Winters Center for Autism is committed to supporting people with ASD and their families to access the information and resources needed to stay connected and well informed in the realm of Autism. Below is a list of select organizations dedicated to gathering and sharing valuable information and referrals pertaining to ASD. ​

General Information ​

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  • The Association for Science in Autism Treatment promotes safe, effective, science-based treatments for people with autism by disseminating accurate, timely, and scientifically sound information, advocating for the use of scientific methods to guide treatment, and combating unsubstantiated, inaccurate and false information about autism and its treatment. https://www.asatonline.org/   ​
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  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) strives to advance the health and well-being of our nation’s most vulnerable populations.  https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
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  • My Autism Team is a social network for parents of kids with Autism dedicated to fostering exchange of emotional support and everyday advice amongst  fellow parents.  https://www.myautismteam.com/
 
  • National Institute of Mental Health is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMH is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest biomedical research agency in the world. NIH is Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml
 
  • Organization for Autism Research uses science to address the social, educational and treatment concerns of self-advocates, parents, autism professionals and caregivers. https://researchautism.org/
 
  • The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Resource Guide is a user friendly format of a complex informational system developed by Graduate Fellows at Rutgers School of Social Work as means of providing a community service that enhances access to a list of resources pertinent to adult autism.  https://adultautism.rutgers.edu/
 
  • NYABLE - (ABLE) Act of 2014 allows those with disabilities to save for qualified disability expenses without the risk of losing their benefits from assistance programs like SSI and Medicaid. NY ABLE is an ABLE program designed specifically for New York residents. NY ABLE accounts give earnings the ability to grow tax-deferred, and allow savings to be withdrawn tax-free for qualified expenses. https://www.mynyable.org/

  • WorkforceGPS - lists workplace resources for individuals with autism looking to attain meaningful employment and provides employers with tools to support the onboarding process. https://disability.workforcegps.org/resources/2018/01/29/17/53/Workplace_Resources_for_Autism-Spectrum_Disorder​
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  • Family Autism Network - FAN is a network connecting children, young adults and families in local communities to foster real friendships for both children and parents.  https://www.familyautismnetwork.org/
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Special Needs Planning
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Service and Support Referrals​

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  • Autism Society – Autism Source: A comprehensive nationwide database of current, credible and reliable resources obtained through collaboration amongst autism organizations and professionals throughout the United States.  http://www.autismsource.org/                           For information on services, supports and referrals call a toll-free number 800-3-AUTISM 9:00am - 9:00pm, Monday-Sunday or email info@autism-society.org  
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  •  Autism Speaks – Resource Guide: A nationwide database containing over 45,000 resources connecting individuals and families with local organizations that service a variety of needs from early intervention through adult care. It is searchable by state or by zip code.  Resources are organized in over 75 categories.                           https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-guide

​Local Resources for Navigating Adult Services

      NY CONNECTS – SUFFOLK INDEPENDENT LIVING ORGANIZATION
      631-730-3737
      ​Suffolk Independent Living Organization
      3253 Route 112, Bldg. 10, Suite 5
      Medford, NY 11763
      ​P: 631-730-3737
      ​www.siloinc.org

      ​
      NY Connects - will match you to the right long term supports and services in your community.  
      ​
      • Find care and support 
      • Understand care options
      • Find transportation
      • Find supported employment programs
      • Apply for Medicaid and other benefits
      THE TRAID PROGRAM – LONG ISLAND COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE
      631-668-4858

      ​Long Island Communities of Practice
      P.O.Box 5013
      Montauk, NY 11954
      P: 631-668-4858
      F: 631-668-6079
      http://licop.org/traid.html

      TRAID

      • Facilitates access and acquisition of assistive technology in the four domain areas of education, employment, community living and information technology.
      • ​Centers can provide individuals with information about assistive technology, training, demonstrations, device loans, technical assistance and advocacy on how to obtain and implement the technologies.  
       
      GetATstuff

      • An electronic matching program with seven states including New York.
      • Through participation in this multistate database, people are able to advertise the equipment they would like to sell or donate.​ http://www.getatstuff.com/

      ACCES -VR – ADULT CAREER AND CONTINUING EDUCATION SERVICES – VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
      631-727-6496
      ​Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation 
      P: 631-727-6496
      http://www.acces.nysed.gov/vr/district-offices
      ​
      ​      Target Population - Adults (post-secondary) with a documented permanent disability that impacts their ability to seek, secure and maintain employment and High School students two years prior to expected exit.​

      Eligibility

      • Physical or mental impairment
      • Impairment impedes employment
      • Ability to benefit from services
      • Services are necessary to overcome employment barriers

      ​​Services Offered

      Vocational counseling
      • Assessment
      • Vocational education (e.g. college or technical/business school)
      • Job placement services
      • Job skills training
      • Driver evaluation training
      • Supported Employment
      • Work related books, tools, licenses and rehab technology 
      • Youth Employment Services (14-25)
      • Self-Advocacy
      • Job Readiness
      • Work experience
      • Coaching Supports

      How to Access Services 
      ​
      • Complete signed application.
      • Documentation of disability.
      • Availability to participate in assessment and training process.
      • Comply with requests of VR counselor.
      NYSCB – NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND
      516–743–4188
      ​New York State Commission for the Blind
      P: 516-743-4188
      https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/cb/Default.asp
      ​
      Target Population - Children and adults who are legally blind are eligible for vocational rehabilitation services. ​

      Eligibility

      • Legally blind visual acuity is 20/200 or less in the better eye Or Vision field of 140 degrees or less in the better eye
      • Have one or more physical or mental impairments that keep them from working
      • Need rehabilitation services to get or keep employment
      • Benefit from services

