One of the most helpful resources for families with a member with an ASD is your local Autism Support Center. There are currently seven support centers located in Massachusetts that receive funding from the Autism Division at the Department of Development Services. The centers offer information and referral information, parent trainings, workshops and some specialized programs for children, teens and young adults. The centers are often staffed by parents who have a child with ASD, and 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 the 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 assistant programs through the Massachusetts Department of Development Disabilities (DDS). In Massachusetts, DDS provides a wide array of services and supports to children under 18 years of age 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 Division” only program is for children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Most children who qualify for these services do not have a secondary diagnosis of intellectual disability, global developmental delays or significant functional impairments, and therefore do not qualify for DDS Children’s Eligibility. Please remember to contact your local support center and complete the intake process, so that your family can access community-based social skills, sensory and family 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 Division, contact the Autism Support Center that serves your area.
    
2. The DDS “Dual Eligibility” status includes the Autism Division and DDS Children’s Eligibility. If your child also meets this Children’s Eligibility Criteria then you may be able to also access DDS service coordination and perhaps family support services based on the availability of funds.  In order to be eligibility for DDS Children’s services a child must have a diagnosis of a global developmental delay (under age 5), a diagnosis of a developmental disability (over age 5) and have 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. The DDS eligibility team will review your child’s documentation and come out for an in-home assessment. If your child is determined Dually Eligible for the Autism Division and DDS Children’s services then you will get connect with a local DDS Area Office to determine what supports are may be available for your child. 
   
   For information about the DDS eligibility guidelines and to download the Application for DDS Eligibility, go to www.mass.gov and type “DDS application” in the search engine or click here to go directly to the PDF. The regional office information is referenced on the same page as the application. It is important to send the completed application to your Regional Eligibility office or call 888-367-4435 with any questions. After you send in your application, you will be contacted for a face to face interview and asked to provide diagnostic information and supporting documentation (for example, a report from a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, an IEP, etc.).

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Some of the services offered at Autism Support Centers are:

• Information and Referrals
• Lending Library
• Parent Support Groups
• Sibling Workshops
• Trainings and Consultations
• Speaker Series
• Open Gym and Swim Sessions
• Family Events
• Camp Listings
• Newsletter
• School Vacation Programs
   

AUTISM ALLIANCE OF METROWEST in Natick                               
Serves Metrowest, Middlesex West                        
508-652-9900
www.autismalliance.org

AUTISM RESOURCE CENTER in West Boylston                      
Serves Worcester, North Central & South Valley areas
508-835-4278  
www.autismresourcecentral.org

AUTISM SUPPORT CENTER in Danvers
Serves Northeast region
978-777-9135
www.ne-arcautismsupportcenter.org
 
FAMILY AUTISM CENTER in Westwood                        
Serves Norfolk County
781-762-4001, Ext. 310 
www.sncarc.org/FAC.htm

COMMUNITY AUTISM RESOURCES in Swansea                          
Serves Southeastern region, Cape Cod & Islands                           
508-379-0371    
www.community-autism-resources.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM in Easthampton                    
Serves Western region            
413-529-2428   
www.communityresourcesforautism.org

TILL & BOSTON FAMILIES FOR AUTISM in Dedham                            
Serves Greater Boston             
781-302-4835         
www.tillinc.org

The Autism Consortium has a comprehensive RESOURCE DATABASE with hundreds of autism-related listings, such as summer camps, after-school programs, ABA providers, social skills groups, education consultants, and much more!

