How to Find a Playgroup for a Child With Autism

Raising a child with autism can be a scary and often frustrating experience. Finding a support group is essential to keeping your sanity while you deal with your child's care. A playgroup is an excellent place to meet parents in similar situations and let your child gain needed socialization.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask your pediatrician if he has information about other parents with autistic children or references to support groups or playgroups in your area.

• 2

  Research the major national autism organizations for local chapters. Go to the web pages of the National Autism Association (NAA) or the Autism Society of America (ASA) and look for local links. Call the NAA at (877) NAA-AUTISM or the ASA at (800) 3AUTISM.

• 3

  Join the NAA or ASA so you can benefit from the organizations' many resources. Their local chapters might be the keys to finding playgroups and adult discussion groups for you and your family.

• 4

  Go to the website Kyle's Treehouse and look at their local support group section and the discussion boards. You might be able to find parents in your area looking for children's playgroups through the boards.

• 5

  Call your local school system and ask to speak with the guidance counselor or the special education department. They may know local organizations for autistic children.

• 6

  Go to the international MOMS Club website and look for a local chapter. Call the chapter president and see if she knows of any parents with autistic kids. MOMS Club presidents are helpful resources for local parenting information.