Asperger Support Network

"It is not enough to prepare our children for the world, we must prepare the world for our children."

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DVD HELPS PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER SYNDROME FIND AND KEEP A JOB
Employees who have Asperger Syndrome describe secrets for getting and keeping a job in a new DVD titled, "Asperger Syndrome At Work."  The DVD, produced by Coulter Video, includes two programs: one for job seekers and one designed to show potential employers the advantages of
hiring people who have Asperger Syndrome.  Contact Dan Coulter, Coulter Video, (336) 608-4224 or dan@coultervideo.com or visit www.coultervideo.com


MY HOME MY LIFE FAMILY NETWORK  - EASTSIDE

Join other families interested in networking and talking about housing options and ideas.  Sponsored by the Washington Initiative for Supported Employment (W.I.S.E.).  Contact Sherry McNary at (206) 343-0881 ext 121 or (206) 391-8200

MARCH 24, 7:00 PM, Housing and Community Living, Pam Blanton, Coal Creek Family YMCA, 13750 Newcastle Golf Club Rd, Newcastle, 98059

 

OPEN DOOR SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS FOR TEENS AND ADULTS

Social skill groups meet weekly at the Open Door Autism Clinic for teens and adult Thursday evening, Friday evening, and Saturday morning.  The groups are facilitated by Patty Gee, M. Ed, Autism Therapist, and she can be reached at (360) 888-0660.  The Open Door Autism Clinic, 1101 Eastside St SE, Suite B, OLYMPIA www.opendoorautism.com

 

PUGET SOUND PSYCHOLOGY SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS FOR TEENS AND ADULTS

“Be Social” social skills groups for teens and adults with ADHD, Asperger’s, HFA, Nonverbal Learning Disability and related conditions.  Monday and Wednesday evenings.  Patrick Gray MEd & Crystal Gray PhD, Puget Sound Psychology and Consulting, 5105 200th Street SW Suite100, LYNNWOOD, (425) 314-7618 or (206) 883-6175, patrickg99@gmail.com or visit www.pugetsoundpsychology.com

TERRA THERAPY

Cary Terra is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in working with adults with spectrum disorders.  She accepts Premera Blue Cross and is listed as an ASD specialist on their network.  Contact  (206) 890-4858 or cary.terra@gmail.com, or visit www.terratherapy.org   Cary also has a blog:  http://aspiestrategy.blogspot.com/       

 

TURQUOISE SOCIAL GROUP FOR WOMEN

Turquoise is a group for women with ADD, AS, HFA, NLD or related conditions to meet together and enjoy various activities while getting to know each other.  Movie, board games, recipe swapping, book discussions, crafts or whatever interests those who gather.  Meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 6:30 PM, in Edmonds.  For directions or more information, email mulberry.bush@live.com

 

APPRENTICESHIP INFORMATION

The goal of the US Dept of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) apprenticeship initiative is to increase systems capacity to provide integrated inclusive apprenticeship training to youth and young adults with a full range of disabilities, including those with the most significant disabilities, and to utilize the increased flexibilities detailed in DOL’s newly released apprenticeship regulations.

http://www.dol.gov/odep/categories/youth/apprenticeship.htm

 

ATWORK! JOB VENDOR FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

AtWork! Is a job vendor for people with disabilities, www.atworkwa.org.  They have a blog that presents new information, resources and stories of the success and achievements of the people they serve.  Visit http://www.atworkwa.org/blog.php

To reach AtWork! Contact Jane C Kuechle, MNPL, (425) 274-4030, (425) 864-5088 or jank@atworkwa.org

 

COMMUNITY GUIDES OF TOTAL LIVING CONCEPT

Adults enrolled with the Division of Developmental Disabilities can access this service that assists with resource identification to develop community connections and involvement.  In Seattle contact Melanie at Melanie@totallivingconcept org or (206) 938-1546.  In Kent and Auburn contact April at april_hoffman@tlcmail.org or (253) 854-7663 ext 141 or Keri at keri@totallivingconcept.org or (253) 854-7663 ext 119.

 

AGING WITH AUTISM DVDs
Autism Speaks' Family Services department is proud to announce the release of a DVD series from the Aging with Autism: Defining the Future conference presented by Developmental Disabilities Institute, Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism and The Eden II Programs.   The DVDs provide information on topics ranging from housing and transition issues, to sexuality and employment.  Autism Speaks is pleased to offer these DVDs at no cost outside the price of shipping and handling.  For more information visit:  
http://www.autismspeaks.org/ community/family_services/ aging_with_ autism_dvds. php

SQUARE PEGS SOCIAL CLUB

This club was created to give those on the autism spectrum a place to call their own to meet, make friends, and hang out where they can feel normal.  Adults, young adults, and teens on the spectrum are welcome.  Currently meets on the second Saturday of each month on Capitol Hill.  Contact http://www.meetup.com/Squarepegs or call Linda at (206)780-0124.

