What are some community resources for families?

The most important place to contact first is your local Autism Support Center. Currently in Massachusetts there are seven support centers located across the state which offer support, resources and referral information, parent trainings and workshops, and specialized programs for children, teens and young adults at no membership costs (please see below for locations and contact information). These centers are often staffed by people who have a child with an ASD, and they are there to explain what services and supports your child and family can benefit from. Call and introduce yourself and your child, ask to be put on their mailing lists, and tell them you would like to do an "intake" for services. Many of these centers also offer support groups and information sessions that can be very helpful to families.

The Support Center staff can also explain the benefits of applying for government funds and assistance through the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS, formerly known as DMR). In Massachusetts, DDS is the agency that provides a wide array of services and supports to children under 18 years old with autism or other conditions. Currently, there are two types of services you can apply for within DDS if your child has an ASD:

1)The DDS "Autism Spectrum Division" only program, which means that your child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Most children who qualify for these services do not also have mental retardation, global developmental delays or significant functional impairment, and therefore do not qualify for family supports. Under this program, you and your child will be able to access community-based recreational, social, and therapeutic programs that are individually coordinated by the Autism Support Centers. These programs are of no or minimal cost to your family. Also note that each center raises private funds so they might coordinate other programs that do have participation fees.

For more information about the DDS Autism Spectrum Division, contact Cariann Harsh at (617) 624-7769 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

2) The "Dual Eligibility" for Family Support Services/Service Coordination program is for children who have an autism spectrum disorder, along with mental retardation, global developmental delay and impaired levels of functioning in at least three areas: self-care, communication, learning, mobility, self-direction and (for age 14 and older) capacity for independent living and economic self-sufficiency. A DDS team will review your child's documentation, and if he/she is found eligible, will assign a service coordinator from your DDS local office to your family. Under this program, your family might receive annual "respite"/flexible family support funds or other supports based upon need and where you live. 

For information about the DDS eligibility guidelines and to download the Application for Eligibility, go to www.mass.gov/DDS or call (617) 727-5608. Fill out the application form and send to your Regional Eligibility office coordinator (located on the website under "find a DDS office").  You will be contacted for a face to face interview and asked to provide diagnostic information and supporting documentation (ex. a report from developmental pediatrician or psychologist, IEP).

Autism Resources

Advocates for Autism-Massachusetts (AFAM): A parent founded and driven advocacy group for increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders and related current and pending legislation in Massachusetts. Call (781) 891-6270 or visit  www.afamaction.org

Asperger's Association of New England (AANE): A comprehensive resource and support center serving the Boston and New England area for individuals with Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism (adults, teens, children) and their families. Provides an excellent website including lists of support groups, family grants, specialized programs, books and articles, conferences, trainings, and more. Staff includes service coordinators for adults, teens and children. Call (617) 393-3824 or visit  www.aane.org

Autism Special Education Legal Support Center at Massachusetts Advocates for Children: Through the Autism Legal Helpline, callers receive free technical assistance and answers to their questions about educational rights of children with autism. Call (617) 357-8431 or visit  www.massadvocates.org

Doug Flutie Junior Foundation For Autism: Raises public awareness and supports families and organizations through grants. Provides education, resources and links about autism. Call (508) 270-8855 or (866) 3AUTISM or visit  www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org

Massachusetts Disability Resources

ARC of Massachusetts: A statewide resource that provides advocacy and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as autism, through the 22 ARC chapters. Call (781) 891-6270 or visit  www.arcmass.org

Department of Public Health/Family and Community Health Office: Go to www.mass.gov  and type Department of Public Health in the Search box or call (866) 627-7968. To reach the public benefits specialist, call Gail Havelick (800) 882-1435. 

Early Intervention and Specialty Service Providers: For information about services for children under three in Massachusetts, go to www.mass.gov  and type Early Intervention in the Search box or call (800) 905-8437. For information about Specialty Services such as ABA or Floortime, call Tracy Osbahr, Director of Specialty Services, at (413) 586-7525. 

