The Autism Support Network (ASN) connects families and individuals touched by ASD with each other, provides support and insight, and acts as a resource guide for education, treatments, strategies and therapies for autism (Autism Support Network, 2010). The ASN provides a safe place for connecting with others, fellowship, and understanding of this complex disorder.
For those with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, or fragile X, finding a support network is vital. A plethora of organizations are offering support; however, the ASN offers more than a network of support; they offer a world-class community of parental involvement, professional guidance, a hub for joining in on conversations and the opportunity to review current, relevant research.
ASN's Mission
The goal of the ASN is to provide support and resources to individuals and families faced with understanding and living with autism. Their mission “connect, guide and unite” encompasses all facets of understanding autism – whether that means the initial diagnosis, the day-to-day living and coping needed, relationship and therapeutic strategies and the latest information.
Researching Autism
The ASN offers an array of sections within their magnificent website. Reaching out to every demographic, the ASN offers resources for any person seeking understanding and support regarding autism including parents, professionals, a grandparent, friends, neighbors, or students researching the field of autism.
Being a one-stop, virtual place to connect for autism-related topics has never been easier with the vast array of information available at the ASN website. For example, the ASN website offers:
- A support community
- resources section
- autism news section
- a web page dedicated to upcoming autism events
- chatting with others
- press-related information
- a page explaining the mission statement of the ASN
- networking widgets
Some additional features on the ASN website include a section to help with locating available grants for autism-related projects, a section offering a large collection of reviewed and suggested book titles and an area within the website that allows for one to locate what resources are available in their community.
Autism Around the World
Not only does the ASN facilitate support in the United States, they are very active in bringing awareness and understanding about autism to other countries. Some of the more recent events and awareness campaigns the ASN participated in include:
- Autism Support Network and Beijing Stars and Rain join to heighten autism awareness in China
- Autism Support Network and Autism South Africa Together Engage to Heighten Autism Awareness, Support
- Autism Support Network and Hagar International Partner for Autism Awareness in Cambodia
- Autism Support Network & the Israeli Society for Autistic Children Form International Alliance
Offer Help to Autism Awareness
Volunteering with the ASN can include becoming involved in chat sessions, submitting scholarly articles to publish on their site to bring higher levels of understanding to the autism community, and contributing to continuing the success of their support network by joining their free online community.
Whether one is searching for a resource, a publication, or a group of people to chat with regarding autism, the ASN is the place to go for everything autism-related. With the exceedingly high interest in autism, countless associations, publications, websites and social networking avenues have sprung up. However, the ASN sets itself apart; they provide a community of hope, encouragement, and unparalleled commitment to awareness for the world of autism.
*The author of this article is not an employee of or is in no way affiliated with the Autism Support Network and has authored the article for educational and research purposes.
Sources:
Autism Support Network (2010). Retrieved on July 17, 2010
Jessica McCallister - My name is Jessica McCallister and I live in a little town in Eastern Oregon! I have come to this website to begin my publishing ...
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