Below is a listing of Autism Society chapters and additional support groups across Indiana for parents and other family members of children and adults across the autism spectrum. This information is provided to help those families trying to locate a group for support. The support groups listed may or may not provide you and your family with the specific kind of support you are seeking. Please call or email the contact person directly. In some cases, check Facebook to find out about the specific focus of the support group, and to learn about meeting places, current meeting schedule and any updates since this information was last revised. Some groups have Facebook pages, an email listserv, or blogs you can ask about when you make direct contact. Inclusion on this list does reflect an endorsement of any specific group.
Contents
- National organizations
- Statewide organizations, including online-only groups
- Kentucky organizations
- Anderson
- Auburn
- Bloomington
- Bluffton
- Columbus
- East Chicago/Northwest Indiana
- Evansville
- Floyds Knobs
- Fort Wayne
- Frankfort
- Greenfield
- Greenwood
- Indianapolis
- Jasper
- Kokomo
- Lafayette/West Lafayette
- LaPorte
- Linton
- Muncie
- Noblesville
- Westfield
- Winona Lake
National Organizations
Autism Society
6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 305
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: 1-800-328-8476
Fax: 240-744-0545
autism-society.org
TACA (The Autism Community in Action)
2222 Martin, Ste 140, Irvine, CA 92612
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheAutismCommunityInAction
Indiana Statewide Organizations
Autism Society of Indiana (ASI)
10255 Commerce Drive, Suite 164,
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: 1-800-609-8449
info@inautism.org
https://www.autismsocietyofindiana.org/support-groups/
Facebook: facebook.com/autismindiana
Autism Society of Indiana Northeast Office
127 Airport North Office Park
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Autism Society of Indiana (ASI) has Area Support Coordinators to assist individuals and family members living with autism. Coordinators are personally affected by autism (they may be a parent, family member, or an individual on the autism spectrum) and have a solid foundation of what it is like to have and manage an autism spectrum disorder. Because every part of Indiana has different needs, the coordinators work hard to know the services provided by local disability providers, community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, and state agencies. Also, check the ASI website for other programs they offer to support to families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Autism Quality of Life- Indiana Families (Online)
Contact: Jane Hornett
(317) 403-6705
jane@autismcompanionservices.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/aqolfamilies
Private group with focus on sharing information and resources around services and experiences regarding families of both children and adults on the autism spectrum.
Circle of Support
Contact: Kristal Maggard
(812) 786-8402
kristalmaggard@hotmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/4742849155816525
This group welcomes families/caregivers of special needs people. For more information about in-person and Zoom meetings, request to join the Facebook group.
Hope for Our Children: Biomedical Options for Healing (Online)
Contact: Sheila Edwards
hopeandlavender@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/HopeForOurChildren
A group for families who are interested in learning more about natural and medical treatments and therapies, including special diets, nutrition, blood tests, and allergy tests. To be added to this group, request to join and answer the required questions.
Indiana ABA Parents (Parents Only) (Online)
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/IndianaABAParents
Private group for parents and guardians of children who need intensive behavioral (ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. Main focus of group is insurance funding for ABA therapy, but discussion may include other topics such as special education, speech, physical and occupational therapies and recreational activities. To be added to this group, request to join and answer the required questions.
Indy Parents Special Needs Community (Online)
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/949016611791391
Private group for parents of children with developmental delays or disabilities find support and resources in the Indianapolis area. To be added to this group, request to join and answer the required questions.
Our Journey (Indiana Parents of Adults w/Developmental Disabilities) (Online)
Contact: Jeanne Fitzgerald, besmommy2000@yahoo.com
Contact: Patty Reed, phreed1@aol.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/OurJourneyINFADD
Private group for parents. The main focus of this group is sharing information and resources around services especially in the transition years into adult life.
Anderson
Through the Eyes of Special Kids
Contact: Maggie Mattingly
765-610-4674
throughtheeyesofspecialkids@gmail.com
No support group meetings currently. Contact Maggie for information and disability resources for families of children with all disabilities.
Auburn
DeKalb County Autism Support Group
Contact: Amy Woodcox
260-920-2575
Facebook: DeKalb County Autism Support Group
Bloomington
Bloomington Autism Support Group
Contact: Esther Asplund
812-333-8972
esther.asplund@att.net
No face to face meetings. Contact Esther Asplund to be added to announcement only listserv.