Family Ties of Massachusetts: A statewide information and parent-to-parent support program for families of children with special needs and chronic illnesses. Offerd a comprehensive resource directory. Call (800) 905-TIES (8437) or visit  www.massfamilyties.org 

Massachusetts Parent Information and Resource Center (PIRC): Funded by the US Department of Education, PIRC educates parents so they can partner with schools to help children. Offers workshops and resource lists. Call (617) 236-7210 or (877) 471-0980 or visit  www.pplace.org

MassHealth (formerly Medicaid): Primary or supplemental insurance program. Cost is based on income and might be free. Call (800) 841-2900 and say you have a child with a disability and want to fill out the main application AND child disability supplement. To download the main application, go to  www.mass.gov  and type MassHealth MBR in the Search box. To download the child disability supplement, go to  www.mass.gov  and type Child Disability Supplement in the Search box.

Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL): Statewide parent support organization for children's emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs. In Boston, call (617) 542-7860 or (866) 815-8122. In Worcester call (508) 767-9725 or visit  www.ppal.net

Special Health Needs Community Support Line: Under the Massachusetts Office of Health and Human Services, the support line offers statewide information, help, and referrals for families of children with special health-care needs. Go to  www.mass.gov  and type Community Support Line in the Search box or call (800) 882-1435.  

Special Education Resources

Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts: Provides legal services to low income children, and information and training to parents. Call (781) 581-1977 or (800) 222-5619 or visit
www.clcm.org

Disability Law Center: Offers legal advice for children who have disabilities; sometimes take pro-bono cases. In Boston call, (617) 723-8455 or (800) 872-9992. In Western MA call, (413) 584-6337 or (800) 222-5619 or visit
www.dlc-ma.org

EdLaw Project: Advocates for low-income children in danger of not receiving appropriate educational services. The project provides legal representation, technical assistance, and training to families. Call (617) 989-8100 or visit
www.youthadvocacyproject.org

Federation for Children with Special Needs: Updated federal and state special education laws, advice, information and access to advocacy, IEP development and related resources, parent information guides, and statewide parent workshops. In Boston call (800) 331-0688 or (617) 236-7210. In Western MA call (413) 323-0681 or (866) 323-0681 or visit
www.fcsn.org

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: The state’s official website for parents of children ages 3 through 22 eligible for special education. Provides state and federal regulations, IEP information, parent rights and procedural safeguards manual for working with your district’s special education department. Call (781)338-3000 or visit
www.doe.mass.edu/sped

• Program Quality Assurance: If you are having problems or questions about your child's education plan or services and need to speak to the contact person for your town or city call (781) 338-3700 or visit
  www.doe.mass.edu/pqa
• Transition Support (Early Intervention to Public Schools): For specific questions contact a Family Support Specialist at (617) 988-7811.

Parent Advocacy Council (PAC): A PAC is a group of parents in your city/town whose children are receiving special education services from the school district. They have information about local services, and offer workshops and the opportunity to network with other parents. To find the PAC for your school distric, ask the special education office for the number or visit www.concordspedpac.org

• Massachusetts Association of Parent Advisory Councils (MassPAC): The main organization for PACS in MA and a helpful resource for parents. Part of the Federation for Children with Special Needs. Call (617) 236-7210 or (800) 331-0688 or visit www.masspac.org

Special Needs Advocacy Network (SPAN): Provides a list of special education advocates. Fees vary. Also offers workshops. Call (508) 655-7999 or visit www.spanmass.org

SpedChildMass: This website has Massachusetts workshops and resources for children with special needs along with pertinent news. Visit www.spedchildmass.com

SPEDWatch: A Grassroots non-profit social change movement working to secure the educational rights of all Massachusetts school children with disabilities. Call (978) 433-5983 or visit www.spedwatch.org

Urban Pride: For families of people with disabilities living in the city of Boston. A resource for workshops, parent supports, and advocacy. Call (617) 206-4570 or visit www.urbanpride.org

Wrights Law: Special education laws and advocacy information. Visit www.wrightslaw.com

New England Resources

New England INDEX: Comprehensive list of disability resources.
Call (800) 642-0249 or visit www.disabilityinfo.org

Rhode Island:

Autism Project of Rhode Island: Family support, resources and education. Call (401) 785-2666 or visit www.theautismproject.org

Autism Society of America (Rhode Island Chapter):
Call (401) 595-3241 or visit www.asa-ri.org

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education:
Call (401) 222-8999 or visit www.ride.ri.gov/Special_Populations

Families for Effective Autism Treatment of Rhode Island:
Call (401) 886-5015 or visit www.featri.org

Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council:
Call (407) 737-1238 or visit www.riddc.org

