Below is a listing of Autism Society chapters and additional support groups across Indiana for parents and other family members of children and adults across the autism spectrum. This information is provided to help those families trying to locate a group for support. The support groups listed may or may not provide you and your family with the specific kind of support you are seeking. Please call or email the contact person directly. In some cases, check Facebook to find out about the specific focus of the support group, and to learn about meeting places, current meeting schedule and any updates since this information was last revised. Some groups have Facebook pages, an email listserv, or blogs you can ask about when you make direct contact. Inclusion on this list does reflect an endorsement of any specific group.
Contents
- National organizations
- Statewide organizations, including online-only groups
- Kentucky organizations
- Anderson
- Auburn
- Bloomington
- Columbus
- Crown Point
- East Chicago/Northwest Indiana
- Evansville
- Floyds Knobs
- Fort Wayne
- Goshen
- Greenfield
- Greenwood
- Indianapolis
- Jasper
- Jeffersonville
- Kokomo
- Lafayette/West Lafayette
- Linton
- Merrillville/NW Indiana
- Muncie
- Noblesville
- Shelbyville
- Winona Lake
National Organizations
Autism Society
6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 305
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: 1-800-328-8476
Fax: 240-744-0545
Indiana Statewide Organizations
Autism Society of Indiana (ASI)
1800 N. Meridian Street, Suite 103B
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 1-800-609-8449
Fax: 317-942-0938
info@inautism.org
autismsocietyofindiana.org
facebook.com/autismindiana
Autism Society of Indiana Northeast Office
127 Airport North Office Park
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Autism Society of Indiana (ASI) has Area Support Coordinators to assist individuals and family members living with autism. Coordinators are personally affected by autism (they may be a parent, family member, or an individual on the autism spectrum) and have a solid foundation of what it is like to have and manage an autism spectrum disorder. Because every part of Indiana has different needs, the coordinators work hard to know the services provided by local disability providers, community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, and state agencies. Also, check the ASI website for other programs they offer to support to families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Autism Quality of Life- Indiana Families (Online)
Contact: Jane Hornett
(317) 403-6705
jane@autismcompanionservices.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/aqolfamilies
Private group with focus on sharing information and resources around services and experiences regarding families of both children and adults on the autism spectrum.
Hope for Our Children: Biomedical Options for Healing (Online)
Contact: Sheila Edwards
hopeandlavender@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/HopeForOurChildren
A group for families who are interested in learning more about natural and medical treatments and therapies, including special diets, nutrition, blood tests, and allergy tests. To be added to this group, request to join and answer the required questions.
Indiana ABA Parents (Parents Only) (Online)
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/IndianaABAParents
Private group for parents and guardians of children who need intensive behavioral (ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. Main focus of group is insurance funding for ABA therapy, but discussion may include other topics such as special education, speech, physical and occupational therapies and recreational activities. To be added to this group, request to join and answer the required questions.
Indy Parents Special Needs Community (Online)
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/949016611791391
Private group for parents of children with developmental delays or disabilities find support and resources in the Indianapolis area. To be added to this group, request to join and answer the required questions.
Our Journey (Indiana Parents of Adults w/Developmental Disabilities) (Online)
Contact: Jeanne Fitzgerald, besmommy2000@yahoo.com
Contact: Patty Reed, phreed1@aol.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/OurJourneyINFADD
Private group for parents. The main focus of this group is sharing information and resources around services especially in the transition years into adult life.
Anderson
Through the Eyes of Special Kids
Contact: Maggie Mattingly
765-610-4674
throughtheeyesofspecialkids@gmail.com
No support group meetings currently. Contact Maggie for information and disability resources for families of children with all disabilities.
Auburn
DeKalb County Autism Support Group
Contact: Amy Woodcox
260-920-2575
Facebook: DeKalb County Autism Support Group
This group meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM at Jeremiah’s Brewed Awakenings. Provides parents, families and caregivers of children and adults with ASD a place to meet others experiencing similar circumstances. Closed Facebook group online used for sharing and group announcements.
Jeremiah’s Brewed Awakenings
101 E. 9th Street
Auburn, IN 46706
Bloomington
Bloomington Autism Support Group
Contact: Esther Asplund
812-333-8972
esther.asplund@att.net
No face to face meetings. Contact Esther Asplund to be added to announcement only listserv.
