Autism-Related Resources
- ABA Provider Database: A comprehensive database of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) providers in South Carolina for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. https://sc.accessgov.com/ddsn/Forms/Page/ddsn/provider-search/
- Able SC: A nonprofit organization that provides advocacy, resources, and peer support to empower individuals with disabilities to live independently and inclusively.
1-800-681-6805 or https://www.able-sc.org/
- AutismConnect: AutismConnect is a gathering dedicated to bringing together individuals, families, and professionals in the autism community. Discover the latest research, innovative therapies, and support networks that can make a difference in the lives of those with autism. Conference is in April annually. https://ddsn.sc.gov/ddsn-divisions/autism/autismconnect
- Autism Speaks Toolkits: Autism Speaks has developed tool kits and guides to help people with autism and their families throughout the lifespan https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-speaks-tool-kits
- BabyNet: South Carolina’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers which provides services and support to enhance their development and well-being.
1-866-512-8881 or https://www.scdhhs.gov/resources/programs-and-initiatives/babynet
- Big Red Safety Box: A program offering safety resources, tools, and educational materials to caregivers to help prevent and respond to emergency situations.
1-877-622-2884 or https://nationalautismassociation.org/big-red-safety-box/
- Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs: A program offering children with special healthcare needs supplies, equipment, prescription drugs, special formula, medical services, blood products, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and bone-anchored hearing aids.
1-803-898-0784 or https://scdhec.gov/health/child-teen-health/services-children-special-health-care-needs
- Circle of Security: A program that helps caregivers connect with the children in their lives by reflecting on children’s attachment needs to promote secure attachment with a child. Recommended for children ages 4 months – 5 years old. This group is free and is held virtually. New classes start each month.
tstenson@scimha.org or https://www.scimha.org/COS
- Children's Personal Care Aide: Available to Medicaid-eligible children under age 21 who require daily monitoring and observation due to requiring hands-on assistance for functional deficits (i.e., bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, mobility, & transferring). Contact your case manager to request this service. If you need a case manager, please call DDSN at 803-898-9600.
- Continuum of Care: South Carolina’s statewide system provides coordinated services for children, ensuring a continuum of care throughout their lifespan. The service is for youth aged 21 or under with serious emotional disturbance or substance use disorders who are at risk of out-of-home placement.
1-803-734-4500 or https://coc.sc.gov/
- Credible Mind/Hopeful Minds : SC DMH – Hopeful Minds is a free online platform that brings together expert rated and vetted videos podcasts, apps, online programs, books and articles all in one easy to use place. Topics include stress, anxiety, autism, depression, happiness, parenting, grief, aging, etc. Hopefulminds.crediblemind.com
- Disability Rights: An advocacy organization promoting and protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities, to ensure equal opportunities and inclusion.
1-866-275-7273 or https://www.disabilityrightssc.org/
- Family Connection: A support network providing resources, education, and connections to families to foster understanding and navigate the journey.
1-800-578-8750 or https://www.familyconnectionsc.org/
- First 5 SC: Connect families with SC’s public services for children birth through age 5. Checks eligibility for over 40 services. Now includes a common application for many of the services.
https://first5sc.org/
- Greenwood Genetics Testing: Knowing the reason a person has a disability can be helpful for many reasons. Some disabilities can affect a person’s health as well as their learning. There may be certain treatments that may benefit the individual because of their diagnosis. Referrals can be made to doctors who specialize in particular problems related to the diagnosis. 1-866-588-4363 or www.ggc.org.
- Help Me Grow SC: Child development specialists identify and connect caregivers with resources (basic needs to parent support) in their area. They also conduct developmental screenings. https://helpmegrowsc.org/
- Hope.connectsSCkids.org: SCDMH, SC Dept of Children’s Advocacy have partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to provide an interactive screening program that parents and guardians can anonymously take on behalf of their child and connect with a professional counselor in SC. Go to hope.connectsSCkids.org
- Kindred Hearts of South Carolina: A nonprofit organization formed to serve kinship caregivers and their families and provide valuable resources and support to formal and informal kinship care placements. Call 803-553-7277 or https://www.kindredheartssc.org/
- Mobile Crisis: A DMH crisis response program providing immediate assistance and support for individuals with autism experiencing mental health crises.
