Asperger/Autism Network (formerly the Asperger's Association of New England). AANE works with individuals, families, and professionals to help people with Asperger Syndrome and similar autism spectrum profiles build meaningful, connected lives. They do this by providing information, education, community, support, and advocacy, all in an atmosphere of validation and respect.
www.aane.org

 Arc of Massachusetts. Arc Mass is a state-wide volunteer education and advocacy organization dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Arc's mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with specific developmental disabilities by promoting quality community services and advocating for enlightened public policy.
www.thearcofmass.org

Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) was formed in 2004 to address the need for public advocacy on behalf of individuals, families and professionals who have or deal with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) which also encompasses Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning Autism. The organization provides an important arena for mobilizing those who deal with ASD in their day-to-day lives as the most eloquent and persuasive spokespeople for their concerns. AFAM's efforts focus not only on the State House but also on towns and city halls that also have responsibility for service delivery and funding.    www.afamaction.org

Autism Housing Pathways (AHP) provides information, support, and resources for families who seek supported housing for their adult children with disabilities. Autism Housing Pathways fosters education and awareness; disseminates information about the creation of self-directed housing for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities;  promotes and supports the formation and maintenance of such housing; and assists families in creating self-directed housing for their adult children that supports their residential, recreational, and community needs.
www.autismhousingpathways.net

Specialized Housing, Inc. creates supportive housing opportunities for adults with disabilities in condominiums and apartments in the greater Boston area and other locations in New England and in the United States. Its mission is to promote independence through home ownership, work, an active social life and community connections, a community of friends for learning, fun, and growth, and most important, an antidote to the loneliness that adults with disabilities often experience.
www.specializedhousing.org

SUPPORTbrokers is a fee-for-service program of ArcMass that assists persons with disabilities to achieve their vision through planning, education, and advocacy. Consumers or families hire a support broker to help them find appropriate services and supports to thrive in their community. Brokers can help consumers find transportation, a place to live, someone to help them with daily living skills, a job counselor, and other linkages within the community. Brokers can also facilitate and create a person-centered plan and help consumers apply for Social Security or health insurance, among other benefits.
www.thearcofmass.org/programs/supportbrokers

New England Index (INDEX). INDEX helps people with disabilities find the information they need by collecting up-to-date information on disability-related programs, providers, and services in Massachusetts. INDEX is a project of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
www.disabilityinfo.org

Autism Mom's Survival  Guide: Creating a Balanced and Happy Life While Raising a Child with Autism, Susan Senator  (Trumpeter Books, 2010) . The author interweaves the voices of autism parents, researchers, and professionals to offer guidance and encouragement on how to find happiness and fulfillment in the midst of the struggles of raising an autistic child. Topics include: how to handle feelings of despair and hopelessness; finding fun, even during turbulent times; caring for your marriage; and finding a balance between accepting your child as he or she is and seeking new treatments.
Order from: www.amazon.com

Reflections from a Different Journey: What Adults with Disabilities Wish All Parents Knew, Edited by Stanley D. Klein, Ph.D., and John D. Kemp (DisAbilitiesbooks, 2011) Reflections is a collection of 40 inspiring and realistic short essays written by successful adult role models. The writers share what it is like to grow up with a disability and advise parents based on their personal experiences.
Order from: www.DisAbilitiesBooksPress.com

Special Needs Planning Guide, John W. Nadworny and Cynthia R. Haddad (Brookes Publishing, 2007). The authors, both certified financial planners who have family members with special needs, are principals in Special Needs Planning, part of Shepherd Financial Partners, in Winchester, MA. This valuable book  covers financial planning for individuals with disabilities of every age.
Order from: www.BrookesPublishing.com