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Autism Resources

Advocates for Autism-Massachusetts (AFAM)
A parent-founded and -driven advocacy group for increasing the awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the current and pending legislation in Massachusetts.
781-891-6270 
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. AANE has an excellent website including a database of support groups, family grants, specialized programs, books and articles, conferences, trainings and more. Staff members include service coordinators for adults, teens, and children.
617-393-3824
www.aane.org

Autism Insurance Resource Center
This Center provides information to the public about insurance coverage under the law, An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (ARICA) which took effect in Massachusetts on January 1, 2011. 
800-642-0249
www.disabilityinfo.org/arica

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.
617-357-8431 ext. 224
www.massadvocates.org/autism-center.php

Charles River Center
This Center provides employment and job training, residential homes, therapeutic day programs, and recreational programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities.  The Center also coordinates a travel readiness program with Logan Airport for families of children with autism who have difficulty with airline travel and security screeners. Please contact them for more detailed information.
781-972-1000  
www.charlesrivercenter.org

Doug Flutie Junior Foundation for Autism
Raises public awareness and supports families and organizations through grants. Provides education, resources, and links about autism.
508-270-8855 or 866-3AUTISM
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.
781-891-6270
www.arcmass.org.

Department of Public Health / Children & Youth With Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program
The CYSHCN program helps families coordinate their child’s medical, social and educational needs.  This program offers a Community Support Line where Resource Specialists offer technical assistance to parents.  The Care Coordination Program has Care Coordinators, who speak both English and Spanish, available to provide consultative services to parents who have a child with complex medical needs. 
800-882-1435 
www.mass.gov/dph/specialhealthneeds

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.
800-905-8437

For information about Specialty Services such as ABA or Floortime, call: 

Tracy Osbahr
Early Intervention intensive services coordinator  
413-586-7525

Eye Safety, Vision Care & Finding an Eye Care Provider
MA Department of Health and Human Resources

Family Ties of Massachusetts 
A statewide information and parent-to-parent support program for families of children with special needs and chronic illnesses. Offers a comprehensive resource directory.
800-905-TIES (8437) or 617-541-2875 
www.massfamilyties.org

Mass Family Voices/Massachusetts Family-to-Family Health Information Center
This center is staffed by parents who provide free, confidential assistance to families raising children with special healthcare needs become more knowledgeable about healthcare services and supports as well as receive assistance in obtaining those benefits.
800-331-0688 x210
www.massfamilyvoices.org

Mass Family Voices Listserv 
This listserv allows families raising children and youth with special healthcare needs to share resources and information, post question and answers, so that listserv members can learn and support each other.  Membership is free and confidential. 
Please send an e-mail to massfv@fcsn.org for more details. 

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

Sibling Support Project 
This is a national program dedicated to supporting the concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns.  There are also local service providers who host workshops, and listservs to support siblings of people with special needs. 
www.siblingsupport.org

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.  
800-882-1435

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

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Community Activities/ Recreation

Autism Speaks 
www.autismspeaks.org

Federation for Children with Special Needs
www.fcsn.org

Special Olympics
www.specialolympicsma.org

Social Skills

Asperger’s Association of New England
www.aane.org/asperger_resources/social_skills_groups.html

Michelle Garcia-Winner
www.socialthinking.com/what-is-social-thinking/about-michelle-garcia-winner

Carol Grey/Social Stories
www.thegraycenter.org/

Massachusetts Department of Education/Special Education/Parent Information
www.doe.mass.edu/sped/ parents.html

A Parent’s Guide to Special Education
www.fcsn.org/parentguide/ pgintro.html

Massachusetts

Federation for Children with Special Needs
Service Area: Statewide
www.fcsn.org
800-331-0688

Urban Pride
Service Area: Boston
www.urbanpride.org
617-206-4570

Content Quicklinks

• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island 
• Connecticut
• Maine
• Vermont
   

Massachusetts:

Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts
Provides legal services to low income children, and information and training to parents.
781-581-1977 
www.clcm.org

Disability Law Center 
Offers legal advice for children who have disabilities; sometimes takes cases for free.
Boston, 617-723-8455 or 800-872-9992.
Western Massachusetts, 413-584-6337 or 800-222-5619 
www.dlc-ma.org/Priorities/index.html

EdLaw Project
Provides legal representation, technical assistance, and training to families of low-income children in Boston in danger of not receiving appropriate education services.
Call Marlies Spanjaard at 617-989-8150
Or visit their website: www.youthadvocacydepartment.org/edlaw/edlaw-about.html

