Albany Chapter of the Autism Society of America www.albanyautism.org.
        Mission is to promote lifelong access and opportunities for people on the autism spectrum and their families so they can be fully participating, included members of their communities. This is accomplished through advocacy, public awareness, education, compassionate support and research related to autism.

Asperger's Syndrome Advocacy Group of Schenectady
        Asperger's Syndrome Group of Schenectady is an organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and understanding of Asperger's Syndrome and other disabilities as they impact education. For more information, contact Lynn at LMGOLIBER@aol.com.

Capital Region Autism Discussion Board  www.cdautism@yahoogroups.com
        The Capital District Autism Board (CDAUTISM) was created to provide parents and caretakers with an open forum to discuss services, education and treatment options for children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder who reside within the Greater Capital District Area.  The list is to provide resource information and support. Posts are not limited to any type of therapy or subject. This is for people to share their experiences and ask/answer questions about Autism Spectrum Disorder. Members are encouraged to share information and ask questions about medical, educational and therapeutic treatments, both traditional and non-traditional. Professionals are welcomed in this group.

Catholic Charities Disabilities Services
Contact: 783-1111, ext 367
www.ccdservices.org
        Multi-county regional provider serving people with Prader-Willi Syndrome since 1995.  Residential and community programs are designed to meet the specific and unique needs of those with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)
        Community-based program that provides program development, training and support for families, professionals and peers of people with autism and related disabilities Staff members travel to visit constituents in their homes, schools and wherever assistance is needed.  All services are free. For information contact 422-2574 or www.albany.edu/psy/autism/autism.html 

Center for Disability Services
Contact: 437-5623
http://www.cfdsny.org/whatsnew/
        Free educational programs for parents and professionals.  The Center hosts an annual conference on Asperger Syndrome/PDD in the spring. 

Child and Adolescent Mobile Team (CAMT)
Assists children, adolescents and their families in resolving crisis situations and to avert unnecessary hospitalizations by enabling youngsters to remain in the community. The team consists of a Behaviorist, a Social Work Supervisor and three additional Social Workers and a Family Advocate. The team is available to Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady Counties children and adolescents (up to 18 or older if still in school) who are experiencing and emotional and/or behavioral crisis. CAMT provides the following services: telephone consultations, crisis assessment, intervention and stabilization, and facilitation of alternate levels of care. The Team can be accessed through "gatekeepers" in each of the three counties as follows: Albany County Children's Mental Health Clinic (518) 447-4550 and Mobile Crisis Team (518) 447-9650. Rensselaer County Unified Services (518) 270-2800 and Samaritan Hospital (518) 271-3540. Child Guidance Center of Northeast Parent and Child Society in Schenectady (518) 381-8911 and Elis Hospital (518) 243-4000.

Compassionate Friends
Self-help group offering friendship and understanding for bereaved parents and relatives, third Tuesday of the month, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 85 Chestnut St., Albany, 438-7316.

Community Human Services
Contact: 399-4624
http://www.chsny.org/index.html
        Support group for parents of children with social, emotional or behavioral disorders such as A.D.D./H.D, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome/PDD-NOS and others. Advocacy, information, and referral.

D.A.D. Stands for Dads and Disabilities
        A support group for fathers of children with disabilities, issues discussed in a friendly atmosphere, meets the fourth Monday of each month, 7 pm, Grace Fellowship Building, call Bill Eckert at 794-8340.

Developmental Pediatrics
Contact: 782-7733
http://www.dpeds.com/index.php
        Offers workshops to schools and agencies about Aspergers, ADHD, and Nonverbal Learning Disability.

Parents in Transition
Center for the Disabled
Smith Center
Route 155
16141 State Farm Road
Guiderland
        Self-help group run by parents, for parents (or guardians) with a family member already in residence will meet the second Monday each month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For information, contact Karen Pass at 783-6203 x 5974.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Parent Connections Group
        SPD-Parent Connections is a parent-run grass roots effort that provides support, information, and understanding to anyone living with a child with SPD, or anyone wanting to learn more about SPD.  Support comes through group discussions, education, resources, and guest speakers.   Meetings are held on the 2nd Wed of the month at 6:00 PM at the Ballston Area Community Center in Ballston Spa. For more information, call Daniele at 885-6922.

Sibling Groups

The Bus Stop Club
Contact: 262-5685
        Free program for children, ages 7 – 15, who have a sibling suffering from a chronic illness.

SOARING
Contact: 482-1548
        “Siblings on a Ride in Nurturing Groups!” is a special time for brothers and sisters of those with special needs to share a snack, talk, and play a game or participate in an activity.  Meetings at the Center for Disability Services in Albany are small and informal and kids range in age from 8 to 15.

Sibshops
Contact: 442-2574
        CARD at SUNY Albany hosts Sibshops for siblings of children with special needs.

Upstate Access Network www.upstateaccess.org
        New York's Capital-Saratoga-Adirondack regional source for disability issues and information.  Featuring an interactive accessibility guide by people with disabilities for people with disabilities; information you can trust from a true end user's view.

Wildwood Family and Community Services
Contact: 356-6410
http://www.wildwood.edu/informaiton/overview.html
        Wildwood serves individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and other neurologically based developmental disabilities and their families in the Capital Region. Sibling group, newsletter, counseling, support groups, information, referral, and advocacy.

Wildwood Programs Parent Support Group
        Parents of both young and adult children are invited to monthly meetings where parents can share ideas, struggles, and joys. The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month. For information, call Eileen Marrone at 783-9260, ext.5562.

Wits End Family Support Group
        For parents and caregivers of children experiencing emotional, behavioral, and/or social difficulties. Meetings are held first and third Monday each month at Vanderhyden Hall Community Services, 128 Main Ave., Wynantskill. Call
Jill Sharp at 283-3458, ext. 15.

 

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