Autism Program at WIHD

Strengthening the Community through training, support, and services for children, families, and professionals

Supporting Families

The following resources at WIHD support families of young children with ASD by providing relevant guidance and information while involved with the early intervention and preschool systems.

Early Childhood Direction Center (ECDC)

The ECDC is the regional Technical Assistance Center (serving Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester families and professionals) for services and programs for children with special needs, including autism, from birth to age 5.  The goal of this NYS funded program is to establish connections in the region to enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities of families and professionals in order to more effectively serve young children with disabilities and their families.  Located on the Vocational and Educational Services for individuals with Disabilities (VESID) website, you can find out additional information about the ECDC and print out valuable resources. http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/lsn/ecdc/

Parent-to-Parent of New York State

A parent-staffed program serving seven counties within the Hudson valley which provides family-friendly information about healthcare, family support, networking activities, advocacy, community leadership and more. Our parent-matching program assists parents who have a child with a developmental disability and/or special health care needs, by locating a volunteer support parent who has a similar experience. Hudson Valley Parent to Parent News E-Group receives information of special interest including news releases, events, forums and workshops in the region. PTPNYS website (www.parenttoparentnys.org/) regularly posts information in the Hudson Valley section and also offers on-line training for parents on healthcare, advocacy and other topics of interest to families.  

Early Intervention Service Coordination by "The Family Connection"

This service is available to families in Westchester County receiving services through the Early Intervention Program.  The program offers service coordinators for both initial assessments and ongoing support to assist families in obtaining, coordinating and monitoring services received (e .g. speech-language therapy, special instruction, occupational therapy, ABA etc.) within the program.  Our professional service coordinators are parents of children with disabilities. 

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