Eye Safety, Vision Care & Finding an Eye Care Provider
MA Department of Health and Human Resources

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.  
Boston office: 617-236-7210 or 800-331-0688.
Western Mass. office: 413-323-0681 or 866-323-0681.
www.fcsn.org

Parent Training and Information – Spanish www.fcsn.org/pti/espanol/index.php
Parent Training and Information – Portuguese www.fcsn.org/pti/portuguese/index.php

Special Needs Advocacy Network (SPAN)
Provides a list of special education advocates. Fees vary. Also offers workshops.
508-655-7999.
www.spanmass.org
 
Massachusetts Dept of Elementary and Secondary Education, Special Education 
The state’s official website for parents of children ages 3 through 22 eligible for special education. Provides state and federal regulations, information on IEPs and parent rights and procedural safeguards manual for working with your district’s special education department.
781-338-3000
www.doe.mass.edu/sped/parents.html  

Program Quality Assurance
Call if you are having problems with the school district and ask to speak to the contact person for your town or city.
781-338-3700
www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/

Parent Advisory 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 district, ask your district’s special education office or visit www.concordspedpac.org/Pacs-in-Mass.html or www.spedchildmass.com/support_groups_sepacs.  Also visit www.masspac.org for more information.

SPEDWatch 
Grassroots nonprofit social change movement working to secure the educational rights of all Massachusetts schoolchildren with disabilities.
www.spedwatch.org

Urban PRIDE
For families of kids with disabilities living in city of Boston. A resource for workshops, parent supports and advocacy.
617-206-4570 
www.urbanpride.org

New Hampshire:

Autism Society of America (New Hampshire chapter)
Offers educational support and resources for parents. Concord.
603-679-2424
www.autism-society-nh.org

The Birchtree Center
Provides specialized educational services for children and youth with autism. Portsmouth. 
603-433-4192 
www.birtchtreecenter.org

Department of Education
603-271-3494.
http://www.education.nh.gov/instruction/special_ed/index.htm

Easter Seals Autism Network 
Family Support Program: Offers support meetings, parent education, respite program. Manchester.
603-623-8863
www.nh.easterseals.com

Jacob’s Bridge Through Autism
Developed by parents, has listing of local and national resources.
Plymouth.
www.jbtautism.org
  
New Hampshire Resource Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders 
At the Institute on Disability at UNH.
603-228-4230 
www.iod.unh.edu/PriorityAreas/autism

Parent Information Center
Information about special education laws and advocacy in New Hampshire
603-224-7005
www.parentinformationcenter.org

Southeastern Regional Education Service Center 
Education and behavioral support programs and services for families and schools; has specific autism services. Bedford.
603-206-6800
www.seresc.net/ed_autism.php 

Rhode Island:

Autism Project of Rhode Island: Family support, resources, and education
401-785-2666
www.theautismproject.org
  
Autism Society of America (Rhode Island chapter)
401-595-3241
www.asa-ri.org

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
401-222-8999  
www.ride.ri.gov

Families for Effective Autism Treatment of Rhode Island
401-886-5015
www.featri.org

Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council
401-737-1238
www.riddc.org

Rhode Island Department of Education special education services 
401-222-4600
www.iser.com/state-gov/special-needs-RI.html 

Rhode Island Disability Law Center
401-831-3150
www.ridlc.org

Rhode Island Parent Information Network 
401-270-0101
www.ripin.org

Connecticut:

Autism Society of America (Connecticut chapter)  
888-453-4975.
www.asconn.org

Connecticut Autism Spectrum Resource Center
203-265-7717.
www.ct-asrc.org

Connecticut Families for Effective Autism Treatment 
860-571-3888 
www.ctfeat.org
 
Connecticut Parent Advisory Center
860-739-3089
www.cpacinc.org

Connecticut State Department of Education 
860-713-6543.
www.sde.ct.gov

Hartford-New Haven Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC)
860-297-4358
www.parentcenternetwork.org 

