Autism Support Groups

Local Autism Support Groups for Parents and Caregivers

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we understand firsthand the struggles that parents and caregivers face when raising a child with autism. It truly takes a village to care for a child with autism, but we understand that families also need support. We believe it’s important that a support network is in place for not only the individual with autism, but also for those who are helping care for them. Below is a list of local autism support groups. For more information, contact Lighthouse Autism Center at 574-387-4313..

*Lighthouse is not affiliated and does not officially support any of these groups.

Autism Support Groups:

• Autism Society of Indiana – Autism Society of Indiana (ASI) has Area Support Coordinators to assist individuals and family members living with autism. Coordinators are personally affected by autism (they may be a parent, family member, or an individual on the autism spectrum) and have a solid foundation of what it is like to have and manage an autism spectrum disorder. Because every part of Indiana has different needs, the coordinators work hard to know the services provided by local disability providers, community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, and state agencies. Also, check the ASI website for other programs they offer to support to families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
• Autism Quality of Life- Indiana Families – Private group with focus on sharing information and resources around services and experiences regarding families of both children and adults on the autism spectrum.
• Indiana ABA Parents (Parents Only) – Private group for parents and guardians of children who need intensive behavioral (ABA – Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. Main focus of group is insurance funding for ABA therapy, but discussion may include other topics such as special education, speech, physical and occupational therapies and recreational activities. To be added to this group, request to join and answer the required questions.
• Indy Parents Special Needs Community – Private group for parents of children with developmental delays or disabilities find support and resources in the Indianapolis area. To be added to this group, request to join and answer the required questions.
• Columbus Autism Network Support Group – A support group of parents and caregivers in Columbus, IN, and the surrounding area.
• Autism Support Group of Goshen – The purpose of this group is support and encouragement for parents of children and adults on the autism spectrum. Grandparents, caregivers, and others committed to the well being of individuals on the autism spectrum are also welcome.
• Families United for Support and Encouragement (FUSE) – Families can engage with FUSE by phone, email social media or by attending any of their events. An online newsletter provides individuals and families with current disability news and information.
• Easter Seals Crossroads Autism Family Support Group – Group for parents or caregivers of a child with autism to meet other parents and caregivers at Parent Support Group meetings held every 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Autism Family Resource Center.
• TACA (The Autism Community in Action)- Indiana – TACA Indiana holds Autism Learning Seminars, Coffee Talks and family events throughout the year. Our seminars feature educational speakers on important topics for ASD families. Our Coffee Talks and family events provide more settings where families can informally network, share resources and speak with seasoned parents.
• The Hazel Center – The Hazel Center offers a social group for children with high functioning autism/Asperger’s, a parent support group, a sibling group and a childcare option so that the entire family can attend.
• Autism Speaks – Family members and friends of children and adults with autism are presented with many joys and many challenges throughout their lives. We hope these resources will help support you during the ups and downs and in between.
• Hamilton County Autism Support Group – The mission of the Hamilton County Autism Support Group is to provide community awareness of Autism and help support our families where every day lives are challenged with a child in their family with Autism. Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. 

For a full list of Indiana Autism Support groups, visit: