Association/Societies/Organizations

CASANA Apraxia-Kids
The mission of the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA) is to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with apraxia, so that each child has their best opportunity to develop speech.

American Occupational Therapy Association
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is the national professional association that represents the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and to improve the quality of occupational therapy services.

American Speech-Language Hearing Association
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists.

Autism Insurance in Michigan (AIM) - Dedicated to promoting Autism Insurance in Michigan through networking and legislative reform.

Autism Society of America
ASA, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism, by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy

Autism Society of America, Oakland County, Michigan Chapter
One of over 200 Chapters of the Autism Society of America (ASA). The ASA is the oldest autism advocacy group in the country. The Oakland County Chapter is also one of 13 Chapters in Michigan. Our membership is open to all those who care about people with autism. The Board of Directors is a volunteer body elected by the membership.

Autism Society of Michigan
The mission of the Autism Society of Michigan (ASM) is to assure full participation and self determination in every aspect of life for each individual, by opening avenues of self advocacy and advocating on behalf of others in a way that values equity, respect, dignity and diversity in all communities.

Autism Speaks - The nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

Down Syndrome Guild of Southeastern Michigan - The Down Syndrome Guild of Southeast Michigan (DSGSEMI) is a 501C-3 non-profit organization established in 1999 with a history of responding to the changing needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

ECHO - Expressive Communication Help Organization
Canadian Support & Resources
Expressive Communication Help Organization (ECHO) is a volunteer-run non-profit charity established by parents for parents/caregivers of late-talking children diagnosed with or suspected of having Apraxia of Speech, Dyspraxia, Dysarthria or Oral Motor Speech Disorders. We offer resources, information, friendship and support to those whose lives are touched by a late-talking child.

Friendship Circle
The Friendship Circle provides assistance and support to the families of children with special needs as well as to individuals and families struggling with addiction, isolation, and other crises.
In addition to helping those in need, the Friendship Circle empowers and enriches its network of volunteers, the majority of whom are teenagers, by enabling them to reap the vast rewards of giving of themselves.

Michigan Speech Language Hearing Association
The state association for speech language pathologists and audiologists. Provides professional support and development, public awareness, and advocacy for professionals in communication sciences and disorders and the individuals they serve.

National Special Education Law
NSEL was founded by attorney Michael Dorfman to assist parents in navigating the red tape often associated with determining the rights of special education students under the law. Dorfman has extensive experience negotiating with school officials and can assist you with mediation of disputes, and represent you in all phases of the legal process often involved in special education disputes.

OUCARES - Oakland University Center for Autism Research, Education and Support. OUCARES integrates academic course work, knowledge and research with hands-on work in the community to prepare professionals to be leaders in the autism community.