amazing because each Ally is a parent of a child with autism, so they have been there. But they also must pledge to be neutral, to share advice but to also make families aware of various options for a given type of service or support, even thought they may have their biases. It is these criteria -- that the Allies are parents affected and that they pledge to share unbiased information -- that makes this organization incredible. Oh, and the fact that there is no charge for families!
Our 9 year old daughter has aspergers. With little family to assist us, we looked for others going through what we were, but found no local groups. When ASI assisted in setting up a support group in our county we were excited. This group is what we spent 5 years looking for. It gives the members access to proffessional help and products they need, but just as important , it gives us others to talk to that understand what life with autism is like. In just 6 months ASI has brought 14 families together that otherwise might never have met. I support ASI totally and hope you will too.
I am not personally affected by Autism in my life. However, about 5 years ago I met the executive director whom inspired me with her passion and conviction. I strated volunteering and then slowly become more involved. I was asked to be on the board, then treasurer and now serve as the current executive board president. The amount of good this organization does is absoultely amazing. We are very proud that 100% of the funds we raise stay in Indiana to support the local communitites. You can have all the awards and commercials, but nothing is more satisfying then seeing the families say "THANK YOU" to our allies. Keep up the incredible work everyone!!!
I started working with this organization several years ago and I have been amazed at how much it has accomplished. This organization helps fill a tremendous need in Indiana's autism community. The staff are hard-working, fantastic people with amazing vision.
The work that Autism Society of Indiana does is incredible. Hundreds of families receive personal attention every year from the Ally in their area. In addition, ASI also trains over 1000 people per year - parents, professionals, members of the public, and so on - in the basics of autism and how to best communication with people with autism. The Expos are a great way for families to connect with service providers and support groups in their area. And, the Autism Resource Network of Indiana, or ARNI, is a huge online database of events, providers, and other information related to autism.
My grandson has autism. It was caught when he was three. He's now nine. I am certain that without the guidance of the director and staff of the ASI, he would not be as fully functioning as he now is. ASI provided guidance in the areas of methodologies and resources. He's in the fourth grade and performs above grade level.
Comments ( 1 )
AutismIndiana 06/01/2016 Thank you so much for the great review! Contact us anytime!