Columbus
Columbus Autism Network Support Group
Contact: Nancy Hiquet or Heather Baker
columbusautismnetwork@gmail.com
The Arc of Bartholomew County
2060 Doctors Park Drive
Columbus, IN 47203
812-372-0610
columbusautismnetwork.com
Facebook: Columbus Autism Network group
Crown Point
Autism Spectrum Coalition
PO Box 524
Crown Point, IN 46308
Contact: Susan Moreno
219-789-9874
info@aspergersyndrome.org
aspergersyndrome.org
Facebook: Autism Spectrum Coalition
East Chicago/Northwest Indiana
Grupo Hope “Organizacion Hispana de Padres Con Hijos Excepcionales”
Contact: Ofelia Jimenez, 219-256-9210, jimenezsahagun@aol.com
Contact: Maria Maldonado, 219-308-8331, chavedaniel10@yahoo.com
Contact: Nellie Feliciano, 219-677 0582, NEL4743@aol.com
Grupo de apoyo para padres que proporciona informacion y capacitacion a padres de niños con discapacidades. Tambien tenemos actividades sociales para los niños y sus familias.
Evansville
Autism Evansville
P.O. Box 8052
Evansville, IN 47716
Contact: Katy Grant
812-202-9405
director@autismevansville.org
autismevansville.org
Facebook: facebook.com/iasf4u
This group provides parent support group meetings and a variety of programs and events to promote autism awareness to the community and support to families.
Floyds Knobs
Autism Society of Kentuckiana (ASK)
5917 Scottsville-Navilleton
Floyds Knobs, IN 47119
Contact: Vonya Gresham, 502-533-9129
Fort Wayne
My Autism Ally Adventures in Autism Caregiver Support Group, and Spectrum Sisters (females 18 years and over)
Contact: Susan Crowell
260-207-4686
myautismally@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/myautismally
Check Facebook. Currently offering Facebook live events and Google Meet events.
Turnstone Parent Support Group
3320 North Clinton Street
Ft. Wayne, IN 46805
Contact: Angela Williams
260-483-2100
angela@turnstone.org
Facebook: facebook.com/TurnstoneCenter
Offered for primary caregivers of children with special needs (not diagnosis or age specific). This group meets the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm. Please be sure to contact Angela Williams in advance of the group to register and/or RSVP.
Goshen
Asperger/Autism Support Group of Goshen
Contact: Brenda Yost
574-742-6394
zdenek527@yahoo.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/113425605401036
Currently an online support group. Information posted on the private Facebook group page.
Greenfield
Families United for Support and Encouragement (FUSE)
1133 W. Main Street Suite E
Greenfield, IN 46140
Contact: Sara Cummins
317-462-9064
scummins@fuseinc.org
fuseinc.org
Facebook: facebook.com/fuseinc
Families can engage with FUSE by phone, email social media or by attending any of their events. An online newsletter provides individuals and families with current disability news and information.
Greenwood
Autism Community Connection
2455 Fairview Place, Box 2
Greenwood, IN 46143
Contact: Kelli Higgins, Executive Director
317-676-4222 x 1
k.higgins@autismcc-in.org
autismcc-in.org
Facebook: facebook.com/AutismccIN
As a nonprofit organization, their mission is to serve individuals with autism and their families, in and around the Johnson County area, by connecting them with community resources, social events and enriching programs to help navigate their autism journey.
Indianapolis
Easter Seals Crossroads Autism Family Support Group
c/o Autism Family Resource Center
Easter Seals Crossroads
4740 Kingsway Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Contact: Bonnie Fisher
317-466-1000 x2488
bfisher@eastersealscrossroads.org
eastersealscrossroads.org/?page_id=354
Group for parents or caregivers of a child with autism to meet other parents and caregivers at Parent Support Group meetings held every 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Autism Family Resource Center.
Grupo de Apoyo para Latinos con Autismo (GALA)
708 E Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Contact: Aura Roblero
317-209-7863
aura@fvindiana.org
Facebook: facebook.com/galagrupodeapoyo
TACA (The Autism Community in Action)- Indiana
tacanow.org/local-chapters/midwest/indiana
Facebook: facebook.com/TACAIndiana
Check Website and Facebook for events and to contact Indiana TACA coordinators.
Jasper
SOS Kids – Supporting our Special Kids
Contact: Dara O’Neil
812-631-3654
oneilgang@hotmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/SOS-Kids-Supporting-Our-Special-Kids-Parent-Network-113920479374
Group dedicated to connecting parents or caregivers who live in SW Indiana to enable parent to parent sharing of information. Provides information and support regarding all age groups of children with special needs.
Jeffersonville
REACH-IN Special Needs Family Support Groups, INC
Contact: Tracy Brown
812-736-9276
ourreachin@yahoo.com
This group welcomes parents of children with ANY/ALL disabilities. Currently online group meetings are held every Thursday evening 6:30-8pm by invite to Zoom. If you wish to join, contact Tracy Brown at 812-736-9276 to join the Facebook group. In the future, face to face meetings are planned. Contact Tracy Brown with questions and/or check website often for updates.
