
9 minute read
Support Groups of Indiana
BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD
Please note: This directory has been compiled and posted as a community service.
UniquelyYou! does not endorse any specific activity or organization listed. The groups included serve individuals with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Some serve only children and/or adults on the autism spectrum. You are encouraged to research each opportunity to determine its suitability for your family’s needs.
211 Connect
Dial 211
Caring for a family member, loved one or friend can be mentally and physically exhausting, often leading to burnout if caregivers do not take breaks. Respite care offers caregivers a chance to rest and recharge, benefiting both them and the person receiving care.
Ability Allies - Formerly Disability Legal Services of Indiana, Inc.
5954 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN
317-426-7733
www.disabilitylegalservicesindiana.org/
Disability Legal Services of Indiana Inc., or DLSI, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides free and low-cost legal services to Indiana children and adults with disabilities, primarily in education-related matters.
APAC
6876 Maywood Cir, Avon, IN 46123
317-837-0205 cmmhappycamper@aol.com https://www.autismconnect.com/
Our goal is to help the millions of parents whose children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder build better lives for their families. We aim to empower them by providing easy access to a community of parents, professionals, resources and treatment options. With this knowledge, parents can make informed choices to help guide their children in the right direction..
ArtMix
1505 N Delaware St Indianapolis, IN, United States, Indiana 46202
(317) 974-4123
https://www.artmixindiana.org/
ArtMix is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization that works to transform the lives of people with and without disabilities through art. With six core programs and additional special projects, ArtMix serves more than 7,000 people each year.
Asperger/Autism Support Group of Goshen
Goshen, Indiana
574-742-6394
The Asperger Autism Group of Goshen is a support group for parents of children, teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. Founded in August 2006, the group aims to support families by sharing practical information and resources, along with insights, struggles, laughter and tears.
Autism Community Connection
2455 Fairview Pl Box 2, Greenwood, IN 46142
(317) 676-4222
The Autism Community Connection serves individuals with autism and their families in and around Johnson County by connecting them with community resources, social events and enriching programs to help them navigate their autism journey.
Autism Evansville
US Post Office at 1310 N. Green River Rd., Evansville, IN
(812) 202-9405
director@autismevansville.org http://www.autismevansville.org/
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in southwest Indiana that serves individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder.
Autism Resource Center of Kokomo
612 E Blvd, Kokomo, IN 46902
765.455.4213
ARCK is a local, volunteer-run nonprofit organization founded by parents of children with autism. The group's goal is to unite the autism community through support and education.
Autism Society of Kentuckiana
P.O. Box 21895, Louisville, KY 40221-0895
Rebecca Thompson
502-263-5708
Monthly support meetings are held the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact Rebecca Thompson to be added to the listserv for meeting announcements.
Autism Society of North Central Indiana
P.O. Box 1537, La Porte, IN 46352
The mission of ASNCI is to support, educate and empower individuals with autism and their families. The organization offers support through groups and a range of community resources, raises public and professional awareness of autism spectrum disorders, and encourages the autism community to persevere in helping loved ones reach their full potential. ASNCI also solicits and receives funds to accomplish this mission.
Autism Support Group Greene/Sullivan
Krisi Crabb
An opportunity to meet and share stories, successes and resources with others on this journey in our area. Sign up for email alerts, newsletters and updates at http://eepurl.com/bNIDiD.
Better Together: Students with Disabilities Self-Advocacy Support Group
Bracken Library, Muncie, IN 47303
Are you a student with a disability looking to make connections and learn new skills? Join us in BL 201.
BrightStars
brightstars-owner@yahoogroups.com
BrightStars is a Hendricks County-based homeschool group that provides social interaction for homeschooled children. It is a casual, informal, secular group that meets weekly at various parks and locations in Hendricks County.s in Hendricks County.