Stamford Education 4 Autism
203-322-9767
www.stamfordeducation4autism.org  

Maine: 

Autism Society of America (Maine chapter)
800-273-5200.
www.asmonline.org  

Children’s Behavioral Health Services (Department of Health & Human Services)
(207) 287-5060
www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cbhs/index.shtml

Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies at the University of Maine
207-581-1084 
www.ccids.umaine.edu

Department of Education:
www.maine.gov/education/speced/index.htm

Developmental Disabilities Council of Maine
www.maineddc.org
   
Disability Rights Center
800-452-1948 
www.drcme.org
 
Maine Parent Federation 
800-870-7746 
www.mpf.org

Vermont:

Autism Society of America (Vermont chapter) 
www.autism-info.org

Autism Support Daily 
802-985-8773
www.autismsupportdaily.com  

Department of Education
802-828-5116 
www.education.vermont.gov/new/html/pgm_sped.html 

Vermont Division of Disability Autism Supports 
802-241-2863 
www.ddas.vermont.gov/ddas-programs/programs-autism-default-page 

Vermont Autism Task Force 
www.autismtaskforce.com

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National Resources

American Academy of Pediatrics 
www.aap.org/healthtopics/autism.cfm

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

Autism Society of America 
Oldest parent advocacy group. Offers many resources. Provides annual conference and state chapters.
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. www.autismspeaks.org

Also offers a free comprehensive guide to the first 100 days after diagnosis which is available in English and Spanish. Download the PDF here. 

Wrights Law autism information 
Special education laws and advocacy information.
www.wrightslaw.com/info/autism.index.htm

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

Parent Training and Information Centers & Community Parent Resource Centers

Each state has at least one parent center serving families of children and young adults from birth to age 22 with disabilities. Parent Centers help families obtain appropriate education and services for their children with disabilities; train and inform on a variety of topics; resolve problems; and connect children to community resources that address their needs. 

For information and to locate the Parent Center in your state, go to www.taalliance.org/ptidirectory/pclist.asp or call 888-248-0822

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Are There Grants I Can Apply For?

 All too often, parents of children with ASD incur unexpected and immense out-of-pocket costs for treatments and services. Unfortunately, in many cases insurance companies do not cover these expenses. Through the generosity of foundations and, sometimes, public funding, applicable grants might help parents offset these costs.

Read each option carefully and understand that specific criteria pertain to each. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and information is subject to change.

Act-Today for Autism
Awards grants up to $5000 to families, with priority given to those with a household income under $100,000. Funding may be used for ABA, speech, OT, medications, & home safety devices. 19019 Ventura Blvd. Suite 200 Tarzana, CA 91356; 818-705-1625. www.act-today.org/act-today-grant-program.php

Asperger Association of New England Family Grant Programs
Offers the Rainy Day Fund for Adults for adults with Asperger Syndrome in crisis ($50-$100) or Family grants: Sponsored for a child with Asperger Syndrome or closely related disorder, such as PDD-NOS or high-functioning autism. 617-393-3824. www.aane.org/aane_services/grant_programs.html

Autism Family Resources
Families with a household income below $50,000 can apply for a one-time grant totaling $500. Money may be used to cover therapy equipment, safety equipment, and respite care. 3535 Eastside Hwy. Stevensville, MT 59870
autismfamilyresources.org/needassistance2.htm

Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund 
Provides financial assistance to families in Massachusetts for expenses incurred for the medical and related needs of children under age 22 who are not otherwise covered by insurance, federal or state health-care assistance. 800-882-1435 or 617-624-6060. www.mass.gov/cicrf   

Children’s Charity Fund
Provides funds for medical or educational supplies, open to all incomes. 6623 Superior Ave Suite B, Sarasota, FL 34234; 800-643-5787. www.childrenscharityfund.org

Community Block Grants
Home modification grants may be available by contacting your local city government.