      ​​Services Offered

      • Rehabilitation services
      • Training for Employment
      • Business Enterprise Program
      • Programs for older adults
      • Counseling and guidance to family
      • Advocacy services
      • Educational consultation
      • Vocational coordination

      How to Access Services 
      ​
      • Complete signed application Documentation of disability
      • Participate in initial interview
      • If eligible, work with counselor to develop a plan for services and/or employment
      OPWDD – OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
      631-434-6100
      ​Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
      ​P: 631-434-6100
      ​www.opwdd.ny.gov/
      ​
      ​      Target Population - Children and adults with a documented developmental disability

      ​Eligibility
      • Documented developmental disability (prior to age 22)
      • Intellectual Disability
      • Autism
      • Cerebral Palsy
      • Epilepsy
      • Neurological Impairment
      • Familial Dysautonomia
      • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
      • Prader Willi Syndrome
      • Any other condition that causes impairment in general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior

      ​Services Offered
      • Parent Advocacy training
      • Care Coordination
      • Family supports services and financial counseling
      • Residential support
      • Supported Employment
      • Community support service (in home support, respite)
      • Self-determination
      • Environmental Modifications (adaptive equipment)
      • Healthcare (Medicaid)
      ​
      How to Access Services
      • Phone call to DDRO
      • Documentation of a developmental disability
      • Complete Admission packet submit to local DDRO eligibility determination
      ​OMH - OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH
      631-761-3500
      ​Office of Mental Health
      P: 631-761-3500
      ​www.omh.ny.gov

       
      Target Population - Children and adults with a documented mental health diagnosis.

      Eligibility

      Children (before 18):
      1. Severity of Problem Presentation
      2. Immediate need based on following dimensions:
                     Psychosis,
                     ADHD/Impulse Control,
                     Depression/Anxiety,
                     Oppositional Behavior, Anti-Social Behavior, Trauma
            3.  Persistent home and school problems (2 years)      

      Adults (over 18):
      1. Diagnosed SPMI (Severely and Persistently Mentally Ill) by a licensed mental health professional.
      ​
      Services Offered

      Children and Adults Services:
      • Clinic Treatment
      • Day Treatment
      • Family Support Services
      • Functional Family Therapy
      • Home and Community-Based Services Waiver
      • Intensive Case Management (Medicaid)
      • School-Based Mental Health Services
      • Single Point of Access
      • Supportive Case Management

      How to Access Services
      • Application to County Department of Mental Health
      Medicaid Health Homes - Department of health
      Department of Health 
      https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/medicaid_health_homes/

      ​​Target Population
       
      ADULTS:
      Persons 18 and older who have Medicaid and/or Medicare with chronic medical conditions.
       
      CHILDREN/YOUTH:
      Children and youth under 21 years old who have active Medicaid and chronic medical conditions.
       
      ADULTS:
      Medicaid/Medicare recipients       
      Meet one of the criteria:
      • Two or more chronic health conditions (examples: asthma, diabetes, heart disease, substance disorder)
      • A significant mental illness
      • Living with HIV/AIDS
       
      CHILDREN/YOUTH
      Active Medicaid  
      Meet one of the criteria:
      • Two chronic conditions
      • HIV/AIDS
      • Serious emotional disturbance
      • Complex trauma
       
      *If you receive OPWDD services or are eligible for OPWDD services you will not qualify for Health Home services*
       
      Services Offered

      Six core services:
      • Comprehensive Care Management
      • Care Coordination and Health Promotion
      • Comprehensive Transitional Care
      • Individual and Family Support
      • Referral to Community and Social Support Services
      • Health Information Technology

       Work with a Care Coordinator to help:
      • Get involved in activities
      • Obtain essential needs
      • Learn about community activities
      • Help keep everyone involved in your care connected and working toward your goal
      • Develop a care plan to address all your needs
       
      How to Access Services

      Select a provider based on your county by going to website: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/medicaid_health_homes/hh_map/index.htm
       

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      College Disability Services
      • Visit Individual college websites
      • Contact Office of Disability Services

      Target Population - ​Adult college students who have a documented disability that requires they need accommodations in order to have equal access to education.

      Eligibility 

      • Self-declare disability
      • Documentation of disability, that includes: 
      1. a diagnosis of your current disability
      2. The date of the diagnosis
      3. How the diagnosis was reached
      4. The credentials of the professional
      5. How your disability affects a major life activity
      6. How disability affects your academic performance

      Services Offered

      Accommodations Examples:
      • Note taker
      • Enlarged print material
      • Extra time on tests
      • Tape record classes
      • Textbooks on tape
      • Computer voice input/output
      • Alternate test locations
      • Tests and assignments in electronic format
      • Interpreter
      ​
      How to Access Services
      • Self-declare disability at the Office of Disabilities Services at the college
      • Documentation of disability 160
      ILC - ​Independent living centers
      631-880-7929
      Independent Living Center
      http://www.acces.nysed.gov/vr/independent-living-centers#:~:text=Independent%20Living%20Centers%20(ILCs)%20provide,of%20living%2C%20learning%20and%20earning.
      P: 631-880-7929 - Suffolk
      P: 516-796-0144 - Nassau

      Target Population - Individuals with disabilities and elderly individuals.

      Eligibility
      • All disabilities - check with local provider regarding documentation requirements.
      • Client Assistant Program
      • Peer counseling
      • Housing assistance
      • Advocacy
      • Information and referral
      • Living skills training
      ​
      How to Access Services
      • Contact your local ILC