Autism Society chapters are your best source of information and support. Most chapters are volunteer-led by parents, care providers and other professionals. The Autism Society has chapters in nearly every state reaching out to individuals with autism and their families with information, support, and encouragement.
*Please note that in the context of Special Education Law, an "advocate" differs from an attorney in several ways. By definition, an "advocate" is one that supports or promotes the interests of another while an "attorney" is a practitioner in a court of law who is legally qualified to prosecute and defend actions in such court on behalf of his or her clients. Although both may be able to help with your legal situation, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) only attorney's fees are recoverable to families prevailing in lawsuits. This delineation was the outcome of the Supreme Court's decision in Arlington Central School District Board of Education v. Murphy, 548 U.S. 291 (2006). There is currently legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would reverse this outcome (the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act, HR 434).
Pacific Autism Center is an assembly of providers who offer ABA services, such as therapy, assessments and after-school programs. PAC currently has a contract with the State Department of Health and offers services to children up to 3 years of age through this contract; however, their offerings include programs for children through age 18.
The Learning Disabilities Association of Hawaii supports families of children with disabilities by offering information and referral, training, education, advocacy and mentoring programs. They also provide PIN (persons in need) grants. For more information, visit their website.
The Autism Society welcomes your comments: If you would like to make a suggestion or share beneficial resources not included in this page, please click here to fill out our contact form.
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