 

SEATTLE NEOTYPICALS – ADULT ASPERGER FRIENDSHIP AND SUPPORT GROUP

This group meets every other week in a comfortable and safe setting to enjoy discussion, friendship and Asperger-related media.  Membership is limited and consistent.  Must commit to regular attendance.  Free.  Seattle.  Contact seattleneotypicals@gmail.com for details.

 

CAREERS AND EMPLOYMENT STUDY GROUP FOR ASPIES

The goal of this study group is to provide structure and support for those Aspies who are ready to take on the challenge of finding jobs and careers that harmonize with who they are.  FREE.  North Seattle.  RSVP to Guy Berthelote at guy@bellevuesoundservices.com or (206) 459-9209

 

AUTISM LIFESPAN PROJECT

This is an outcome of the Focus Group “Our Autistic Children As Adults” held last November in Seattle.  We will be meeting on a regular basis in the greater Seattle area and have also started a Yahoo Group to discuss the varied needs of adults on the autism spectrum.  We welcome parents, autistic adults, and professional to engage in the discussion.  Contact Renata at renlac@msn.com You can join the YahooGroup by sending a message to AutismLP-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

 

LIFE COACHING FOR ASPERGER SYNDROME/ADHD

Designed to help you understand the various traits of AS or ADHD and how they operate in your life, and to help find ways for the traits to be assets.  Social Skills Coaching, study skills, college planning, life skills, job search, and career planning.  For more information, contact Karen Roe at (206) 782-2232 or MasterCoachKaren@KarenRoe.com

 

ASPERGER’S SYNDROME ADULT SOCIALIZING GROUP

FREE monthly group for adults on the high-end of the autism spectrum:  socialize, get acquainted, have great discussions.  Second and fourth Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 PM, Grace Lutheran Church, 112th and Greenwood Ave N, SEATTLE.   Contact (206) 362-0922 for details.

 

TAVON CENTER DAY PROGRAM FOR YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

Tavon fills the transition gap for young adults who have graduated from high school and are working towards employment.  The focus is on horticultural therapy.  Tavon Center is located on 5 acres in Issaquah with working gardens.  Vocational skill development, stimulating activities and a community of friends.  Currently, Tavon Center is private-pay only.  Cost per hour is $15.  Contact Therese Vafaeezadeh at (425) 503-6481 or therese@tavoncenter.org or visit www.tavoncenter.org

 

BOOK:  ADULTS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM LEAVE THE NEST ACHIEVING SUPPORTED INDEPENDENCE

Jessica Kingsley Publishers has come out with a new book by Nancy Perry, PhD, titled “Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest:  Achieving Supported Independence.  This book is described as a guide for parents on how to prepare their children for adulthood and the kinds of services they may need to live independently.  For more information, contact Teresa Finnegan, (215) 922-1161 or Teresa.finnegan@jkp.com or visit http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php.isbn/9781843109044

 

ALL ABOARD SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR DISABLED YOUNG ADULTS

Gene Rogoway is the father of a young man with developmental disabilities in Everett.  He has developed a nearly full time program providing art, music, cooking classes, swimming, bowling, day trips, exercise classes, and more.  There is a liberal scholarship program.  No one turned away due to financial constraints.  Contact Gene at (425) 327-5533 or gene@aboardus.org or visit http://aboardus.org

 

COLLEGE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The College Internship Program provides individualized, post-secondary, academic, internship and independent living experiences for young adults with Learning Differences, Asperger’s and High-Functioning Autism.  http://www.collegeinternshipprogram.org/

 

COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVES FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM

Nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of appropriate residential and vocational services for adults with autism.  Services based on best practices standards that have been empirically demonstrated to be effective.  Visit www.capakey.org

 

RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS

Community Homes, Inc., http://www.community-homes.org/index.php

Tessera, http://www.tessera.org/about.html

Heartspring http://www.heartspring.org

State Hospitals & Residential Habilitation Centers http://www.dshs. wa.gov/geninfo/ aboutdshs/ DSHSfacilities. html

 

LIFE ENRICHMENT OPTIONS

Life Enrichment Options (LEO) is a community based non-profit organization, that advocates and works to support individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their goals through supportive housing, recreation, employment opportunities and community education.  For more information, visit www.leoorganization.net

