Empowering parents to educate, encourage, support and advocate for their child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The Autism Center supports families to navigate the ever evolving process of understanding the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Autism Center’s mission is to create a learning environment that supports parents to encourage, educate, and advocate for their child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The Center is an extension of wrap-around services accessible to families connected with LRCS and also for those looking to establish community connections. We understand that families with a new diagnosis are often overwhelmed with what to do and where to begin. Families looking for specialized assistance, guidance and navigation of therapy and treatment options, resources and support are welcome to request a consultation.
Person-centered portfolios can be designed for families to help meet their child’s needs – whether facilitating transitions, improving acclimation to new settings and people – or reaching another goal important to the child’s development and to the family as a whole. Trained staff regularly observe and assist in inclusive programs offered by the Family Resource Center, such as Giggles & Grins Playgroup, to develop child and parental confidence over time.
Does my child have autism?
If your child is enrolled in Family Centered Early Supports and Services (FCESS) program and you’ve raised this question, we will walk with you side-by-side down this road. With your permission, your Service Coordinator will work with you to make a referral to one of the Child Development Clinics across the state. Once an appointment has been set, your Service Coordinator can attend with you to provide support.
ACEing Autism Adaptive Tennis Program Ages 10 – 18
The Autism Center is partnering with Advantage Kids (an adaptive tennis program serving the Lakes Region) to bring an exciting new program ACEing Autism to New Hampshire. ACEing Autism is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization that started nationally in 2008.
The first ACEing program in the state of New Hampshire began in Laconia on October 15, 2017 in the fall of 2017 and is currently offered twice a year at the Laconia Boys and Girls Club. If you have a child between the ages of 10 and 18, this is a great opportunity to have them engage in a strengths-based adaptive tennis curriculum that helps them develop physical stamina, hand-eye coordination, turn-taking and having fun.
For dates, times and locations visit the ACEing autism web site at https://aceingautism.org/
Parent Education
The Autism Center sponsors a variety of parent education opportunities including:
- An Open House in the fall, a tabling event featuring many agencies and resources.
- Guest speakers on varied topics including ABA’s, the IEP process and advocacy, and Occupational Therapists
- A bi-annual 12 week class for parents and caregivers of a child with a developmental disability or special needs.