Call 833-864-2274, or visit: https://scdmh.net/dmh-components/community-mental-health-services/programs/mobile-crisis/
- Online Autism Caregiver Training: Free, self-paced, online caregiver training. Caregivers will learn how to support their child’s development, communication and improve behavior. Caregiver must be at least 18 years old and their child between 2-9 years with an autism diagnosis. To learn more, fill out the interest form at redcap.link/eCST. If you do not meet the requirements, but still wish to participate, please email: ana.c.ramirez01@utrgv.edu.
- PASOs: Helps the Latino community and service providers work together. Community Health Workers screen children and those with developmental needs are referred to appropriate resources, therapies, and specialty care. They also connect families to resources that address child development, hunger, medical needs, and others. Call 803-465-5987, or visit https://www.scpasos.org/.
- Palmetto ABLE Savings Program: Allows individuals with disabilities the opportunity to save and invest money while maintaining eligibility for important needs-based benefits.
1-800-439-1653 or https://treasurer.sc.gov/what-we-do/for-citizens/able-savings-program/
- Project Lifesaver: A program that utilizes tracking technology to aid in the timely location and rescue of individuals who may wander or become lost.
1-877-580-LIFE or https://projectlifesaver.org/
- Rehabilitative Behavioral Health Services: A SC Medicaid program that encompasses a range of evidence-based interventions and therapies (Family Support, Behavior Modification, Psychosocial Rehabilitative Services, Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, and Family Therapy) that can be tailored to individuals with autism and a co-morbid mental health diagnosis to enhance their functional abilities, social skills, and overall well-being. https://www.scdhhs.gov/private-rbhs-provider-directory
- SC Assistive Technology Program: A USC program that promotes access to assistive technology devices and services to enhance independence and quality of life. Call 803-935-5263, or visit: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/medicine/centers_and_institutes_new/center_for_disability_resources/assistive_technology/
- SC DMH: The South Carolina Department of Mental Health, provides mental health services and resources, including support for individuals with a mental health diagnosis in addition to autism and their families. Individuals must have a consistent form of communication.
1-803-898-8581 or https://scdmh.net/
- SC DSS: The South Carolina Department of Social Services, offers various support programs and resources, including those beneficial for individuals with autism and their families. https://dss.sc.gov/ . For information regarding special needs childcare vouchers please contact SpecialNeeds@dss.sc.gov.
- Brief Strategic Family Therapy: Offers a therapeutic approach to address behavior-related challenges and promote family well-being. https://dss.sc.gov/media/2469/dss-form-37515-aug-20.pdf
- Functional Family Therapy: Offers evidence-based therapy for families to improve communication, problem-solving, and relationships within the family unit. https://dss.sc.gov/media/2777/functional-family-therapy-dss-form-37516-aug-20.pdf
- HOMEBUILDERS: Provides intensive in-home services and support to enhance family functioning and improve outcomes. https://dss.sc.gov/media/2776/homebuilders-dss-form-37517-aug-20.pdf
- SC Medicaid: South Carolina’s Medicaid program, provides healthcare coverage and support services to eligible individuals.
1-888-549-0820 or https://www.scdhhs.gov/
- SC Parents: An online resources and support platform for parents and caregivers, offering information, resources, and community connections.
https://scparents.org/
- SC Respite Coalition: Offers a Respite Voucher Program designed to support families and caregivers by providing temporary relief through respite care services, promoting their overall well-being and capacity to continue caring for their loved ones.
1-866-345-6786 or https://www.screspitecoalition.org/programs-services/respite-voucher-program/
- Special Needs Network of Dentists: This web-based directory provides a current list of dentists in South Carolina who have reported that they will treat patients with mild and/or moderate-severe manifestations of many different developmental and acquired special needs.
https://www.sandsc.org/
- Strengthening Families Program: A 14-session weekly program providing evidence-based strategies and resources to strengthen family relationships and promote positive outcomes for children ages 6-11.
803-744-4041 or https://search.scparents.org/v2/favorites/public/strengthening-families-program
- Triple P: Positive Parenting Program is a free, research-based parenting program offering strategies for toddler tantrums to teenage rebellion. The program offers support to parents to promote their child’s social and emotional development.
Wings for All: A program that allows individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience boarding a plan so they can become comfortable with the process.
https://www.arcsc.org/wings-for-autismFor more:
- Resources for Transition Services for Young Adults
- Non-State Agencies and State Agencies Resources
For more information or assistance please contact the Autism Division Director:
Stephanie Turner, LMSW, MPH, BCBA
3440 Harden Street Extension, Columbia, SC 29203