 

UNDERSTANDING ASPERGER’S SYNDROME: A PROFESSOR’S GUIDE

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) released this 12-minute video for use by college students with Asperger’s Syndrome as a tool to educate their professors, teaching assistants, and other about the condition.   Video includes information on reasonable accommodations in the college classroom.  Download at no cost at www.researchautism.org/resources/AspergerDVDSeries.asp

 

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS DRAMA GROUP

Located at Seattle Central Community College, this Drama Class is for students of all levels, those with drama experience and those with none at all.  FREE.  Thursdays, 1:30-2:45pm,  in Room 4134 led by actress Abby Taylor and Nick Fascitelli.  Call and register your name with Carolyn Hale (206) 325-6386 or email hale700@hotmail.com

 

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP

Located at Café Allegro in the University District, Seattle, this photography class is for all levels.  FREE.  Bring your own camera or use one of the loaners.  Fridays.  Led by John Morse.  Contact Carolyn Hale at (206) 325-6386 or email hale700@hotmail.com for time.

 

ONLINE ASPERGER BOOK CLUB

You are invited to join a new book club.  The discussion will be held online at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AllThingsAspergers/   Read more about the club at www.AllThingsAspergers.com .   More than fifty members have already joined.  All are welcome.

 

WEBSITES FOR ADULTS WITH AUTISM

http://ani.autistics.org    An autistic-run self-help and advocacy organization for autistic people.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AskPamela/  Seattle area autistic adult gives insight into the autistic life view.

 

YAHOO GROUP FOR ADULTS WITH ASPERGERS AND PROFESSIONALS

This group is only open to adults with ASD and Professionals who work mainly with individuals with ASD.  The group goal is for adults with ASD to share among professionals discussing the issues of autism from an inside perspective.

Http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/connecting2worlds/

 

FORUM FOR ADULTS ON THE SPECTRUM

Several of the adult Aspies at the Asperger Picnic recommended this one:  http://forums.delphiforums.com/aspies

 

MADELEINE TANEY, MA, MEd

Counselor and Art Therapist with 16 years experience as special ed teacher.  Strong behavioral background, strengths focused, client centered, approach based on unique needs of family and child/teen/adult with autism (206) 304-1954 or http://innerwellcounseling.com

 

INDIVIDUALIZED TRANSITIONAL AND VOCATIONAL PROGRAM

Elaine Duncan, MA, LMHC, psychotherapist/vocational specialist is offering anew, structured transitional program for high school students and a structured vocational program for individuals seeking a career or job.  Programs include vocational testing, coaching and training in job and college apps, resume writing, interviewing and job retention.  Now in Covington at the Mindsource Center on Wednesdays.  (425) 883-4939; www.elaineaduncan.com

 

SPOUSES AND LIFE PARTNERS SUPPORT GROUP

Support group for the neurotypical spouses and life partners of people with Asperger’s Syndrome.  This is a community group, not directed by any health professional.  If interested, contact Faye Ku at (425) 392-3523 or littlefaith@comcast.net and visit http://aspartners.org

 

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARTNERS OF ADD ADULTS

Mimi Handlin, MSW, offers a free monthly telephone support group for non-ADD partners on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 6:30-7:30pm.  A short phone consult is required before joining the group.  Contact Mimi at www.addfamilycoaching.com or at (206) 579-8274.

 

ASPERGER SYNDROME/AUTISM SPECTRUM: GIFT OF GAB CONVERSATION SKILLS GROUPS

Small weekly groups of 4 to 6 people learn specific conversation skills and have fun discussions.  Teen, young adult, adult, women’s, and teen girl groups available and several special focus groups featuring Employment Conversations, Empathy, Relationships. Flirting, Parenting (Secrets of Motivation, Organizational Skills, Thinking Styles), Techies Groups, Video Games Discussions, and more.  New series is “The Basics”, for people needing a boost to learn basic conversation skills.  Call for dates and locations.  Fee based.  Contact Karen Roe at (206) 782-2232 or MasterCoachKaren@KarenRoe.com

These groups will not be meeting until July 2010.

