Family Supports

Autism affects the whole family and can be stressful to cope with and sometimes difficult to understand. Families often find support groups helpful, especially at the beginning of their journey. There are even special support groups available for sibling supports. Using respite services to take breaks is also an important tool in managing stress. Talk to your doctor or a professional counselor if you are having difficulty coping. You will find it easier to help your child if you are well.

Support Groups

A-List
The A-List is a “Parents Only” discussion list about Missouri special education resources and issues in autism. Parents can apply to join by contacting MO-FEAT at mofeat@sbcglobal.net or 314-275-8880 or 1-877-275-8988.

Family Voices of Missouri
Carla Sandwell, contact person
Bus: 417-866-8212 , E-mail: fvmo@mchsi.com
National grassroots network of families, friends, and advocates for health care services that are family centered, community-based, comprehensive, coordinated and culturally competent for all children/youth with special health care needs. Promotes the inclusion of all families as decision makers at all levels of health care; and supports essential partnerships between families and professionals.

MO-FEAT: Missouri Families for Effective Autism Treatment
E-mail: info@mofeat.org
Website: www.mofeat.org
MO-FEAT is an independent organization of parents and professionals throughout Missouri with headquarters in St. Louis. MO-FEAT’s mission is to provide advocacy, education, and support for families and the autism community, and to support early diagnosis and effective autism treatment.

Parent Training

Touchpoint Autism Services

TouchPoint Autism Services offers Parent Training, a two-week intensive behavior therapy course for
families dealing with autism. This training will help your child and family immediately. Learn more>>

Grant Funded Training Opportunities

Through a grants awarded by the St. Charles Developmental Disabilities Resource Board (DDRB) Behavior Solutions is able to provide intensive training to caregivers and professionals working with individuals with developmental disabilities and autism. The training includes attending workshops to learn effective behavioral strategies and hands on training and consultation to facilitate implementing what is learned in the workshops. Learn more>> 

To answer parents' questions about autism spectrum disorders, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers a collection of interviews with pediatricians, researchers and parents. Learn more>>

Respite Care

Respite care is short term, temporary care provided to people with disabilities so that their families can take a break from the daily routine and stress of caregiving. Respite services may sometimes involve overnight care. Ask your case manager through your Regional Office for more information or your local SB40 board.