Where can a parent of a neurodiverse child in Sacramento find help? Do you know what resources are at your fingertips?
Perhaps the most important question you can ask yourself is how to make the journey more accessible and rewarding for your loved ones.
While raising children with autism can present unique challenges and learning experiences, many organizations and services are available in Sacramento to provide support and assistance. This guide introduces you to the resources available for families with loved ones with ASD.
The Sacramento Autistic Spectrum and Special Needs Alliance (SASSNA) provides a supportive community for individuals with autism and other special needs. This dedicated non-profit offers local services, including counseling, crisis intervention, and essential information.
It provides a network of resources to help families advocate for their children’s inclusion in schools and other vital institutions. SASSNA guides families and individuals often overwhelmed with complex and layered paths of education, healthcare, and social integration, directing them toward environments where distinctions are valued and acknowledged. Insight into SASSNA’s guiding principles reveals a commitment to fostering an inclusive future in which people across the spectrum of ability are acknowledged and supported.
2-1-1 Sacramento is a 24/7 community pillar that answers calls for local support. Whether you’re looking for financial assistance, housing information, children’s services, or more, their extensive database and personalized guidance provide a crucial support system. In moments of urgency or times of planning, this resource regularly opens its virtual doors to those in need, exemplifying the spirit of community and shared responsibility.
The service, managed by professionals and includes more than 2,400 public and charitable organizations’ initiatives, goes well beyond providing information. With a broad reach spanning across Sacramento and El Dorado counties and a dedication to inclusivity, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, 2-1-1 Sacramento functions as a lifeline, bridging gaps and ensuring that the city’s resources are truly accessible to those who seek them.
Whether it’s a dire situation in the middle of the night or a question about the future during the day, 2-1-1 Sacramento is here to help.
Committed to enhancing life quality, Alta Regional Center provides a wealth of resources and personalized care, focusing on tailoring programs that cater specifically to individual needs.
As one of 21 non-profit, community-based regional centers overseen by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), it stands out as an essential local resource, primarily tasked with diagnosing and determining eligibility for services and crafting and coordinating Individual Program Plans (IPPs). The center provides invaluable early intervention for at-risk infants and toddlers and a range of services for adults, including counseling, service coordination, and advocacy for safeguarding legal and service rights.
These services are provided through various programs, including lifelong planning, outreach, legal support, and resource development. Whether it’s facilitating necessary services outlined in IPPs, aiding in accessing community resources, or ensuring service rights are robustly protected, this center, with its no-charge diagnosis and eligibility assessment, stands as a steadfast ally in securing a future where every individual can access the tailored, compassionate support they require.
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) extends its expertise and support throughout the 10-county Capital Service Region, which includes areas like Placer, Yolo, and El Dorado. With a dedicated team consisting of approximately 650 regular and an additional 950 temporary and substitute staff members, SCOE remains active throughout the year. It ensures direct, quality education for around 30,000 students and adults while supporting over 247,000 students across 13 local districts.
The heart of SCOE lies in providing tangible, hands-on support, acting as a reliable ally to public school districts by offering vital services such as technical assistance, curriculum guidance, staff training, and legal and financial advice. Furthermore, SCOE facilitates training sessions and workshops for thousands of district teachers annually, ensuring educators are well-equipped to provide students with a top-tier education.
SCOE and its devoted staff members (many of whom are represented by CSEA Chapter 480 and SCOETA) exemplify a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every individual—whether a student, teacher, or family member—feels valued in their educational journey.
Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT)
FEAT emphasizes early intervention and stands firm in providing families with the resources and information they need to access effective treatments, advocating for evidence-based practices in autism treatment and education.
Sacramento4Kids
Sacramento4Kids is a one-stop destination offering an extensive list of events, activities, and services tailored for children with developmental disabilities, guiding parents and caregivers through the multifaceted journey of raising a child with special needs.
Make sure to check Sacramento4Kids for upcoming special needs events.
Warmline Family Resource Center
The Warmline Family Resource Center connects parents with resources. It is a hub of emotional support and peer counsel, offering an empathetic hand throughout parenting a child with special needs.
In the intricacies and diversity of these resources, we find a community that believes in upliftment, inclusivity, and collective empowerment. While the journey may appear overwhelming, remember that here in Sacramento, no family walks alone.
Sacramento is home to a wide variety of services aimed at helping families, but one organization stands out as a trustworthy partner on your path – Sacramento ABA.
Sacramento ABA Therapy specializes in providing exceptional support and education for children with unique needs, and their dedicated programs are tailored to empower your child and pave the way for a brighter future. With a commitment to inclusivity and personalized care, they are here to ensure that every child receives the support they rightly deserve.
