The following list includes organizations and resources that have been helpful to families with an autistic family member.  Please note that some large organizations have been criticized by autistic advocates for their previous stances and goals related to autism. Therefore, we recommend gathering information from multiple reliable organizations and include several options on our list. We hope you find this resource page helpful!

General resource organizations: The following resources offer a broad range of information, support, services, and referrals for autistic people and their families.

  • Autism Society of America is a non-profit organization that provides support, resources, and advocacy efforts related to ASD. autism-society.org
  • Autism Speaks is a non-profit organization that provides evidence-based information to families. Several different informational and resource guides are available on their website: https://www.autismspeaks.org
  • California Regional Centers are a group of government-funded, non-profit organizations that works to coordinate or provide services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Regional centers provide specific free services and funding for services to those who quality. Services include psycho-diagnostic assessments, case management, respite care, and access to a range of programs and services to individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.
  • Special Needs Network is a non-profit organization that offers several programs for parents as well as direct ASD services in Los Angeles. Parent programs include a telephone help desk, parent to parent mentorship programs, community events and fairs, parent groups, and more. https://snnla.org
  • The Help Group: provides educational webinars and a range of services for autistic individuals in Los Angeles including schools, therapy, and support programs for families https://www.thehelpgroup.org/
  • Parents Helping Parents: is an organization that provides support, information, and training to parents of children with disabilities (including but not limited to autism). https://www.php.com/

Guides for Families new to the Autism diagnosis:

Support Groups for Parents:

  • Autism Speaks resource guide includes a support group finder: https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide
  • Psychology Today search engine is a useful tool for finding therapists that may offer group therapy or support groups. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
  • Parents sometimes find success in connecting with other parents through their child’s school.  Consider reaching out to your local school’s special education department to see if there are any groups or peer mentorship programs.

Information and Education on Autism for Family Members 

Informational Phone Lines:

  • Autism Response Team (ART) will answer questions, connect you with tools and resources, and help you find autism services and supports in your community. They also have a toll free number you can call at any time Monday-Friday 1-888-AUTISM2 (1-888-288-4762). En Español: 1-888-772-9050 https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-response-team-art
  • Autism Society of Los Angeles Warm Line: Please call (424) 299-1531 if you have any questions regarding you or your loved ones diagnosis and navigation of the healthcare system. ASLA’s Resource Specialist will return your call to help address your questions or concerns. https://www.autismla.org/1/program/speaker-series/