Support Organizations Within Arkansas
Partners for Inclusive Communities
Partners for Inclusive Communities is a program of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and receives federal funding from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities and other agencies to conduct research and provide education, training, technical assistance, information, and services to people with disabilities, their families, students and professionals involved with disability related programs. Partners' activities are constantly evolving to reflect the priorities of individuals with disabilities. To learn more about the program, visit their website at http://uams.edu/partners/ or contact Dianna Varady, Executive Director, AR Autism Outreacha and Resource Center, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Arkansas Autism Outreach and Resource Center (AAROC) 
Arkansas Autism Resource and Outreach Center (AAROC) was established January 2008 as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, the vision of individuals desiring to support families facing the daunting challenge of ASD. The founding board was established during this time and consists of dedicated parents, teachers and healthcare professionals desiring to equip our families with the resources needed. AAROC's goal is to become a one-stop resource center where parents can seek help after diagnosis and know they are receiving hope, direction, and support for their loved ones. By giving parents best practices in training, resources and therapies, AAROC hopes to ease the burden parents face no matter what degree of ASD has been diagnosed. The organization's mission is to provide hope, direction and support by providing comprehensive services for the Arkansas Autism community. Coordination of services consists of the most current resources, education and training possible, giving hope for the challenges ahead. To learn more abpit AAROC, visit their web site at http://www.aaroc.org/ 
Easter Seals
Easter Seals Arkansas (ESA) offers comprehensive services to people with autism, developmental disabilities and other special needs. ESA services include an inclusive preschool; pediatric outpatient therapy; waiver; inpatient rehabilitation for children; evaluation and technical assistance to students; training for school personnel; assistive technology; job trainingand employment; HUD housing; and adult residential housing. ESA also has a Resource Coordinator, at 501-227-3717, who offers support to families and assists them with information about Easter Seals programs, community resources, and funding options. For more information about our programs and services, visit our website at www.ar.easterseals.com.
Community Connections
Community Connections is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing FREE extra-curricular activities for children with special needs and support for their families. Activities include football, soccer, theatre, and dance as well as autism services/support. The Autism Resource Center of Arkansas offers a free lending library, a parent's resource guide, monthly educational/support group meetings, a young adult autism group, and a summer camp. For more information or to access these materials, please visit www.communityconnectionsar.org.
Adults with Autism Group
The AwA group was formed through Community Connections to help young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders connect with others like themselves. The group is targeted for 18-30 year olds and consists of activities and outings each month that foster friendships through recreation. For more information, please contact Kelly Coffman at 501-329-5459 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Eye Contact Arkansas
Eye Contact Arkansas is a statewide website of autism news on education, state and national legislation, and resources for parents. Both families and professionals can take advantage of the free and independent news that's updated several times a month. For more information, please visit www.eyecontactarkansas.org.
Family-2-Family Health Information Center of Arkansas
The Family-2-Family Health Information Center of Arkansas (F2F) is a non-profit family-run project of the Arkansas Disability Coalition (ADC). The F2F program assists families of children and youth with special health care needs and the professionals who serve them. We provide health-related support, information, resources and training. The F2F HIC of Arkansas is uniquely qualified to help families because it is staffed by family members who have first-hand experience negotiating the maze of health care services and programs for children and youth with special health care needs. We know the issues that families in Arkansas face and help them to make informed decisions. To learn more about the program, visit their website at http://www.adcpti.org/content/family2family/family2family.asp
Userful Links
American Academy of Pediatrics
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of related developmental disabilities, caused by a problem with the brain, that affect a child's behavior, social, and communication skills. ASDs include autistic disorder, "pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified" (PDD-NOS) and Asperger Syndrome. Read more.
Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit
The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit and the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Tool Kit were created specifically for newly diagnosed families to make the best possible use of the 100 days following their child's diagnosis of autism or AS/HFA. Click here to download free tool kit.
ATN Sleep Strategies
Sleep problems -either trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or early morning waking, are common problems in typically developing children and in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Read more.
Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit
In an effort to help families and their adolescents with autism more smoothly navigate the challenging transition into adulthood, Autism Speaks launched the Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit, a unique guide and roadmap to help families on the journey from adolescence to adult life. Click here to download free tool kit.