Kokomo
Autism Resource Center of Kokomo - ARCK
614 E Boulevard
Kokomo, IN 46902
Contact: 765-210-0226
contact.us@arc-kokomo.org
arc-kokomo.org
Facebook:facebook.com/arc.kokomo
No support group meetings currently. Currently, ARCK supports families on an individual basis. Consultations and lending library are available. There is a lending library with books, materials and therapeutic items that can assist families on their autism journey.
Kokomo Parents of Children with Autism
2548 Walker Avenue
Kokomo, IN 46901
Contact: Aimee Jenkins
765-252-8990
belovedjoy79@yahoo.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/277198992464549
Kokomo Parents of Children with Autism is a closed group; go to Facebook page and ask to join. Group meets once a month for coffee and will schedule other meetings if there is interest. Group focused on sharing information, encouragement and support.
Lafayette/West Lafayette
Somewhere on the Spectrum Autism Support Group
Wabash Center-Grant’s House
2000 Greenbush Street
Lafayette, IN 47904
Contact: Andrea Gilkison
765-461-6815
gilkison519@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/somewhereonthespectrum
Support for individuals, parents, caregivers and professionals affected by autism. Meets the third Monday of every month.
Linton
Autism Parent Support Group of Greene/Sullivan
Contact: Krisi Crabb
krisicrabb@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/1464297173898557
Meetings and events vary. Check Facebook group for up to date information.
Merrillville/NW Indiana
VENT Parent Support Group
Contact: Elena Luna Magallanes, 800-609-8449 ext. 101, eluna@inautism.org
Contact: Mariann Frumento, 219-791-1400, mfrumento@innil.net
Facebook: VENT Parent Support Group
Support group for parents of individuals with autism. Group meets each month at different days and different locations throughout Northwest Indiana. Check Facebook page, phone or email for more information on meetings.
Muncie
Interlock ECI: Come Together for Autism
P.O. Box 1300
Muncie, IN 47308
Contact: 765-273-3362
autisminterlock@gmail.com
interlockin.org
Facebook: facebook.com/interlockindiana
Facebook Autism Support Group: facebook.com/groups/197176993645821
Interlock networks with providers and families to bring the best of both worlds together. Their mission is to assist and educate families in East Central Indiana living with autism spectrum disorders, and to assist local special education classrooms to accommodate the needs of students with autism spectrum disorders.
New Albany
REACH-IN Special Needs Family Support Groups, INC
Contact: Tracy Brown
812-736-9276
ourreachin@yahoo.com
This group welcomes parents of children with ANY/ALL disabilities. Currently online group meetings are held every Thursday evening 6:30-8pm by invite to Zoom. If you wish to join, contact Tracy Brown at 812-736-9276 to join the Facebook group. In the future, face to face meetings are planned. Contact Tracy Brown with questions and/or check website often for updates.
Parents of Children with Autism Support Group
Katelyn’s Place Psychology and Autism Services
2676 Charlestown Road, Suite 3
New Albany, IN 47150
Contact: Dr. Josh Smith
502-303-4063
drjoshindiana@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/drjoshpsychology
Hosting parent/caregiver meetings on some Saturdays beginning 9/5/20. Group offers parents and caregivers of children and adults on the autism spectrum an opportunity to meet each other for support, encouragement and learning. Meetings will focus on a specific topic of interest such as understanding the diagnosis and various treatments. Check Facebook for meeting details.
Noblesville
The Hazel Center
17438 Trailview Circle
Noblesville, IN 46062
Contact: Lorri Navarro
317-813-9524
info@thehazelcenter.com
thehazelcenter.com
Facebook: facebook.com/thehazelcenter
The Hazel Center offers a social group for children with high functioning autism/Asperger's, a parent support group, a sibling group and a childcare option so that the entire family can attend.
Shelbyville
Families United for Support and Encouragement (FUSE)
1133 W. Main Street, Suite E
Greenfield, IN 46140
Contact: Sara Cummins
317-462-9064
scummins@fuseinc.org
fuseinc.org
Facebook: facebook.com/fuseinc
Monthly meetings at Shelby County Public Library Carnegie East Wing; 57 W Broadway St, Shelbyville.
Winona Lake
Lakes Area Autism Network (LAAN) Support Group
Lakes Area of Kosciusko County and surrounding areas
Contact: Jon Ekhoff
330-749-5906
laan2011@yahoo.com
laansupport.webs.com
Facebook: facebook.com/LAANInc
Check Facebook for information about events and resources for families and others who support individuals with autism.
Kentucky
Autism Society of Kentuckiana (ASK)
P.O. Box 21895
Louisville, KY 40221-0895
Contact: Rebecca Thompson
502-263-5708
info@ask-lou.org
Monthly support meetings, second Saturday of each month: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. Contact Rebecca Thompson to be added to listserv for meeting announcements.
Suggested Citation
Wheeler, M. (2020). Autism Society of America Chapters and Parent Support Groups in Indiana.