Bluffton
My Autism Ally: Adams/Wells Autism Support Group
Contact: Cyndi Betz
cbetz@myautismally.org
myautismally.org/support-groups
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/2194513114144123
Currently meeting on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8pm at Park Community Church, 617 S Bennett St, Bluffton, IN 46714
Columbus
Columbus Autism Network Support Group
Contact: Nancy Hiquet or Heather Baker
columbusautismnetwork@gmail.com
The Arc of Bartholomew County
2060 Doctors Park Drive
Columbus, IN 47203
812-372-0610
columbusautismnetwork.com
Facebook: Columbus Autism Network group
East Chicago/Northwest Indiana
Grupo Hope “Organizacion Hispana de Padres Con Hijos Excepcionales”
Contact: Ofelia Jimenez, 219-256-9210, jimenezsahagun@aol.com
Contact: Maria Maldonado, 219-308-8331, chavedaniel10@yahoo.com
Contact: Nellie Feliciano, 219-677 0582, NEL4743@aol.com
Grupo de apoyo para padres que proporciona informacion y capacitacion a padres de niños con discapacidades. Tambien tenemos actividades sociales para los niños y sus familias.
Evansville
Autism Evansville
P.O. Box 8052
Evansville, IN 47716
Contact: Sam Eberhart
812-202-9405
director@autismevansville.org
autismevansville.org
Facebook: facebook.com/AutismEvansville
This group provides parent support group meetings and a variety of programs and events to promote autism awareness to the community and support to families.
Floyds Knobs
Autism Society of Kentuckiana (ASK)
5917 Scottsville-Navilleton
Floyds Knobs, IN 47119
Contact: Vonya Gresham, 502-533-9129
Fort Wayne
My Autism Ally: Disability Caregiver Support Group
Contact: 260-207-4686, info@myautismally.org
Website: myautismally.org/support-groups
Childcare available; must RSVP to: extracare@myautismally.org
Meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, 10:00-11:30am at First Assembly Church of God (enter door 16), 1400 W Washington Center Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Open to all caregivers of individuals, regardless of disability.
My Autism Ally: Adult Asperger's Group
Contact: John Graham, 260-402-7591
Website: myautismally.org/support-groups
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/fwautismgroup
Currently meeting on the 2nd Monday of the month, 6:30-8pm at Partners in Autism, 601 Noble Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
My Autism Ally: Allen County Autism Support Group
Contact: info@myautismally.org
Website: myautismally.org/support-groups
Facebook: facebook.com/myautismally
Currently meeting on the 2nd Thursday of the month, 6:30-8pm at Partners in Autism, 601 Noble Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
My Autism Ally: Awestism Group (ages 18+)
Contact: info@myautismally.org
Website: myautismally.org/support-groups
Meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 6:30-8pm on Zoom AND at Indiana ABA Institute, 2270 Lake Ave #101, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Relax and revel in our neurodiversity, form friendships.
Autism Spectrum Pride - ASPIE (ages 18+)
Contact: Samantha Drudge, sdrudge@myautismally.org
Website: myautismally.org/support-groups
This group is for autistics ages 18 and older, that identify as LGBTQIA+.
Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month via Zoom from 6:30-8pm.
Prospective members may apply using this form.
My Autism Ally: Sibshops (ages 7 - senior in HS)
Contact: Sarah Savage, 260-456-4534 ext. 218, ssavage@esarc.org
Website: myautismally.org/support-groups
Meets on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 10:00am - 1:00pm at Hope's Harbor, 7922 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804. See website for meeting dates.
Support group for siblings of those with disabilities. Register here.
My Autism Ally: Spectrum Sisters (females ages 18+)
Contact: info@myautismally.org
Website: myautismally.org/support-groups
Meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8pm on Zoom AND at 601 Noble Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Support one another and form friendships.
Frankfort
Clinton County Autism Support Group, A Branch of Autism Society of Indiana
Contact: Gena Carson
765-650-1220
gena0474@yahoo.com; en espagnol: Edith Garcia 765-242-5553
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/710829032382573
This group has an online Facebook support group page for posting and sharing information. Also holds various events and support group meetings.
Greenfield
Families United for Support and Encouragement (FUSE)
1133 W. Main Street Suite E
Greenfield, IN 46140
Contact: Sara Cummins
317-462-9064, info@fuseinc.org
scummins@fuseinc.org
fuseinc.org
Facebook: facebook.com/fuseinc
Families can engage with FUSE by phone, email social media or by attending any of their events. An online newsletter provides individuals and families with current disability news and information.
Greenwood
Autism Community Connection
2455 Fairview Place, Box 2
Greenwood, IN 46143
Contact: Kelli Higgins, Executive Director
317-676-4222 x 1
k.higgins@autismcc-in.org
autismcc-in.org/our-programs/enriching-programs
Facebook: facebook.com/AutismccIN
Offers several community outings each month. Make long lasting friendships with others on the spectrum while working on social, life, and soft job skills. Sign up to be on the waitlist: https://autismcc-in.org/young-adult-connection-waitlist-registration/
Indianapolis
Easterseals Crossroads Autism Family Support Group
c/o Autism Family Resource Center
Easter Seals Crossroads
4740 Kingsway Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Contact: Bonnie Fisher
317-466-1000 x2488
Please contact us for more information: https://www.eastersealscrossroads.org/about-us/contact-us/
https://www.eastersealscrossroads.org/our-programs/learn/autism-family-resource-center/
Our goal is to provide support and information to families living with autism. Parents, grandparents, or caregivers of individuals with autism are invited to join us to share thoughts and ideas and learn from others.
