ASRC depends upon a nominal membership fees to help keep the Center running so that we can provide needed services.

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. Because we are a private non-profit and NOT currently funded by state or federal funds, your annual membership fees and other donations are essential in helping us pay for services we provide including:

• A network of family support groups for parents and other family members. Call Lois at ASRC (203-265-7717) for more information about a group in your area. Offered for members only.

• A support group for adults with ASD, run by an adult with ASD. Additional Groups may be forming soon. Contact Lois at ASRC (203-265-7717) for more information.

• Many educational opportunities. Individual workshops and longer-running training series' are offered for both parents and professionals who work with children and adults with ASD. There are several training choices each year, and ASRC members receive priority registration and a discounted price on their registration fees.

• A bi-monthly newsletter. The PDD NETWORK contains articles on a variety of family and educational topics along with news around Connecticut. Plus an online library of all previous newsletters. You can search for topics of interest.

• An Autism Spectrum Resource Guide. The Guide is a comprehensive book that contains a list of service providers (doctors, therapists, schools, camps, recreation, etc.) in the State of Connecticut, along with articles about family issues and special education. See our web site www.ct-asrc.org, or call ASRC (203-265-7717) for more information about purchasing the Guide.

• 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) to establish or improve services such as recreation, education, diagnostics, job coaching, personal assistance, etc.

• 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 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 web site including helpful articles, announcements, Bulletin Board and much more!