Our Mission Statement
The mission of the ASRC is to provide, through our many programs, the most recent information and research to help parents and professionals understand the barriers and challenges people with ASD face on a daily basis. Our Center is committed to raising public awareness about autism spectrum disorders and devoted to empowering families and lessening their isolation. We are also dedicated to educating families, professional and the general public to the many strengths that people with ASD have and to promote the respect that they deserve.

Who is the ASRC?
The ASRC is a family run, non-profit organization in Connecticut that serves individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their family members, and the professionals who work with them.

Why become a member?
ASRC is a private non-profit organization and not currently funded by state or federal funds. Members will receive mailings and emails (if desired) about upcoming events, and discounts on many programs. Selected programs and services are offered to members only. Membership fees and donations are essential in helping us pay for services we provide including:

A network of family support groups for parents, family members, and adults with ASD. For members only.

Support groups for adults with ASD. We hope to eventually have groups throughout the state. Currently we have groups in Wallingford, Avon and Trumbull.

Many educational opportunities. Individual workshops and longer-running training series' for both parents and professionals who work with children and adults with ASD. ASRC members receive priority registration and a discounted price on their registration fees.

A bi-monthly newsletter. The ASRC NETWORK contains articles on a variety of family and educational topics along with news around Connecticut.

An Autism Spectrum Resource Guide. A statewide listing of doctors, therapists, schools, camps, etc. and articles about diagnosis, family issues and school programming. To order the ASRC Resource Guide, click here.

Development of new resources in the state. ASRC works with Parks and Recreation Departments, schools, private practitioners (like doctors, therapists) and state service providers (like DMR, Birth to Three and BRS) to establish or improve services.

Advocacy training. A training series designed for parents. Learn how to become an effective advocate by educating yourself about the special education system, educational programs, and communication strategies. ASRC members receive priority registration.

Recreation opportunities for teens and adults. ASRC offers a variety of activities geared to the specific needs and requests of our members. Currently we offer golf, a teen rock band, hiking and 1-day outings such as ice-skating, mini golf, bowling and more. Offered to ASRC members only.

Phone assistance and referrals on a variety of topics involving ASD. Topics for assistance might include diagnosis, educational advocacy, services, support for families, etc. Members receive priority due to phone volume.

A Legislative education campaign to obtain state-funded services for adults with ASD. Currently, only individuals with a second diagnosis of mental retardation or mental illness receive state-funded services.

Because of ASRC's work with legislators, a Pilot Program for adults with autism (without mental retardation or mental illness) has been initiated.

A community awareness campaign to educate the general public about autism spectrum issues. This includes:

Our annual Walk for Autism, a great day of activities and food in addition to the walk. The annual Walk is also our major fundraiser.

The annual Autism Spectrum Resource Fair, where families and professionals can speak with providers of all kinds of services in and outside of Connecticut (from therapies, to camps and schools, to agencies - it's all here).

Providing Spanish-translated and early intervention materials to area centers and public offices.

Conducting seminars and workshops in the community (schools, support groups, agencies, etc.) to improve knowledge about ASD.

A comprehensive and expanding website including helpful articles, announcements, Bulletin Board and much more!

If you are interested in any of the above-listed programs, please e-mail the center at ct-asrc@sbcglobal.net or give a call at (203) 265-7717.