Autism Society of Alabama (Birmingham)

ASA is managed by an Executive Director and governed by its Board of Directors. Volunteers are a critical component to the present and future success of this organization. Every month, the Autism Society of Alabama helps approximately 600 individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their parents, and their service providers (doctors, therapists, teachers, etc.). Our current programs and services include, but are not limited to the following:

Toll free information and referral hotline - we receive approximately 250 calls per month

Resource directory -a preliminary directory of service providers, activities, disability organizations, etc.

Education (parents, providers, family members, etc.) through our quarterly newsletter, exhibitions, speaking engagements, etc.

Parent support groups in 13 counties around the state
Innovative website which receives about 75,000 hits per month.

This website has a direct link to our e-mail addresses. We receive about 15 e-mails a day requesting information and / or referral.

A lending library

Annual Alabama Autism conference for parents, doctors, teachers, service providers, and students

Support groups for siblings called Sib Shops

Collaboration efforts with other state agencies to provide services for persons with autism spectrum disorders. For example, we were instrumental in bringing the Positive Behavior Support model from Marshall University to the state. The Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation now uses this model throughout the state to help individuals with disabilities and their families in planning their futures and insuring that they have a quality of life.