Resources
Island County Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD) Resources
Family Support & Social Groups (local)
Island County Parent to Parent (360) 632-7539 call/text
Coordinator Tiffany Wheeler-Thompson
Provides support and resources to families that care for and support a child or an adult with disabilities and/or special healthcare needs.
CONTACT: Parent to Parent Coordinator Tiffany Wheeler-Thompson is available via call/text at (360) 632-7539, Facebook Messenger on our page: https://www.facebook.com/islandcountyparent2parent or by emailing to t.wheeler-thompson@islandcountywa.gov or Spanish outreach Laiza Ramos at 787-529-6788
Parent to Parent offers, monthly newsletters, educational workshops, social/recreational gatherings, support groups, and local and regional resources. We also offer Virtual Office Hours. Call/text/email to receive dates, times, and Zoom links. To be added to the monthly newsletter list, email Tiffany at
t.wheeler-thompson@islandcountywa.gov, check out the website filled with resource guides including:
*Autism Spectrum Disorder Guide
*Behavioral Health Resource Guide
*Transition from School Age to Adulthood Quick Guide
https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Humanservices/Pages/Parent-to-parent.aspx
Follow our Facebook Page for up to date information and events:
https://www.facebook.com/islandcountyparent2parent
Parent to Parent offers Virtual Office Hours as well. Pop in and find resources, ask questions, seek support, and more. Contact Tiffany for the Zoom link, dates and times. t.wheeler-thompson@islandcountywa.gov (360)632-7539 call/text
Other local options: Facebook Group: Autism Support on Whidbey Island
Autism Centers, Support & Advocacy (off island)
Seattle Children’s Hospital Autism Center (206) 987-8080
Seattle Children's Autism Center provides assessment, diagnosis, treatment and support for autism spectrum disorders. We offer a range of medical and mental health services for babies, children, and young adults. https://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics/autism-center/patient-family-resources/
Seattle Children's also offers "Conversations about Autism" virtual webinars. https://www.seattlechildrens.org/health-safety/keeping-kids-healthy/development/conversations-about-autism/
To get their upcoming schedule and zoom links call Seattle Children’s Autism Center at (206)987-8080
University of Washington Autism Center Seattle (206) 221-6806
Evaluation, treatment, training, and research. Clinical Services: Diagnosis, assessment, and intervention services. Research: Collaborating with Families and people with ASD to conduct research that will improve outcomes and increase understanding. Training: High-quality training for community professionals, caregivers, and students that interact with individuals with ASD.
Adult ASD Resources at UW Autism Center https://depts.washington.edu/uwautism/resources/adult-resources/
Washington Autism Alliance and Advocacy (425) 894-7231
www.washingtonautismadvocacy.org/updates/
Our mission is to ensure that all children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) & other developmental disabilities (DDs) have every opportunity to thrive and become productive members of society. We do this by helping families access ASD & DD health insurance benefits, effective services in schools, and supportive community-based services, regardless of their personal financial situation.
Washington State Department of Health Autism Guidebook: Is very large and cumbersome but has some great ideas.
https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/8340//970-NonDOH-AutismGd-en-L.pdf
National Organizations
Autism Speaks
Autism Response Team (ART): 888-AUTISM2 (1-888-288-4762)
The Autism Response Team (ART) is an information line for the autism community. Our team members are specially trained to provide personalized information and resources to people with autism and their families. Part of Autism Speaks.
There are two versions of the "100 Day Kit" available. One for younger kiddos and one for school-age kiddos.
Knowledge is power, particularly in the days after an autism diagnosis. The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit helps families make the best possible use of the 100 days following the diagnosis. This kit will help you learn more about autism and how to access the services that your child needs. It contains information and advice collected from trusted experts on autism and parents like you.
The 100 Day Kit is divided into the following sections: About Autism, Diagnosis, Causes and Symptoms, You, Your Family and Autism, Getting Your Child Services, How is Autism Treated? Making It Happen, A Week by Week Plan for the Next 100 Days, Useful Forms, Glossary and Resources.
Families whose children have been diagnosed in the last 6 months may request a complimentary hard copy of the 100 Day Kit by calling 888-AUTISM2 (888-288-4762) and speaking with a member of our Autism Response Team. *Note: We are unable to ship kits internationally.
A 100 Day Kit for Young Children Ages: https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/100-day-kit-youngchildren
A 100 Day Kit for School-Age Children: https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/100-day-kit-school-age-children
Autism Society www.autismsociety.org
The Autism Society’s website is one of the most visited websites on autism in the world and our online resource database, Autism Source, and National Contact Center (800-3-AUTISM) provide information and service referrals to thousands of people each year.
Our vision is a world in which all people on the spectrum can reach their full potential.
Autism Speaks is enhancing lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. We are dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
Through the years, we’ve worked tirelessly to provide crucial autism research, advocacy, services and support to help people with autism and those who support them thrive. Here are some of our proudest accomplishments to-date
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
WHAT IS APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (ABA)?
ABA is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior.
Behavior analysis helps us to understand: How behavior works, How behavior is affected by the environment, How learning takes place.
ABA therapy applies our understanding of how behavior works to real situations. The goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or affect learning.
ABA therapy programs can help: Increase language and communication skills, Improve attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics, Decrease problem behaviors.
The methods of behavior analysis have been used and studied for decades. They have helped many kinds of learners gain different skills – from healthier lifestyles to learning a new language. Therapists have used ABA to help children with autism and related developmental disorders since the 1960s.
Health Care Authority https://www.hca.wa.gov/health-care-services-supports/apple-health-medicaid-coverage/autism-and-applied-behavioral-analysis (360)725-1681 email: ABA@hca.wa.gov
The Health Care Authority has an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy benefit for Apple Health Kids clients with a diagnosis in the Autism Spectrum Disorder classification. Contact the Health Care Authority to start or learn about the coverage process.
Understaning Your Insurance and Your Benefits Worksheets
Local ABA Providers
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Blue Water Behavior Consulting www.bluewateraba.com (360)333-5684 Serves Coupeville to Anacortes. Accepts most insurance.
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Aptitude-Blue Sprig Pediatrics https://www.bluesprigautism.com/bluesprig-oak-harbor/ (360)279-2000 Serves Coupeville to Oak Harbor.
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Leaps and Beyond, Inc. www.leapsandbeyond.com (866)240-0808 Serves Whidbey Island.
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Autism Learning Solutions (Tricare Only) (541)517-0095
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SOAR Behavior Services https://soarbehaviorwa.com/ (509)999-5657
Federal, State, and County Resources
Federal
Social Security Administration (SSA) (800) 772-1213 https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/
Determines eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as well as other federal benefit programs for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Washington State
Developmental Disabilities Administration
(DDA) Home and community-based services for children and adults with developmental disabilities, including Medicaid Personal Care, Employment, Supported Living, Therapies, and Respite.
Region 2 (Island County) (800) 788-2053 Everett: (425)740-6400 Mt. Vernon (360) 429-3103 Email: DD3FSO@dshs.wa.gov
Island County
Developmental Disabilities
Mike Etzell
(360) 678-7883 mikeet@islandcountywa.gov