 

LIVING WITH ASPERGERS - SEATTLE

This is an ongoing group of adults where interpersonal skills can be learned in a non-stressful environment.  Vocational counseling also available. $160/month.  Wednesdays, 530-630pm, at Group Health on Capitol Hill.  Call Becker and Associates at (206) 935-2479 for details or email steveassociates@comcast.net or visit www.stevebeckerassociates.com

 

LIVING WITH ASPERGERS - TACOMA

This is an ongoing group of adults where interpersonal skills can be learned in a non-stressful environment. Vocational counseling also available. $160/month.  Mondays, 530-630pm at TACID Center, 6315 S 19th St, Tacoma.  Call Becker and Associates at (206) 935-2479 for details or email stevebeckerassociates@comcast.net or visit www.stevebeckerassociates.com

 

AUTISM SPECTRUM WEBSITE

www.auties.org is a new site, totally by Autie spectrum people for Autie Spectrum people to provide an opportunity for people on the spectrum to market their skills directly to the public and seek employment.  It is free to list yourself.  For more personal information, contact Donna at donna@csamuel.org  

 

TACOMA ADULT ADHD SUPPORT GROUP    

Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7-9pm, at Jackson Hall, 314 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma.  Contact Jayne Carlin at jscarlin@juno.com or (206) 230-9071 for details.

 

SEATTLE ADULT ADHD SUPPORT GROUP    

Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7-9pm, at Plaza Café in the University of Washington Health Sciences Center in Seattle.  Contact Jayne Carlin at jscarlin@juno.com or (206) 230-9071 for details.

 

OLYMPIA ADULT ADHD SUPPORT GROUP

Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7-9pm at St Peter Hospital Professional Building, 525 Lilly Road, Olympia.  Contact Jayne Carlin at jscarlin@juno.com or (206) 230-9071 for details.

 

PSYCHIATRISTS & PSYCHOLOGISTS FOR ADULTS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM

CYNTHIA PADDEN STODDARD, MD, Psychiatrist, (206) 728-6465

HOWER KWON, MD, Psychiatrist, 365 118th Ave SE, Suite 118, Bellevue (425) 454-2911

ROBERT REICHLER, MD, Pacific Institute of Mental Health, 2150 N 107  St #510, Seattle (206) 363-7464

MERIDITH SARGENT, Psychologist, 18500 156th Ave NE, Suite 202, Woodinville, WA  98072 (425) 481-5700

TED RITTER, ARNP, MS, MN, CFNP, CAPMHNP, Northwest ADHD Behavioral Medicine Clinic, 3958 150 Avenue, Redmond, WA  98052, (425) 861-6400

DARROW CHAN, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Individual therapy for adults and children with AS and related disorders. Call (425) 827-3019.

 

ONLINE LIST OF THERAPISTS QUALIFIED TO DIAGNOSE AUTISM

ASAN activist, Mark Foster, has begun a new database consisting of therapists qualified to diagnose autism.  You are encouraged to add you own therapist and contact information to the database.  The process is anonymous.  The form is located at http://input.neurelitism.com.    To find a therapist, visit http://output.neurelitism.com

 

AFFILIATED MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

Currently serving Asperger’s Syndrome adults with care coordination, individual counseling, family counseling and support.  Plus VERITAS, Vital Education and Residential Intensive Treatment for Asperger’s Syndrome, a unique resource for those who need it.  Contact Janny Becker at (206) 322-5258 or amhp@msn.com for more information about all services.

 

PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR ADULTS ON THE SPECTRUM

Carrie Sheppard, LMHC, experienced RDI and social skills therapist, offers individual therapy for adults on the spectrum.  Contact Carrie at (253) 859-3505.  Covington area.

 

ADULTS WITH DISABLITIES "GET OUT OF THE HOUSE" PROGRAM

Specialized Programs Section of Seattle Parks and Recreation offers year-round programs including Adult Socials, Bowling, Sports/Special Olympics, Cooking, and many Special Events as well as three overnight weekend camps in the summer. Call (206) 684-4950 for a brochure and more information.

 

NORTHWEST'S CHILD is opening a full-day program for special needs adults 21 and over. Includes one-on-one community based vocational/job training, social programs, educational and independent living skills work, friendships and more. Contact Darcy at (206) 526-2493.

 

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS provides caring support for adults in our community with mental health challenges through enriching, creative, and safe resources and interactions. Contact Rita Selin at (206) 547-9697 or Carolyn Hale at halecarolyn@juno.com for more information. New and used art supplies, musical instruments, etc. are always welcome.

 

PERSONAL TRAINER for adults with Asperger's Syndrome and related disorders. Reach your goals for improved fitness and well-being or for sports-specific assistance. Marianne Jackson (206) 870-2755 or mariannewjackson@msn.com or visit www.fitness-to-go.com  

 

TEMPLE GRANDIN'S WEB SITE

Temple Grandin is inarguably the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. Now you can learn more about her at her website:  www.templegrandin.com