PBS Lab

The Autism Blog

The Autism Blog is designed to be a resource on autism and gives you an opportunity to comment on posts and engage with experts. It can provide information that may be helpful to raising a child with autism. Topics can range from selecting a summer camp to sibling support to new research findings.

  • Ask Dr. Emily
    • Ask Dr. Emily Neuhaus, a clinical psychologist at Seattle Children’s Autism Center, your questions about autism. She will share her insights in a question and answer format.
  • The Autism Blogcast
    • Short videos featuring various autism experts and guests discussing a wide range of topics, including the latest news in research and community happenings.
  • Science with Sara
    • Dr. Sara Webb discusses various research studies.
    • Also included are interviews with various clinical and research autism leaders to get their insight on new findings.

Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT)

FEAT is a wonderful, non-profit organization that offers many programs and services to support families of children with autism. Here are some of the programs they provide for you!

  • Ben’s Fund Autism Grant
    • Ben’s Fund provides grant opportunities to families across Washington state who need financial assistance with services specifically related to autism spectrum disorder. Ben’s Fund accepts applications year-round for children and young adults ages 0-23.
    • For more information about Ben’s Fund, contact Karen Summers at bensfund@featwa.org or call (425) 502-6035.

For more information about FEAT resources, contact them at familyresources@featwa.org or call (425) 223-5126 ext 100.

Classes at the Seattle Children’s Autism Center (SCAC)

The SCAC provides great informative sessions for parents and caregivers of children with ASD. Below are some of the classes that they provide for you!

  • Autism: Next Steps
    • A three-part class series that aims to provide information and support for parents and caregivers who have a 15-21 year old child with ASD. Ask your Autism Center provider for more information.
  • Autism 101
    • A free 90-minute lecture, offered every three months.
    • For families with children recently diagnosed with ASD.
    • Lectures are held at Seattle Children’s Hospital’s main campus in room RC.3.905 near the River entrance.
    • Flyer for the 2020 class schedule (PDF file).
  • Autism 200 Series
    • A series of free 90-minute classes for parents and caregivers. Faculty from Seattle Children’s and the University of Washington and community providers teach the classes.
    • Lectures are held at Seattle Children’s Hospital’s main campus in Wright Auditorium.
    • Flyer for the 2020 class schedule (PDF file).
  • Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center
    • Offers classes for adults age 18 or older with ASD or other developmental disabilities.
    • Focus on social activities, recreation, health and wellness, independent living and vocational training.

For more information about any of these classes, call (206) 987-8080 or go to  http://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics-programs/autism-center/resources/.

Support Groups

  • Supporting Parents of Autism: Autism Speaks
    • Designed for parents of toddlers, school aged children, and young adults who have autism.
    • Comprehensive guides for parents or grandparents of youth who have autism.
  • My Autism Team
    • A social network for parents of children with autism (endorsed by AutismSpeaks).
  • Sibshops
    • Designed to provide peer support and education for siblings of children with special needs.
    • Siblings must be ages 6 to 9 and 10 to 13.

For more support groups, see http://theautismblog.seattlechildrens.org/autism-and-parent-support-groups/.