Autism Help in Oklahoma Makes a Difference

Autism Help Resources in Oklahoma

Access to resources and support can make a world of difference for individuals and families affected by autism. In Oklahoma, there are several organizations dedicated to providing such assistance.

Autism Foundation of Oklahoma Services

The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma offers comprehensive support for individuals with autism and their families. Their services encompass a wide range of areas, including community resources, advocacy, camps, education, employment, individual & family support, financial assistance and planning, healthcare, housing, legal services, safety resources, and sports/recreation programs.

The foundation's goal is to address the diverse needs of individuals with autism, providing them with the resources and services necessary for a fulfilling life. By offering a comprehensive suite of services, they are able to reach out to individuals with autism at different stages of their lives and in various situations.

OSDE Special Education Services in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) offers Special Education Services committed to providing guidance and support for children with disabilities as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA). This support extends from infancy to adulthood.

The IDEA mandates that all children with disabilities have access to a free, appropriate public education that meets their unique needs. Through their Special Education Services, OSDE helps to ensure that this mandate is fulfilled for children with autism and other disabilities in Oklahoma.

By exploring these resources, families and individuals affected by autism can find the support and assistance they need. Whether it's through education, healthcare, housing, or recreational programs, these organizations are dedicated to improving the quality of life for those with autism in Oklahoma. It's all part of the broader effort to offer effective autism help in Oklahoma.

Support Programs in Oklahoma

When it comes to autism help in Oklahoma, there are several organizations and centers that offer various programs and services to assist individuals and families affected by autism. These include AutismOklahoma, the Oklahoma Autism Network, and the Lee Mitchener Tolbert Center.

AutismOklahoma Programs

AutismOklahoma is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 by parents in Oklahoma to improve the quality of life and create opportunities for loved ones with autism [3]. The organization's value-centered approach serves families, children, teens, and adults, resulting in more happiness, joy, and a higher quality of life for individuals with autism.

AutismOklahoma offers various events and programs such as Drive Fore Autism in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Kendra Scott Give Back Event, Contender eSports Gaming Nights, and Remington Park Extreme Racing for Charity. These initiatives engage families and the community in supporting individuals affected by autism. The organization provides a platform for parents, providers, professionals, and community partners who have a heart to serve families affected by autism, aiming to create unique opportunities for a better quality of life.

Through 85 free or nearly free programs, AutismOklahoma improves the quality of life for 4,500 autistic individuals and family members each year.

All the programs are funded by donations, and it is noteworthy that 100% of every dollar donated stays in Oklahoma, with 95 cents of every dollar donated used to fund programs that serve Oklahomans [3].

Oklahoma Autism Network Resources

The Oklahoma Autism Network provides a Provider Directory as a service to families. This directory lists professionals who offer services and supports to individuals with autism or their families in Oklahoma. The network is a valuable resource for families seeking autism help in Oklahoma, providing a comprehensive list of service providers in the area.

Lee Mitchener Tolbert Center Services

The Lee Mitchener Tolbert Center for Development Disabilities at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offers autism help in Oklahoma City. Located at 1200 N. Stonewall Ave., Oklahoma City, OK, 73177, the center can be contacted at Tel: 405.271.7476 or 877.228.8476 or via Email: [email protected].

The center provides a range of services and resources for individuals with autism and their families, including diagnostic evaluations, intervention services, and support groups. They are committed to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families by providing high-quality services and resources.

In conclusion, there are a variety of support programs and resources available for individuals and families seeking autism help in Oklahoma. By accessing these resources, families can receive the support and services they need to improve the quality of life for their loved ones with autism.

Education and Advocacy Support

There are numerous education and advocacy support services available to assist families and individuals affected by autism in Oklahoma. These services are designed to provide resources, advice, and assistance to those in need, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.

IDEA and Special Education in Oklahoma

Autism is recognized as a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in Oklahoma. This legislation, which was initially established in 1975 and most recently reauthorized in 2004, ensures that children with specified disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The law covers children from 0 to 21 years of age.

Children aged 3 through 9 with disabilities like autism may be described as developmentally delayed, making them eligible for special education services under IDEA. Furthermore, children with autism may require related services such as speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, counseling services, or medical services for diagnostic and evaluation purposes in order to benefit from the special education provided under IDEA.

Assistive Technology Services

Under IDEA, assistive technology devices and services must be provided to children with disabilities like autism. This ensures accessibility to education by including the word "acquisition" in the definition of assistive technology services. The Oklahoma State Department of Education and other centers in Oklahoma provide technical assistance and resources regarding special education for children with disabilities like autism under IDEA.

Oklahoma Support Groups and Centers

In addition to educational and technological support, there are several support groups and centers in Oklahoma that provide valuable resources for families dealing with autism.

The Oklahoma Family Network offers one-to-one mentorship through peer-to-peer mentorship programs, providing parents with the support they need [7].

The Oklahoma Parents Center serves as Oklahoma's designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), offering support, training, and information to parents, families, professionals, and consumers to meet the needs of children and youth with disabilities [7].

The Pervasive Parenting Center is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to families affected by autism and other disabilities in eastern Oklahoma. They help families understand their rights and advocate to ensure they receive necessary services, including support in Individual Education Program (IEP) Meetings. Services are provided at no charge to families.

The Arc of Oklahoma assists families by providing information about the special education process, rights of students and families, navigation through the special education system including understanding IDEA, early intervention services, IEPs, and Section 504. Services are offered at no charge to families.

These organizations play a crucial role in providing autism help in Oklahoma, offering invaluable resources and support to families and individuals affected by autism.