Cincinnati Special Needs Homeschooling
Cincinnati, Ohio (865) 591-1802
Amy Chamberlin
amy.chamberlain@lcc.culturalcare.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/1835887663297900/
A group for homeschooled students with special needs and their parents to find support and participate in events.
Columbus Autism Network Support Group
columbusautismnetwork@gmail.com http://columbusautismnetwork.com/
We are a support group of parents and caregivers in Columbus, Indiana, and the surrounding area. Contact us for more information.
Dads for Autism- Virtual by Autism Society of Indiana
The 2nd Wednesday of the month 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm
https://www.autismsocietyofindiana.org/support-groups/
This support group is made up of dads with a child affected by autism. In this supportive environment, dads share strategies for handling challenges and behaviors. Group leaders, who are also dads, provide specific topics for discussion.
DSI Dads
DSI D.A.D.S.® monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM. Contact Chaz Druetzler at dads@dsindiana.org for more information.
Any dad, grandfather, uncle, brother, teacher or physician who cares for someone with Down syndrome is invited.
Easter Seals Crossroads
4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205
Bonnie Fisher
317-466-1000 x2488
bfisher@eastersealscrossroads.org
https://www.eastersealscrossroads.org/our-programs/learn/autism-family-resource-center/
Parent support group for parents and caregivers of children with autism. Meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month at the Autism Family Resource Center.
FUSE
1133 W Main St, Ste E, Greenfield, IN
(317) 462-9064
FUSE empowers families and individuals with disabilities and mental health needs by providing information, training, support and encouragement. Visit our website to learn more about our services.
ICAN Indiana Canine Assistant Network
5100 Charles Court, Suite 100, Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone: (317) 672-3860; Fax: (317) 731-7361 ican@icandog.org
ICAN trains and places assistance dogs with individuals with disabilities and teaches foundational life skills to inmates through their experience as trainers. ICAN is the only accredited service dog training program based in Indiana.
Indiana ABA Parents
Kristine Lewis
kristinend@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/
IndianaABAParents/about
The Indiana ABA Parents Facebook group is for parents and guardians of children who need intensive behavioral therapy (ABA, applied behavior analysis) for autism or other developmental disorders.
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community (IIDC)
Offers various support groups through its seven centers, addressing issues across the lifespan for people with disabilities.
Kokomo Parents of Children with Autism
belovedjoy79@yahoo.commhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/277198992464549
A safe place for encouragement, help and advice on all things autism from parents of children on the spectrum. No judgment or condemnation.
Mended Little Hearts
https://mendedhearts.org/about-us/about-mended-little-hearts/#
In 2004, Mended Hearts Inc. recognized a unique need to provide hope and support to “the littlest heart patients of all” and their families, leading to the creation of the Mended Little Hearts program.
Morgan County Autism Foundation
56 N Main St, Martinsville, IN 46151
(765) 813-0003
kaharmon22@gmail.com https://cfmconline.org/donors/funds-2/morgan-county-autism-foundation-fund-1281/
A nonprofit organization in Morgan County, Indiana, dedicated to raising autism awareness in the community. The group provides training for individuals, teachers and other professionals, and purchases educational technology to help people with autism succeed to the best of their abilities.
My Autism Ally
PO Box 15 Huntertown, Indiana 46748
260-207-4686
My Autism Ally is dedicated to helping individuals affected by autism reach their full potential, regardless of gender, race, age or level of severity. The organization provides support and information to individuals, families and communities across Indiana.
National Association For Down Syndrome (NADS)
1460 Renaissance Drive, Suite #102, Park Ridge, IL 60068
630-325-9112 (phone) 847-376-8908 (fax) info@nads.org
Parent supportResource referralsPublic awarenessSelf-advocate programMore Than Down Syndrome retreatsConferences and seminarsPublic speakers for schools, medical professionals and community organizations.
Neurodiversity Connection
(317) 647-5447
jessica@neurodiversityconnection.com
Empowering neurodivergent individuals, families and professionals with resources, community and support. Together, we champion inclusion.
