When parents learn their child has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, they can often feel overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of what to do next.
The most important thing for you to know – and feel – as a parent or caregiver navigating an autism diagnosis is that you are not alone!
Autism Support & Resources in the Portland Area
Please know that you are very supported. The key is to align yourself with some of the many resources available here in Portland and the surrounding areas.
Autism support starts here at Pediatric Associates of the Northwest
Your team of pediatricians, psychologists, Family Support Specialists, and nurse care manager here at PANW is your foundation and safe space as you process the diagnosis. We are here to listen to your concerns, talk through your questions, and empower you with helpful resources.
Connect with our behavioral health team
Our behavioral health team provides face-to-face services to our patients and their families in our Portland and Tigard offices, and are also available for telehealth visits. Our experienced psychologists provide consultative and brief treatment services, helping families understand and process the new diagnosis of ASD and offering tailored recommendations, assisting in identifying the right community resources, and providing evidence-based interventions when appropriate.
The 100-Day Kit
Published by a national resource for autism learning/support – the Autism Speaks Foundation – The 100 Day Kit is a true gift to any parent or caregiver whose child has an autism diagnosis.
Page by page, this tool kit assists families of young children in getting the critical information they need in the first 100 days after an autism diagnosis. In addition to helping you understand the diagnosis, the kit also explains common terminology associated with ASD and ASD support, as well as what you can expect, where you can find support, tips, and tricks for creating healthy household routines, etc.
Local Support for Portland-area Children with ASD and Their Families
The Portland, Tigard, and Beaverton areas are fortunate also to have multiple layers of local resources for autism learning and support.
Columbia Regional Inclusive Services
One example is Columbia Regional Inclusive Services, which has an entire page of its website devoted to providing autism resources ranging from general information and community support options to links for services and financial assistance.
Places to start include:
- Autism Empowerment. Non-profit dedicated to serving individuals with autism here in our area.
- Autism Society of Oregon.
- FACT Oregon. Parent advocacy group that supports families in navigating disability and special education systems.
- Information about the Inclusive Childcare Program.
- Autism Mustang Alliance (a no-cost equine therapy program).
This is only the tip of their resource iceberg, so take time to peruse the local/regional programs they promote. All of them will help you feel empowered and inspired while navigating this new reality.
Autism Society of Oregon
The Autism Society of Oregon is a great resource for families navigating an ASD diagnosis. They are our state’s leading organization for providing resources, education, advocacy on policy matters, and support for individuals and families living with ASD. Their goal is to inform, uplift, and connect members of their fantastic community, making it easy to find the support you need for yourself or your loved ones.
Swindells Resource Center
Swindells supports parents and caregivers of children who have special needs, developmental delays, or disabilities. They provide resources, information and education to communities throughout Oregon and southwest Washington.
Oregon Family to Family Health Information Center
OR F2F supports families and caregivers of children with special health needs when navigating complex health care systems. Staffed by parents of children and youth with a variety of health conditions, OR F2F provides free one-to-one support, training, and
printed materials to families and professionals.
ODDS I/DD Services
Programs through the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) support person-centered and directed services in the home and community. Eligibility is determined through your local Community Developmental Disabilities Programs (CDDPs). Note: Your child’s physician will need to complete and submit the Early Childhood Eligibility Physician’s Statement form with I/DD Services to determine eligibility for children under 7.
Help Me Grow Oregon
Help Me Grow Oregon is a free family support line that connects Oregon children (up to 6 years old) and their families to community services and resources related to child health, behavior, development and learning.
Take Advantage of Autism Caregiver Support Groups and Outlets
Parenting burnout is real, and that risk intensifies when a child has additional care needs. As you begin navigating an ASD diagnosis, the urge to learn everything you can and to support your child’s well-being is a natural focus. However, the time and energy required to learn, readjust, create daily routine changes (as needed) – and schedule extra appointments for your child – can quickly lead you down a path of fatigue and burnout.
You and your child’s siblings also deserve support, care, and attention to keep the family healthy and nourished – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
All of the community and online resources we’ve shared include access to local support groups specific to autism. Take advantage of them. They are lifelines, and the bonds you form with others ensure you have a strong village to walk with you every step of the way.
PANW Is Right By Your Side Through an Autism Diagnosis & Beyond
We want to reemphasize that you are not alone. It is natural for parents to experience a range of emotions – including anger, frustration, sadness, and grief – after receiving an ASD diagnosis for their child. However, there is so much light ahead once you’ve had time to process and connect with the wealth of organizations and community waiting to support you.
That includes your PANW pediatrician and our devoted team; we are right by your side every step of the way. You can get in touch with us any time to ask questions or share your concerns, and we’ll ensure you have the resources and connections you need for you, your child, and your family to thrive.
