Resources for Long Island Parents of Children with Autism

Nonprofit organizations provide support groups, activities, and services to address the challenges of raising a child with autism spectrum disorder.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:36pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in warm, soft colors depicting a blurred scene of a parent and child playing together, conveying an intimate, atmospheric mood of inclusion and support.A supportive community of families with children on the autism spectrum finds joy and connection through specialized local resources and activities.Commack Today

When a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, it can feel scary and isolating for the parents. Fortunately, there are various specialized resources available on Long Island to support parents on their journey of raising a special-needs child. A number of nonprofit organizations provide parent support groups, educational seminars, community activities and other services to address many of the emotional, informational and social challenges parents of autistic children often face.

Why it matters

Autism spectrum disorder can present significant challenges for families, leading to social isolation and difficulty accessing resources. These local organizations aim to create a supportive community and provide essential services to help parents navigate raising a child with special needs.

The details

The Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America (NSASA) plans free events throughout Long Island for individuals with autism and their families, including activities like roller-skating, trampoline venues, and movies. Nassau Suffolk Service for Autism offers school programs, transition programs, parent training workshops, and family events at Adventureland. Life's WORC Family Center for Achievement provides social skills training, enrichment activities, and comprehensive support for parents and siblings. The Bridge Program in the Town of Babylon offers social skills groups, parent support groups, and sibling support groups. The ELIJA Foundation runs a school, a farm, and educational conferences and seminars. People's Arc of Suffolk and Nassau AHRC help administer the New York State OPWDD Family Support Services Reimbursement Program.

  • The spring parent training workshop at Nassau Suffolk Service for Autism is currently in progress.
  • The ELIJA Foundation holds various events throughout the year, some free and others with a fee.

The players

Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America (NSASA)

A nonprofit organization that plans free events throughout Long Island for individuals with autism and their families, with the goal of creating a supportive environment for families to have fun and feel safe.

Nassau Suffolk Service for Autism

A Commack-based organization that offers school programs, transition programs, parent training workshops, and family events at Adventureland.

Life's WORC Family Center for Achievement

A comprehensive resource center in Garden City that provides social skills training, enrichment activities, and support for parents and siblings of special-needs children.

Babylon Bridge Program

A program managed by the Town of Babylon Youth Bureau that offers social skills groups, parent support groups, and sibling support groups for residents.

ELIJA Foundation

An organization that runs an autism school, a farm, and educational conferences and seminars to help families navigate autism-related topics.

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What they’re saying

“'It can be hard for people with autism and their families to participate in the same activities as their peers. People with autism may struggle to be quiet in the movies, or they may have trouble waiting in line at a theme park or following certain directions. Unfortunately, the family winds up staying home from many of the activities that other families attend, and they start to become isolated. Our goal is to create places where families have a supportive environment to have fun and feel safe and free from judgment.'”

— Michele Iallonardi, Executive Director, Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America

“'The activities provide an opportunity for everyone to interact with each other in a supportive environment and to understand each other.'”

— Chantae Ricketts, Assistant Administrator, Life's WORC Family Center for Achievement

What’s next

The ELIJA Foundation plans to hold its next educational conference focused on the transition to adulthood for individuals on the autism spectrum.

The takeaway

These local organizations are working to create a supportive community and provide essential resources to help parents of children with autism navigate the challenges of raising a special-needs child, from social activities to educational support and financial assistance.