Help to keep track of wandering children and other county services

County Executive Andy Spano’s Autism Advisory Committee has spoken – and in response Spano announced a series of initiatives to make the county “autism friendly” and deal with gaps in services for families with children on the autism spectrum. You can read the committee’s report and if you'd like, provide us with feedback via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you're a family member of a child with autism, you have enough to deal with without having to worry that your child may wander. To ease this worry, we're offering tracking bracelets to help locate a child whose wandered off. To signup for this service, download the form, complete it at home, and follow the instructions on how to apply.
 

This is one of several new initiatives launched by County Executive Andy Spano to help familes who have children with autism. We know that parents of autistic children spend a lifetime of energy and effort, not counting the emotional and financial toll, trying to find and get the right programs for their loved ones. And, autism affects not only families, but the community at large so we want to make it easier for you to get the help you and your loved ones need.

Spano created an Autism Advisory Council comprised of parents and professionals to assess existing services, pinpoint gaps in the system, advise the county on what new services are needed, and identify possible funding sources.

We have teamed up with the Autism Speaks to bring you a database of local and national services. If you're a provider, submit your information. If you're a parent looking for resources, research the Family Services Resources by geographical area.

If your organization would like to publish local events that would interest families affected by autism on the Westchester County Calendar of Events, contact Mary Torzilli by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by phone at (914) 995-5244.

If you're looking for physical activities for your child, the Miracle League of Westchester has created a special team for children on the autism spectrum. The Miracle League, whose local field is in Hartsdale, aims to make baseball accessible to every child, regardless of disability. Maybe your son or daughter would enjoy a game of ball.

If you're looking for a trusted source for news, information, education, research, advocacy and resources about the promising and ever-changing world of autism spectrum disorders, sign up to receive the quarterly publication, Autism Spectrum News.