The Autism Collaborative
Autism has become an epidemic with 1 in 110 births resulting in a diagnosis of autism, with the number increasing to 1 in 70 for boys. Locally, thousands of families are affected by autism. In the past, support and services have been fragmented, disjointed, difficult to access, or non-existent.
With this knowledge and guided by a commitment to collaboration and compassion, representatives from organizations across Northwest Ohio are coming together to work as a community autism collaborative. Through the Strategic Partnership Alliance Grant from the Toledo Community Foundation, the GLCA has contracted with La Piana Consulting, an organization specializing in work with non-profits, to bring together community partners to create a collaborative agreement.
This collaborative initiative is bringing together these local health care organizations, universities, community groups, and parents to improve access to services and provide care for individuals and families affected by autism.
We are committed to working in a coordinated effort that will set standards to diagnose early, offer options for individualized intensive interventions, as well as provide continued care and support for the unique needs of families affected by autism.
Current Partners include:
The Autism MODEL School, Autism Society of Northwest Ohio, (ASNO), The University of Toledo (UT), Bowling Green State University (BGSU), Toledo Children's Hospital/ProMedica, Harbor, Bittersweet Farms, iTaalk, Self Reliance Center, Mercy Autism Services, Special Kids Therapy, Toledo Hearing and Speech, Child Development Center at Wood County Hospital, Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Capable Kids, and Perrysburg Schools,
With this knowledge and guided by a commitment to collaboration and compassion, representatives from organizations across Northwest Ohio are coming together to work as a community autism collaborative. Through the Strategic Partnership Alliance Grant from the Toledo Community Foundation, the GLCA has contracted with La Piana Consulting, an organization specializing in work with non-profits, to bring together community partners to create a collaborative agreement.
This collaborative initiative is bringing together these local health care organizations, universities, community groups, and parents to improve access to services and provide care for individuals and families affected by autism.
We are committed to working in a coordinated effort that will set standards to diagnose early, offer options for individualized intensive interventions, as well as provide continued care and support for the unique needs of families affected by autism.
Current Partners include:
The Autism MODEL School, Autism Society of Northwest Ohio, (ASNO), The University of Toledo (UT), Bowling Green State University (BGSU), Toledo Children's Hospital/ProMedica, Harbor, Bittersweet Farms, iTaalk, Self Reliance Center, Mercy Autism Services, Special Kids Therapy, Toledo Hearing and Speech, Child Development Center at Wood County Hospital, Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Capable Kids, and Perrysburg Schools,
Just a few of the exciting new programs/initiatives that are currently running or being created through the Autism Collaborative:
- After-school program for children with autism in grades 6-12 run by The Self Reliance Center. After-School hours are 2:30-6pm and they run full session on non-school days.
- New Peer Collaborator Pilot program: GLCA and the Self Reliance Center has teamed up with St. Francis De Sales High School students to create and implement a peer collaborator program. This program will pair individuals with autism and St. Francis High School kids for supervised and guided social activities.
- New Early Learning Program: Toledo Children's Hospital has contracted with nationally renowned Cleveland Clinic to create and develop a mirror site of the Cleveland Clinic's Learner Autism Center's Early Intensive Behavior Program. This program will incorporate services by the Toledo Children's Hospital, the GLCA, Harbor, UT, and BGSU
- The University for Toledo Center for Excellence in Autism is developing a clinic for women that will specialize in the complex and unique needs of young and adult women with autism.
- Auto Dealers United for Kids awarded the The University of Toledo and Toledo Children's Hospital a grant to create a Sensory Learning room at the Autism Center that will also be the site of research initiatives by University of Toledo students.
- Bowling Green State University is now offering a new program designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The ASD support program uses a support model for students on the spectrum.
Check back often for updates about what is happening with
the Autism Collaborative!
the Autism Collaborative!
Want to get involved or have questions?
Email for more information!
Email for more information!