Grupo de Apoyo para Latinos con Autismo (GALA)
Grupo Virtual (Virtual Group)
Contacto/Contact: Aura Roblero
317-209-7863, galagrupodeapoyo@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/galagrupodeapo
Es un grupo de apoyo para familias con hijos con el Desorden del Espectro de Autismo.
TACA (The Autism Community in Action)- Indiana
Facebook: facebook.com/TACAIndiana
Check Website and Facebook for events and to contact Indiana TACA coordinators.
Indy Parents Special Needs Community (Online)
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/949016611791391
Private group for parents of children with developmental delays or disabilities to find support and resources in the Indianapolis area. To be added to this group, request to join and answer the required questions.
Jasper
SOS Kids – Supporting our Special Kids
Contact: Dara O’Neil
812-631-3654
oneilgang@hotmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/SOSkidsparentnetwork
We connect parents or caregivers who live in SW Indiana and enable parent to parent sharing of information. We provide information and support regarding all age groups of children with special needs.
Kokomo
Autism Resource Center of Kokomo - ARCK
614 E Boulevard
Kokomo, IN 46902
Contact: 765-210-0226
Facebook:facebook.com/arc.kokomo
No support group meetings currently. Currently, ARCK supports families on an individual basis. Consultations and lending library are available. There is a lending library with books, materials and therapeutic items that can assist families on their autism journey.
Kokomo Parents of Children with Autism
2548 Walker Avenue
Kokomo, IN 46901
Contact: Ali McCorkle
765-432-5993, almccorkle@yahoo.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/277198992464549
Kokomo Parents of Children with Autism is a closed group; go to Facebook page and ask to join. Group meets once a month for coffee and will schedule other meetings if there is interest. Group focused on sharing information, encouragement and support.
Lafayette/West Lafayette
Somewhere on the Spectrum Autism Support Group
Wabash Center-Grant’s House
2000 Greenbush Street
Lafayette, IN 47904
Contact: Amy Lawson, historymomma81@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/somewhereonthespectrum
Support for individuals, parents, caregivers and professionals affected by autism. Meets the third Monday of every month.
LaPorte
Autism Support Group of North Central Indiana (ASNCI)
Contact: Tabatha Kehoe
219-363-8764
btkehoe2@comcast.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asncilaporte
This group holds various events for families throughout the year.
Linton
Autism Parent Support Group of Greene/Sullivan
Contact: Krisi Crabb
krisicrabb@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/1464297173898557
Meetings and events vary. Check Facebook group for up to date information.
Muncie
Interlock East Central Indiana
P.O. Box 1300
Muncie, IN 47308
Contact: 765-273-3362
autisminterlock@gmail.com
interlockin.org
Facebook: facebook.com/interlockindiana
Facebook Autism Support Group: facebook.com/groups/197176993645821
Interlock networks with providers and families to bring the best of both worlds together. Their mission is to assist and educate families in East Central Indiana living with autism spectrum disorders, and to assist local special education classrooms to accommodate the needs of students with autism spectrum disorders.
Noblesville
The Hazel Center
17438 Trailview Circle
Noblesville, IN 46062
Contact: Lorri Navarro
info@thehazelcenter.com
thehazelcenter.com
Facebook: facebook.com/thehazelcenter
The Hazel Center offers a social group for children with high functioning autism/Asperger's, a parent support group, a sibling group and a childcare option so that the entire family can attend.
Westfield
Hamilton County Autism Support Group
Contact: Jane Hornett
317-403-6705
Jane@autismcompanionservices.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/283678508795
The mission of the Hamilton County Autism Support Group is to provide community awareness of Autism and support for our families.
Winona Lake
Lakes Area Autism Network (LAAN) Support Group
Lakes Area of Kosciusko County and surrounding areas
Contact: Jon Ekhoff
330-749-5906
laan2011@yahoo.com
laansupport.webs.com
Facebook: facebook.com/LAANInc
Check Facebook for information about events and resources for families and others who support individuals with autism.
Kentucky
Autism Society of Kentuckiana (ASK)
P.O. Box 21895
Louisville, KY 40221-0895
Contact: Rob Ralston,
502-541-5038
tristarrnc@gmail.com
Monthly support meetings, second Saturday of each month: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. Contact Rob Ralston to be added to listserv for meeting announcements.
Wheeler, M. (2021). Updated by Tafoya, C. (2023). Autism society of America chapters and parent support groups in Indiana. https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/parent-groups.html.