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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 

zdenek527@yahoo.com           

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  

k.higgins@autismcc-in.org  

http://www.autismcc-in.org/  

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   

contact.us@arc-kokomo.org             

http://arc-kokomo.org/  

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 

info@ask-lou.org ask-lou.org 

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   

asnci@yahoo.com  

http://www.asnci.org/

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 

krisicrabb@gmail.com  

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

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/better-together-students-with-disabilities-self-advocacy-support-group-tickets-1225419896899

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 

info@fuseinc.org  

http://www.fuseinc.org/  

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)

https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/

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

info@myautismally.org

https://www.myautismally.org/

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

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

Info@fbgncenter.org 

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

teamtaca@tacanow.org    

http://www.tacanow.org/  

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   

angela@turnstone.org  

http://www.turnstone.org/   

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  

 http://www.adecinc.com 

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) 

stholl04@aol.com PLHoxworth@juno.com

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