Resources for Families of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Note: This information is being distributed by the Troy City School District as a community service to families for informational purposes only. Troy CSD does not endorse any of the organization’s linked websites, and we do not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer. Additionally, Troy CSD does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of information contained on a linked website.

Jump to (on this page): Local Agencies  |  Agencies that provide Autism evaluations  |  Professional Development, Family and Community Supports


Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

https://www.albany.edu/autism

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University at Albany (CARD Albany) is a resource center for families, educators, and community professionals. CARD Albany offers:

  • education and training for school personnel, families, and community professionals
  • comprehensive evaluations for autism spectrum disorders
  • ongoing research to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism
  • experiential learning opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students

The New York State Regional Centers for Autism Spectrum Disorders are a partnership of six university-affiliated programs across New York State. The partnership has an overarching goal of identifying, disseminating, and assisting in the implementation of evidence-based practices to build capacity to improve services and outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorders.

The University at Albany currently serves as headquarters for the statewide network, with partners at the University of Rochester; University at Buffalo, SUNY/The Summit Center; College at Old Westbury, SUNY; Binghamton University, SUNY; and the Child Study Center at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Anderson Center for Autism-Latham, NY

https://www.andersoncenterforautism.org/capitalregion

Services provided through both The Anderson Center Clinic and Anderson Early Learning Academy are rooted in the evidence-based practices of Applied Behavior Analysis, aimed at serving individuals in an inclusive setting

Autism Society Greater Hudson Region-Schenectady, NY

https://asghr.org/

The Autism Society Greater Hudson Region, New York is a not-for-profit organization that serves people living with autism in the Greater Capital District and their families. Our vision is a society where all individuals on the autism spectrum are fully participating members of our community.

Autism Learning Partners (office in Albany)

https://www.autismlearningpartners.com/

Autism Learning Partners began offering services to children with autism and other development disabilities, and their families, in 1988. The company was an early proponent of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and quickly adopted this clinical methodology as the cornerstone of its services to children and families. The mission of Autism Learning Partners is to provide the highest level of clinical expertise to facilitate significant and sustainable improvement for the individuals and families we serve.

Autism Learning Partners strives to give hope, support and paths of progress for children and their families living with Autism and related disorders. We believe that a tailored, comprehensive care plan managed by our exceptional clinical talent, partnered with love and commitment from the family, allows each child to achieve their maximum potential.

Office of People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

https://opwdd.ny.gov

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, Prader-Willi syndrome and other neurological impairments.

Parent to Parent of NYS

https://www.ptopnys.org/

Parent to Parent of New York State builds a supportive network of families to reduce isolation and empower those who care for people with developmental disabilities or special healthcare needs to navigate and influence service systems and make informed decisions. As a statewide network of parents who provide emotional support to families of individuals with special needs, we believe in the power of parents and family members helping each other. We believe that this connection among parents and family members reduces isolation, increases acceptance, and fosters the pursuit of dreams through the sharing of experience and information.


Agencies that Provide Autism Evaluations

Freedom First Psychological Services

https://freedomfirstpsych.com/

Our team of Licensed Psychologists provide comprehensive assessment services, from children to adults, tailored to your unique situation and needs. Evaluations to address ADHD, Autism Spectrum, Early Childhood Developmental concerns, cognitive concerns, learning disabilities, and general mental health symptoms are available. Our Licensed Psychologists will provide an expert and individualized evaluation to meet your needs.

Freedom First Psychological Services offers a variety of services designed to benefit individuals with Autism Spectrum. Our Autism Services span across our various clinical specialties, including evaluation services, individual/family therapy services, group services, and ABA services. This allows the ability to choose one specific service that is needed or instead the option to develop and structure a unique program of multidisciplinary services that matches the best needs of your child, as well as your family.

University of Albany through Community Care Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics

https://www.albany.edu/autism/comprehensive-autism-evaluations

In collaboration with Community Care Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, CARD offers comprehensive psychological evaluations for autism spectrum disorders. In accordance with practice guidelines, evaluations occur over several sessions and include:

  • detailed psychosocial/developmental history and review of records
  • formal evaluation of intellectual, adaptive, and behavioral functioning, using standardized measures including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
  • direct observation of social interaction, communication, and behavior
  • consideration of possible diagnoses and appropriate referrals
  • in-person feedback and comprehensive written report including recommendations for intervention planning in home, school and/or community

In addition to the assessment of autism spectrum disorder symptoms, our psychologists also assess for the presence of diagnoses such as intellectual disability, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Symptoms of these disorders are often similar to and can co-occur with an autism spectrum disorder.

Chelsea Place Psychological Services, PLLC

https://www.chelseaplacepsych.com/

Offers a wide range of consultation, evaluation, and counseling services in a beautiful new office setting. While our focus is primarily children and adolescents, some of our specialists also work with adult clients.


Professional Development and Parent Training links

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities through University of Albany
https://www.albany.edu/autism/training-and-learning/training-opportunities/professional-development-and-parent-seminars

Online Trainings: https://www.albany.edu/autism/training-and-learning/online-learning

Conferences: https://www.albany.edu/autism/training-and-learning/conferences

National, State and Local Resources

https://www.albany.edu/autism/training-and-learning/resources

Community Supports

Bring on the Spectrum

https://www.bringonthespectrum.org/

Our mission is to support neurodiverse individuals with opportunities to achieve their best
quality of life as a respected member of the Capital Region. We achieve this through social, recreational and lifestyle activities for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Our Sensory Gym features equipment and activities for the spectrum of ages —- from kids to adults. Multiple Swings and Slides, tactile interactives, games like Jenga, Corn Hole, Air Hockey and Connect 4.

The Community Space will continually strive to reflect what the community wants. It will have social, recreational and lifestyle activities. We invite you to offer ideas and suggestions for activities that you enjoy. Some activities will take place weekly but you come when you want. Some activities will be offered in 3 to 4 week blocks. Offerings will rotate based on interest.