Autism Family Network (AFN)
Children who grow up with a diagnosis of autism deserve to have a beautiful, memorable childhood. Sometimes they need a little more support than healthier children. The Autism Family Network is a non-profit organization that understands how to make childhood a safer, more loving place for youth with autism (and their families, too). Through dedicated work with the community and the families themselves, AFN creates an anchor of hope for each child growing up against the odds. Families, too, will find reliable mental health resources and kind, compassionate support during their work with the network.
How AFN Helps
The beliefs that AFN holds are the key to how they help families. For example, they believe "a person has the right to a loving, secure and nurturing environment." They provide this to families by hosting community events and programs that surround families with networks of people going through the same thing and who care. Likewise, they believe "families are the strongest support for well being and nurturing of people with autism, and AFN recognizes that 'the family' may be defined in many ways."
These beliefs form the core of AFN and enable them to help each family they serve. Their beliefs come directly from their founder. As a Pediatric Behavior Nurse Specialist, the founder of AFN encountered many autistic children who struggled to have the supports they need to be nurtured and understood in society. Families, likewise, struggled to find people who understood. This made treatment and support more difficult.
To offset these barriers to support, the founder of AFN went to work creating a network of people who would focus specifically on the experience of growing up along the autism spectrum. Whether a child has severe autism or is on the lighter end of the spectrum, there's help, hope, and shared experience all around the community. AFN creates fun experiences for autistic children and their families, such as the Henry Doorly Zoo Campout, Star City Shores Night, Bowling, and even Christmas parties. It's all about being together and experiencing life in a way that everyone understands it together. The love of life is in every community event and support event that AFN crafts for families. For many, it's the only time where they're around people who understand.
Learn More About AFN
For more information about the Autism Family Network, please visit their very enlightening and hopeful website.