Neurodiverse Peer Support Group-Bi-weekly online by accessABILITY
Led by fellow neurodiverse peers, our sessions cover topics relevant to the community, including navigating everyday challenges, celebrating strengths, and strategies for self-care and self-advocacy. Whether you’re on the autism spectrum, have ADHD, dyslexia or other neurodivergent conditions, you’ll find understanding and acceptance among your peers in our Neurodiverse Peer Support Group.
Learn more or register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neurodiverse-peer-support-group-tickets-918387290107?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Our Journey (Indiana Parents of Adults w/Developmental Disabilities)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/OurJourneyINFADD/
This group offers friendship and support to caregivers guiding family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities through adulthood. Topics include housing, employment, education, government assistance programs, medical care and social activities — anything that enhances quality of life.
Parent Cafe by Indiana University
An event giving parents and caregivers a chance to listen, talk, build friendships and support one another. Participants need a computer, laptop or smartphone with internet access to join. Cafes are held several times a month. Register early to reserve a spot at redcap.link/parentcafereg.
Reach-In Special Needs Family
1858 E 8th St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
812-786-8402
ourreachin@yahoo.com https://myreachin.com/
This group welcomes parents of children with any disabilities. Online meetings are held Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. by invitation on Zoom. To join, contact Tracy Brown at 812-736-9276 to be added to the Facebook group. In-person meetings are planned for the future. Contact Brown with questions or check the website for updates.
Rise and Shine
Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center, 2990 W 71st St, Indianapolis, IN 46268
317-293-2600
https://www.faybiccardglickcenter.org/riseandshine
Focuses on empowering families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children and those with developmental delays.
Somewhere on the Spectrum Autism Support Group
gilkison519@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/somewhereonthespectrum
Support for individuals, parents, caregivers and professionals affected by autism.
Special Parents-Special Kids
Lafayette, IN
(765) 543-7252
tiffanyjkendall@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/specialmomsevents
To provide events and services for children with special needs and their families.
Teen Connection
2nd Saturday of each month10:15am to 12:15pm
Greenwood Public, S. Meridian Street, Greenwood, IN 46143
https://autismcc-in.org/teen-connection/
Teen Connection is a program for teens with autism ages 13 to 19. It focuses on building friendships while developing social and life skills. Each meeting includes group activities and board games to encourage interaction and connection.
The Autism Community in Action (TACA)
2222 Martin Street, Suite 140, Irvine, CA 92612
(855) 726-7810
Mission: TACA provides education, support and hope to families living with autism.Vision: Every individual diagnosed with autism leads an independent life.
The NEW Connections Café Support Group-Online accessABILITY
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connections-cafe-support-group-tickets-1248701272119
A safe, welcoming space for people with disabilities to connect, share and support each other through open conversations. For more information or to request accessibility accommodations, please contact Barb Dosch at bdosch@accessabilityin.org or Sonja Isenhart at sisenhart@accessabilityin.org.
The National Coalition for Access to Autism Services (NCAAS)
https://www.nationalautismcoalition.org/
Seeks to preserve and expand access to services and supports to ensure people with autism have every opportunity to fulfill their potential.
Through the Eyes of Special Kids
219 South Scatterfield Rd., Muncie, IN 46016
765-610-4674
throughtheeyesofspecialkids@gmail.com http://throughtheeyesofspecialkids.yolasite.com/
Through the Eyes of Special Kids was created to connect families with resources and support.
Turnstone Parent Support Group
3320 North Clinton Street, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, 46805
(260) 483-2100
Founded in 1943, Turnstone’s mission is to provide therapeutic, educational, wellness and recreational programs that empower people with disabilities.
The Voice
319 Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46516
574-294-6197 ext.5
This group focuses on support and education for parents of children with any or all disabilities who receive special education services.
Wabash Valley Autism Support Group
Stacy Holley, Pat Hoxworth
2001 Hulman St, Terre Haute, IN 47803
812-299-5950 (fax)