Rhode Island Disability Law Center:
Call (401) 831-3150 or visit www.ridlc.org

Rhode Island Parent Information Network:
Call (401) 270-0101 or (800) 464-3399 (in RI) or visit www.ripin.org

Connecticut:

Autism Society of America (Connecticut chapter):
Call (888) 453-4975 or visit www.autismsocietyofct.org

Connecticut Autism Spectrum Resource Center:
Call (203) 265-7717 or visit www.ct-asrc.org

Connecticut Families for Effective Autism Treatment:
Call (860) 571-3888 or visit www.ctfeat.org

Connecticut Parent Advisory Center:
Call (860) 739-3089 or visit www.cpacinc.org

Connecticut State Department of Education:
Call (860) 713-6543 or visit www.sde.ct.gov

Hartford-New Haven Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC):
Call (860) 297-4358

Stamford Education For Autism:
Call (203) 322-9767 or visit www.stamfordeducation4autism.org

Vermont:

Autism Society of America (Vermont Chapter):
Call (800) 559-7398 (in VT) or visit
www.autism-info.org

Autism Support Daily:
Call (802) 985-8773 or visit www.autismsupportdaily.com

Department of Education:
Call (802) 828-5116 or visit www.education.vermont.gov

Vermont Division of Disability Autism Supports:
Call (802) 241-2863 or visit www.ddas.vermont.gov

Vermont Autism Task Force: Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or visit www.autismtaskforce.com

New Hampshire:

Autism Society of America (New Hampshire Chapter): Offers educational support and resources for parents.
Call (603) 679-2424 or visit www.autism-society-nh.org

The Birchtree Center: A non-profit organization that provides specialized educational services for children and youth with autism.
Call (603) 433-4192 or visit www.birchtreecenter.org

Department of Education:
Call (603) 271-3741 or visit www.ed.state.nh.us/education

Easter Seals of New Hampshire: Offers Autism Support Program, information, and services for children, teens and families with developmental and behavioral needs.
Call (603) 623-8863 or (800) 870-8728 (in NH) or visit www.eastersealsnh.org

Jacob’s Bridge Through Autism: Developed by parents, has listing of local and national resources.
Visit www.jbtautism.org

New Hampshire Resource Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders: Located at the Institute on Disability at UNH.
Call (603) 228-2084 or (800) 238-2048 (in NH) or visit www.iod.unh.edu

Parent Information Center: Information about special education laws and advicacy in New Hampshire.
Call (603) 224-7005 or visit www.picnh.org

Southeastern Regional Education Service Center: Education and behavioral support programs and services for families and schools; has specific autism services.
Call (603) 206-6800 or visit www.seresc.net

Maine:

Autism Society of America (Maine chapter):
Call (800) 273-5200 (in ME) or visit www.asmonline.org

Children’s Behavioral Health Services (Department of Health & Human Services):
Call (207) 624-7900 or visit www.maine.gov/dhhs

Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies at the University of Maine:
Call (207) 581-1084 or (800) 203-6957 (in ME) or visit www.ccids.umaine.edu

Department of Education:
Visit www.maine.gov/education

Developmental Disabilities Council of Maine:
Call (207) 287-4213 or (800) 244-3990 (in ME) or visit www.maineddc.org

Disability Rights Center:
Call (800) 452-1948 (in ME) or visit www.drcme.org

Maine Parent Federation:
Call (800) 870-7746 (in ME) or visit www.mpf.org

National Resources:

American Academy of Pediatrics:
Visit www.aap.org
-- click on healthtopics/autism.

Autism, Asperger’s and Pervasive Developmental Disorders:
Offers comprehensive information, education, articles and fact sheets.
Visit www.autism-help.org

Autism Society of America:
Oldest parent advocacy group offers many resources. Annual conference and State Chapters.
Visit www.autism-society.org

Autism Speaks:
Funds global research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism; and raises public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families and society.
Visit www.autismspeaks.org

First Signs:
Offers educational materials, articles, links for early screening and signs of autism.
Visit www.firstsigns.org

Internet Special Education Resource National Directory:
Offers a comprehensive, state-by-state listing of care providers, advocacy, therapies and special education resources.
Visit www.iser.com

Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities:
Comprehensive list of resources by state for children with all disabilities.
Visit www.yellowpagesforkids.com