When you first get the Autism Diagnosis, you might feel relieved or maybe a little bit of grief. Relieved that you can finally formulate a plan. Grief because some of your dreams and hopes may not happen. Some people throw the sink at Autism (ME!), while others may dip their toe in and try one treatment at a time. Right now you might be feeling overwhelmed, but please know it’ll be ok. Maybe not what you expected, but so much more. Kids with Autism teach us to slow down and enjoy the little things. #autismfamily

Local Autism Family Information and Resources

Top Elementary Schools for Kids with Autism in Hampton Roads

Plan Bee Academy – Autism School

Join Spectrum Parents – a Local Support Group for Parents with Kids on the Spectrum

➡ Join our Autism Family Spectrum Parents Meetup

Like our Autism Events Page

Make it a great School Year – Tips from a Veteran Autism Mom

➡  Special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities: wrightslaw.com

Transition HelpBook

DOCTORS

➡ Dr. Eric Madren is one of our favorite family Autism Docs. Get on his waitlist now. 757-548-0076

➡ Dr. John Harrington, CHKD. (757) 668-7400

TASA – Autism Society –757.461.4474 (This is your first stop – Ask about Autism 101

THERAPISTS

➡ Ron Jacobson – Ron, along with defining, setting, and tracking your goals, will help you focus on every important aspect of your attitudes and actions that determine your success in each area of interest in your life

➡ OakTree Counseling – Nikki is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She specializes in helping autistic families- children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake find better ways to live, work, and play happier.

 COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Tidewater Autism Society 

➡ FACT – Families of Autistic Children in Tidewater – 757.788.1993

The Hitching Post – you have to check this resource out. So many awesome programs -757.606. 0756

Inside Out Learners – provides social skills instruction, academic tutoring, teen socials, and autism family engaging activities

Vital Therapy – SPEECH AND OT – and they have openings! 757.499.1290

Pennington Group Full Spectrum Services – ABA 757-472-1930

JT TMCA Camp Grom – Adventure Park for Wounded Warriors, the families of fallen war heroes, and children and adults with differing abilities. Have you been to this place? No? It ROCKS.

➡ Wahine Surf Camp – Our mission is to promote a healthy active lifestyle and the importance of water sports to our area, participate and support local community service programs, environmentally conscious-minded, and we host our annual event in October called Coastal Edge Surf For The Cure which is to bring awareness to breast cancer and raise funds for our local chapter Susan. Wahine ❤️

Seth Broudy School of Surf – Virginia Beach’s premier surf camps & surf lessons! We offer summer family autism surf camps and private surf lessons for all ages (6+)

POWER Running Group!!

All Abilities ✔️
Fine Motor Skills ✔️
Gross Motor Skills ✔️ Processing Skills ✔️
1-2-3 Step Directions ✔️
Social Skills ✔️
Endorphins ✔️
Friends ✔️
Happiness ✔️