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Autism Support Groups

Aspirations Ohio

Serves: Adolescents and adults 15-30 years with Level 1 autism spectrum disorder and their families
A group-based social skills and support program for teens and young adults with autism. The facilitated group engages in discussion and activities focused on understanding autism, building social skills, employment goals, and problem solving. The Parent and Caregiver group covers autism, financial benefits, local and state resources, educational supports, and more. Groups run for 12 weeks. After completing the 12-week program, participants and their families are invited to continue their involvement through a variety of community events. They also offer enrichment groups for DBT therapy skills, relational and sexual health, and self-advocacy. Groups are Fee for Service programs. Board of Developmental Disabilities reimbursement may be available. Financial aid is available on an as-needed basis. Visit the website for program schedules and application details.
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center: 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 366-3276
nisonger.osu.edu/adolescent/adolescent-clinics-services/aspirations-ohio-2

Autism Society of Ohio (ASO) Central Ohio Chapter

Serves: teens, adults, families, and individuals.
Provides advocacy, education, information and referrals, and support groups in central Ohio for those in the autism community. The central Ohio chapter hosts support groups for teens, adults, caregivers, Spanish-speaking community members, and regular community events. They serve Franklin, Delaware, Marion, Morrow, Knox, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, Union, Logan, and Champaign counties. Find upcoming events and program details on their website.
Autism Society of Central Ohio: PO Box 272, Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 284-6323
autismcentralohio.org

Brick Based Therapy Ohio

Program: A peer-based social skills program that teaches children with autism communication and social skills. LEGO Therapy empowers children to take on roles in tasks where they must communicate, problem solve, and collaborate with others through the use of LEGO-based activities. Services are tailored to each participant’s needs and include a parent involvement component. Parents are given a summary of each lesson covered in group sessions, as well as specific ways they can help their child practice and strengthen skills covered during group sessions. Sessions are held at local libraries in Columbus and surrounding suburbs.
Eligibility: Ages 7-13 with autism or social anxiety.
Cost: Offers a sliding fee scale and financial assistance on a case-by-case basis. Families may also consult with their HSA to be reimbursed for services.
Referral: Families may refer themselves.
(614) 706-1390
brickbasedtherapy.com

Family Resource Network of Ohio (FRNO)

Provides resources, tools, and trainings to help individuals and families of individuals with developmental disabilities. Their website has database of programs and organizations across Ohio for helpful products, therapy, schools, legal help, clinical trials, and more. They use Charting the LifeCourse principals to help individuals and families of all abilities and ages develop a vision for a good life, and regular LifeCourse trainings are available for families and professionals.
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Family Resource Coordinator: (614) 293-2134
Family Support Coordinator: (513) 636-4723
frnohio.org

Learning 4 Life Farm

Provides job skills training and social skills development programs for neurodivergent youth and youth with autism, from middle schoolers to young adults. They empower students year-round through group learning and holistic development within a supportive farm setting. The farm features gardens, alpacas, bee-keeping, crafts, and more. They also offer summer day camps with summer adventures for youth and transition skills for teens. Cost varies. Contact the organization directly for details.
3062 Johnstown Utica Road, Johnstown, Ohio 43031
(740) 759-7138
learning4lifefarm.org

Lifeworks Autism Services & Milestones Autism Resource Center

Offers a range of services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)across the lifespan. Programs include prevocational training, life skills training, and adult supported living. Behavioral health services include Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS), psychiatry, psychotherapy, group day treatment, and community or clinic-based ABA. Behavioral Health Respite is available for OhioRISE Aetna members for clients age 5 and older. Medicaid waiver and Autism scholarship is accepted for most services. The Milestones Autism Resource Center offers professional trainings for clinicians, a Provider Directory for autism services, and additional learning materials on the website. The Milestones Help Desk offers personalized guidance for help finding therapies, support groups, funding help, and more.
3205 Fairmount Boulevard, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44118
2525 East Twenty-second Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
22001 Fairmount Boulevard, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44118
ABA: (216) 356-4993
Intake: (216) 320-8623
Main Office: (216) 320-8710
lifeworksautism.org

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD)

Serves: Children 16-30 months for diagnostic screening, Children ages 2-22, Parents, and Families. 
Provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care focusing on evidence-based treatment, education, research and advocacy for children with the diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Services include diagnostic assessment, behavioral intervention, outpatient psychotherapy, and ABA team services. Find details about services and eligibility online. They also host the following programs:

  • Project SEARCH: 9-month workplace internship for Central Ohio students in their last year of high school who have Autism and/or Intellectual Disability with Complex Social and Communication Needs.
  • Triple P Stepping Stones: Individual or group classes for parents with children under 12 years old struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges of ASD.
  • Sibshops: Siblings of children with autism and other developmental delays (ages 6 to 12) participate in fun activities to explore feelings and better understand their sibling.
  • Adolescent Transition Programs: Includes Camp RISE summer program, CARE coping and relaxation group, iWork summer job skills program, and Social Skills Group.
  • Complex Behavior Program: Teaches effective strategies for parents to help reduce dangerous or problematic behavior patterns and build coping skills.

187 West Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 355-7570
nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/center-for-autism-spectrum-disorders

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Transitional Care

Teenagers face many confusing life transitions, including transitioning from pediatric care to adult healthcare. This transition is especially important for individuals with chronic health conditions. NCH has several programs to support families with transitional care:

 

Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University (OSU)

Serves: Infants, school-aged children, teens, and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. 
The Nisonger Center has a variety of programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Services include developmental/diagnostic evaluations, clinical support services, specialized dental programs, inclusive childcare and early childhood education, social programs for teens, TOPS post-secondary education and transitional skills program for adult students at OSU, psychiatric services, and more. They accept all major insurances, Medicaid, Board of DD Waivers, and offer a sliding scale for payment. Scholarships and fee arrangements are available for some programs. Contact the center for program details and eligibility.
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Administration: (614) 685-3192
nisonger.osu.edu

Ohio Family 2 Family (F2F) / Parent 2 Parent (P2P)

A statewide parent support program for parents, siblings, self-advocates, foster parents, grandparents, etc. who have a family member of any age with a disability or special healthcare need. They are staffed by family members of a person with a disability or special healthcare need. Support is provided via email, phone, video call, and/or in-person. Family members may reach out to learn more about assessments and treatments, to talk through barriers and navigating service systems, transition advice, and general support. Ohio F2F also offers training opportunities for families and professionals. Visit the website or call to request support.
(513) 803-5557
ohiof2f.org/ohiop2p

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