Autism York

A nonprofit organization

$31,414 raised by 210 donors

Autism York is a dedicated non-profit organization that brings together a board of passionate volunteers to support our local autism community with a heartfelt mission: to provide a safe and friendly environment where individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder can learn, grow, and form meaningful relationships. Our programs and events, offered at little to no cost, are designed to empower our community, promoting independence and connection.

At Autism York, we believe in the power of community and learning to foster growth for individuals of all ages. Our programs are designed to support children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum. Each month, our events and or workshops cater to each group. For those 12 and under, they meet monthly for a fun social event, while our teen group, ages 13-17, gathers for social events and engaging workshops focusing on vital topics like body safety and healthy communication. Our adult group, 18 and older, meets monthly for social events or workshops aimed at enhancing independence, covering practical life skills such as managing finances, building healthy relationships, and preparing for home ownership. We also prioritize the needs of parents and guardians by offering workshops on essential topics like life insurance, living wills, and navigating available services such as ABA and in-home care. To further support our families, we provide a comprehensive resource guide with local providers, including barbers, therapists, and after-school programs, ensuring that families have access to the resources that best fit their needs. Together, we create a safe, supportive environment for all members of our community to learn, grow, and thrive.

In light of the critical challenges faced by children with autism, particularly the risk of elopement, we are committed to enhancing safety initiatives, such as Autism Certified Training for First Responders and our innovative BuddyBand Grant Program. Through specialized training in collaboration with Blue Bridge, we ensure that first responders approach interactions with understanding and compassion, while our BuddyBands provide families with real-time tracking for added peace of mind. Join us in making a difference!

Mission

Autism York is a non-profit group operated by a board of volunteers dedicated to supporting our local autism community. Our group exists for the sole purpose of providing support in a safe and friendly environment. Our many events and programs are offered at low or no cost to families and individuals living with autism spectrum disorders in York and surrounding counties.

Autism York offers opportunities for families and individuals on the autism spectrum to learn, grow and develop relationships that help guide one another through this shared journey. We provide monthly Family Social Events such as family movies, swimming, mini-golf outings, Titanium playdates, and MUCH more! We offer Monthly Support Meetings that are open to anyone wishing to learn more about autism. We have both “chat” and guest speaker style meetings. Our monthly Adult ASD Meet-Ups provides the chance for older teens and adults on the spectrum aged 18 and up to meet for support, self-advocacy and fun! Our monthly Teen Meet-Ups provides opportunities for teens aged 13-17 to meet for support, conversation and activities! Our Preschool Meet-Up Group offers support, resources and crafts for children ages 5 and under.

Autism York provides many free resources for the autism community including: a Lending Library featuring over 2,000 titles, Autism Resource and Transition Guides, including Local Service Provider Directory, Autism York Announcements and Community News Group email blasts, and much more! Community Benefit Events, Speaker Events, and Educational Outreach are also crucial components of Autism York.

Our annual Autism Expo & WALK for Autism is our only yearly fundraiser that enables us to continue to provide our important programming and events for our families. This event is a reflection of our commitment to provide support, information, acceptance and awareness of ASD in the community. It’s a fantastic way for families to come together, gather information about autism services and support, walk a track in support of their teams, and enjoy the many family-friendly activities!

ALL events and programs are made possible through tax-deductible donations to Autism York.