The BACB is a non-profit corporation “established to meet professional credentialing needs identified by behavior analysts, governments, and consumers of behavior analysis services,” with a global mission to “We protect consumers of behavior analysis services worldwide by systematically establishing, promoting, and disseminating professional standards.”
This global association for behavior analysis professionals focuses on the “philosophy, science, application and teaching of behavior analysis” and promotes awareness of its field. ABAI also sets accreditation standards for educational programs.
The IRCA “conducts training, consultations, engages in research, and disseminates information to build local community capacity to support children and adults on the autism spectrum.” Website resources include articles, visual supports, workshop and event listings, and services available in the state.
The ASI vision is to be “a leading resource in Indiana for connecting people who live with autism, and those who care about them, with resources, support, advocacy and information tailored to their unique needs. ASI strives to create communities throughout the state in which people on the autism spectrum and their families are empowered, supported and fully embraced by their community.”
Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT)
The Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) is a non-profit autism organization that was founded in 1998. Based in Hoboken, New Jersey, their aim is to “promote safe, effective, science-based treatments for people with autism by disseminating accurate, timely, and scientifically sound information”.
Insurance Advocacy Resource Center (IARC)
The Arc Insurance Advocacy Resource Center (IARC) helps “families of a loved one with a developmental disability navigate their private insurance policies and increase knowledge of basic health insurance issues, including the Affordable Care Act,” with a commitment to “all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities realizing their goals of learning, living, working and fully participating in the community.”
About Special Kids (ASK)
ASK is an Indiana-based parent-to-parent organization that works throughout the state to “give support, answer questions and provide information and resources” to families with special-needs children. Their staff parent liaisons, who are parents of special needs children and extensively trained, help families “anticipate child and family needs, identify appropriate resources, and access community systems to help them meet the needs of their children.”
Autism Research Institute (ARI)
The Institute offers extensive online resources, including videos, webinars, assessment tools and other educational references. The ARI is focused on extensive research, continuing medical education, online learning, domestic and global outreach, and an adult program called the Autistic Global Initiative that provides online training and other assistance for sustaining daily living and employment.
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
ASA (Autism Society of America)
As “the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization,” the Autism Society’s mission is to improve the lives of all affected by autism. They increase “public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.” The ASA has been instrumental in passing federal, state and local legislation and publishes the journal Autism Advocate.
InPEAT
LittleStar Center is a founding member of Indiana Providers of Effective Autism Treatment (INPeat). The organization mission is to enhance the professional success of member organizations, to facilitate relationships with payers, encourage and facilitate the adherence to high ethical and professional standards, and to promote a better understanding of the services provided by members. Read INPeat’s statement on the class action lawsuit filed in Indiana requesting ABA insurance coverage from Anthem. LittleStar Center Executive Director is the board president. For more information about this organization, contact her via email.