S P E C T R U M

Spectrum is an autism support group based out of Gwinnett County, a surrounding area
of Atlanta, Georgia. Gwinnett is one of the five metro counties of Atlanta that the CDC originally

identified statistical references for autism. The primary geographic focus for Spectrum's support

meetings is Gwinnett County which currently the CDC references 1 in 131 children today having

autism in this county. Spectrum was established in 1998 by fifty parents and teachers of

children with autism in the Gwinnett County area and currently serves over 500 families residing

not only in Gwinnett County but also in at least seven surrounding counties. Gwinnett is the

largest school system in the state of Georgia and provides services to approximately 1,400

children within the Special Education Autism Program. Gwinnett County hosts the ASA Greater

Georgia Chapter annual conference with Spectrum being one of the primary sponsors of the

conference. Spectrum is actively involved as a leader in the Atlanta autism community and over

the past two years the Atlanta Spectrum team and Spectrum member teams have raised over

$30,000 for the Georgia Walk for Autism.

Spectrum strives to provide support, education and resources encompassing the entire

spectrum of autism disorders through monthly meetings, a website, and listserv. Monthly

meetings provide information on current topics with breakout sessions specifically for parents of

children with Asperger Syndrome, a Dad's support group, and a Grandparent's support group

led by speakers and professionals in the field of autism. Spectrum provides a Sibling group and

Social Skills groups for individuals with autism of all ages and levels of functioning led by

teachers in the field of autism.

More importantly, the group has tremendous impact statewide and globally through

Spectrum's listserv and website. The listserv is a communication tool that allows parents and

educators nationwide to network among each other for resources and current information in the

field of autism. There are currently over 500 individuals actively involved in the listserv, with an

average of twenty new individuals joining each month. Over the last ten years Spectrum has

collaborated with twelve other counties located around the state of Georgia to assist with

starting an autism support group in their area.

Another part of Spectrum's entity is supporting respite programs for individuals with

autism through monthly community outings and summer camp programs. The goal of the

Camps and Clubs program is for all children to learn to work with, play with, respect and value

each other regardless of their varying abilities and skills. The camp program is unique and is not

offered anywhere else in the state of Georgia. Families travel from seven different counties to

access the summer camp programs each year. Due to its success and the need for appropriate

services nationwide, other counties can easily replicate this program in order to expand services

for families.