Consumer Empowerment Funds Program
Provides funds for individuals who are legal MA residents with developmental disabilities and/or a family member or guardian to attend conferences, trainings, or other events. Applications must be approved before the event and be based upon set program guidelines. 1150 Hancock Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 300
Quincy, MA 02169.  617-770-7676 ext.115. http://www.mass.gov/anf/employment-equal-access-disability/disability-info-and-resources/dev-disabilities-info/citizen-empowerment/council-empowerment-funds-program.html 

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
Provides assistance, information and funding options for services and child care for children, birth to age 5, and their families. 617-988-6600. www.mass.gov/edu/birth-grade-12/early-education-and-care/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-for-families/ 

Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism
Provides computers to families of children with autism who otherwise couldn’t afford to buy one under the Laurie Flutie Computer Initiative. Provides a one-year subscription and free activation to LoJack SafetyNet under the Flutie Family Safe & Secure Program to families who could not otherwise afford it.  508-270-8855, Framingham, MA. http://www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org/Programs.asp    

Easter Seals of Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program
Offers Massachusetts residents with disabilities and their families low-interest cash loans they can use to purchase assistive technology, devices and services that will increase their independence.  The program also loans low-cost assistive devices through its Long-Term Device Loan Program; 508-751-6431 or 508-751-6428, or email MassATLoan@eastersealsma.org.   http://ma.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=MADR_ATloanpressrelease

Edwin Phillips Foundation
Provides grants directly to families who have children with disabilities, including physical and cognitive challenges. Funds can be used for more expensive projects or services such as assistive technology or home modifications. P.O. Box 610075, Newton, MA 02461-0075. www.edwinphillipsfoundation.org

Financial Assistance
Autism Speaks maintains a database of local and national foundations and agencies that offer grants and support for families who are dealing with an autism diagnosis.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/community-connections/financial-assistance  

First Hand Foundation
Provides funds to families with limited incomes for Medical/psychiatric services, vehicle modification, transportation or items not covered by insurance. 2800 Rockcreek Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64117; 816- 201-1569. www.cerner.com/firsthand/FirstHand_1a.aspx?id=28729

Home Modification Loan Program
Provides financing to disabled, cognitive, developmental, environmental sensitivity and neurological disabled persons and their families. Borrowers must reside in the home being modified. Contact RCAP Solutions Financial Services at 978-630-6725.
www.rcapsolutions.org/financial_services.htm

Individual Development Accounts
IDAs are special savings accounts that match the deposits of low and moderate income people to save towards the purchase of a lifelong asset, such as a home.
To find a program near you, go to the IDAnetwork website at http://cfed.org/programs/idas/directory_search/   

Knights of Columbus
Families with children under the age of 20 who need wheelchair ramps, hearing aids, or stair lifts may be awarded grants of up to $5,000 from the Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund. 470 Washington St, Suite 6, Norwood, MA 02062; 781-551-0628.
www.massachusettsstatekofc.org

National Autism Association
Provides a one-time grant up to $1500 to families whose household earns less than $50,000 to help support tuition, supplements/medication, medical evaluation or testing, therapies, etc. 22136 Westheimer Pkwy. #623, Katy, TX  77450; 877-622-2884.
www.nationalautismassociation.org/helpinghand.php

Social Security Disability Insurance
Provides benefits to families because of a child’s disability, depending on income. To apply, call 800-772-1213. www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits_child_eng.htm

United HealthCare Children’s Foundation
Households with private-pay or employer insurance (MassHealth/Medicaid subscribers do not qualify) may receive up to $5,000 annually/$10,000 lifetime to support their child, who must be 16 years of age or less. MN012-S286, PO BOX 41, Minneapolis, MN 55440-0041; 800-992-4459. www.uhccf.org/apply_applicant.html

Wish Upon a Hero Foundation
Individuals and families with financial need may submit “wishes” to this organization, which provides grants and other forms of charity to chosen applicants. 1640 Nixon Drive, Suite 336 Moorestown, NJ 08057 foundation@wishuponahero.com