Indiana Autism Resources

Receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be jarring — whether it’s for you, a loved one or your child. Many parents who hear that their child has autism feel a wide range of strong emotions — sadness, worry, anxiety, fear, stress, anger and so much more.

Luckily, there is so much more that we understand about autism than we did even 20 years ago. Advanced research and studies have helped to uncover some of the common causes, signs and symptoms of autism, which helps professionals more accurately diagnosis ASD at earlier ages.

In addition, there are more effective treatment options available, including applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy, which is a science-based approach to learning and behavior that’s offered by Blue Gems ABA.

What’s more, there are a variety of resources that are available to help parents of children with autism in a number of different ways.

Here are some of the best Indiana autism resources available.

Table Of Contents

Indiana Resource Center for Autism

The Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) is run under the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. It’s the state-wide center on ASD, and is committed to supporting everyone who’s involved in their efforts on behalf of individuals across the entire autism spectrum.

Staff at the center can provide evidence-based, accurate and timely information about autism to anyone who needs it — whether that be someone who has autism, their parents and family members, or even professionals who are there to support them.

The IRCA’s staff is made up of professionals who have backgrounds in speed-language pathology, psychology, social work, education, applied behavioral analysis, special education administration, early childhood education and more.

The center’s website provides a list of resources and information including diagnosis guides, roadmaps to state services, recorded family support webinars, summer camps, visual supports and so much more.

More information can be found on the website or by calling them at (812) 856-4722.

Autism Society of Indiana

The Autism Society of Indiana helps to create connections and empower everyone in the autism community with whatever resources they need to live life to its fullest.

The organization’s values are based on five pillars — dignity, equity, inclusion, diversity and integrity. It is under the umbrella of the Autism Society of America, and is one of the 107 affiliates of that broader organization.

Their website provides a wealth of information, including facts about autism, resources, programs, events and trainings.

Two of the programs that are offered include the Building Bridges Initiative as well as direct care programs such as Respite Care and PAC, or Participant Assistance & Care.

More information about the society can be found on its website or by calling (800) 609-8449.

HANDS in Autism

HANDS in Autism is a state-wide training and resource center run under the umbrella of Indiana University. The organization uses evidence-based educational and behavioral practices that are not only effective but also workable for stakeholders and providers in settings such as home, the community at large, clinical, medical and educational environments.

Members of the organization consult throughout Indiana, working closely with individuals and families, and helping them to engage with treatment facilities, homes, community schools and in other settings.

The goal of HANDS in Autism is to work in concert with services that autistic individuals already receive in their communities. In addition to training and services, the organization offers education and advocacy, links to research and studies and much more.

You can find more information on the HANDS in Autism website or by calling (317) 274-2675.

Family and Social Services Administration

While the Family and Social Services Administration, run under the state government, isn’t an autism-specific group, it does provide a wealth of information and resources that families of autistic children can benefit from.

For example, the FSSA website includes a link of resources for families, including direct links to an Early Autism Evaluation Hub. They also provide information on other programs that could be of help, including the Department of Education, Healthy Families Indiana, the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and IN*SOURCE special education parent support.

You can view this list of resources at the Family and Social Services Administration website.

Blue Gems ABA Supports Autistic Children in Indiana

As the parent of an autistic child, you just want what’s best for them, and we do, too.

At Blue Gems ABA, we are dedicated to providing your child with the support they need to live a happy and fulfilling life. We have clinical psychologists on-hand who can evaluate children for autism and give an official ASD diagnosis if appropriate.

We also have a team of experienced and licensed BCBAs who work hand-in-hand with autistic children to administer ABA therapy, which helps them build the social, communication and daily life skills they may struggle with.

To learn more, please contact us today.