Autism NOW: The National Autism Resource and Information Center

The National Autism Resource and Information Center is a high profile national initiative of The Arc dedicated to be the central point of quality resources and information for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, their families, and other targeted key stakeholders, including underserved and unserved. A major goal of the Autism NOW Center is to provide resources and information in core areas across the lifespan. Focus areas include Early detection, Early intervention, and Early education; Transition from high school into early adulthood; Community based employment; Advocacy for families and self-advocates; Community Inclusion; Aging Issues; Policy; Implementation of Health Care Reform, including Long Term Care Services and Supports; Family and Sibling Support; and Networking in local, state, and national arenas.

The innovative model of support for individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities, their families, and other targeted key stakeholders will reflect evidence-based research and  best practices, quality resources and information and multiple opportunities to engage in the information exchange and knowledge transfer process through the use of a state of the-art website and evaluation system. Center activities are based on a logic model and all activities will be aligned with and reflect the principles of inclusion, integration, independence, and self-determination as stated in the DD Act. A dynamic series of events that will be a part of the Center’s activities will include Regional Autism NOW Summits that will be held in five cities across the United States.

The Autism NOW summit events are designed to be warm, open, accessible, culturally proficient, and inclusive, allowing for both discussions of autism-related issues as well as celebrations of the autism and other developmental disabilities and to raise awareness.

The National Autism Resource and Information Center is funded by The Administration on Developmental Disabilities.