MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Autism Society of Tacoma is to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum, and their families, to be fully participating, included members of their community. Education, advocacy, public awareness efforts and the promotions of research form the cornerstone of AST's activities. Our membership represents all walks of life in rural to metropolitan communities. Embracing the diversity of our group, AST seeks to provide an open forum for the exchange of ideas. At the very core of AST's "parent choice"
philosophy is the belief that no single program or treatment will benefit all individuals with autism. Furthermore, the recommendation of what is "best" or "most effective" for a person with autism should be determined by those people directly involved - the individual with autism, to the extent possible, and the parents or family members. AST works in partnership with the Autism Society of Washington and the Autism Society of America in providing information and education to help in the process of awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The Autism Society of Tacoma
A Chapter of the Autism Society of Washington
Meetings held the 4th Tuesday of each month from September to June (except in December) at TACID in Tacoma.
(See Map at left for directions.)
If you have any questions or for driving instructions, please call
Christina at (253) 759-7995 or
Diana at (253) 576-6351.
For more information on Autism, check out our lending library located at the Tacoma PAVE office. (253) 565-2266
As always, workshops are offered for informational purposes only. Attendants are strongly encouraged to independently research information offered and determine whether any approach, treatment or program may be beneficial to them, their students
or their children.
Autism Society of Tacoma
* Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
PH: 253-593-2812 * Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN)
PH: 253-552-1265* Parent to Parent
PH: 253-565-2266* Social Security Administration/Supplemental Security Income (SSA/SSI)
PH: 800-325-0778* Parents Are Vital in Education (PAVE)
PH: 253-565-2266* Special Olympics
PH: 253-983-8960* Dads Supporting Dads
PH: 253-565-2266* Paratransit Services
PH: 253-584-5226* Pierce County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board
PH: 253-588-5430 * Companionship
PH: 253-798-4177OPTIONS POLICY
Autism Society of America
(adopted by Autism Society of Washington)
The Autism Society of America promotes the active and informed involvement of family members and the individual with autism in the planning of individualized, appropriate services and supports. The Board of the Autism Society of America believes that each person with autism is a unique individual. Each family and individual with autism should have the right to learn about and then select, the options that they feel are most appropriate for the individual with autism. To the maximum extent possible, we believe that both the parents and the individual with autism should make the decisions. Services should enhance and strengthen natural family and community supports for the individual with autism and the family whenever possible. The service option designed for an individual with autism should result in improved quality of life. Abusive treatment of any kind is not an option. We firmly believe that no single type of program or service will fill the needs of every individual with autism and that each person should have access to support services. Selection of a program, service or method of treatment should be on the basis of a full assessment of each person's abilities, needs and interests. We believe that services should be outcome based to insure that they meet the individualized needs of a person with autism.With appropriate education, vocational training and community living options and support systems, individuals with autism can lead dignified, productive lives in their communities and strive to reach their fullest potential.The ASA believes that all individuals with autism have the right to access appropriate services and supports based on their needs and desires.(Adopted by the ASA Board of Directors 4/1/95)
The following is a list of some resources for families in Tacoma
(For a Resource Guide for Developmental Disabilities call 253-564-0707):
* Community Inclusion Program (CIP)
PH: 253-565-2266* Equest (therapeutic horseback riding)
PH: 253-531-6549* NW EquiCARE (therapeutic horseback riding)
PH: 360-832-6386* Pierce County Parks Dept. Summer Activities
PH: 253-798-4753* Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP)
PH: 253-565-2266* Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities (TACID)
PH: 253-565-9000 * Mary Bridge Children's Hospital/Pediatric Psychology
PH: 253-552-1465 * Community Alternatives for People with Autism (CAPA)
PH: 253-536-2339* Childfind
PH: 253-571-1047
Stay connected with the Autism Society of Tacoma!Information on our meetings and other activities is available on the Autism Society of Washington listserve. Click here, then click on "Click here to read the current listserve" at the top of the page.
Coming Soon!
Watch for the Autism Society of Tacoma Yahoo group.
