A group of families have expressed interest in starting a new Autism Spectrum Disorder support group in Polk County.&bsp; The first organizational meeting will be held at the Trade Street Gallery Coffeehouse in Tryon on Tuesday, May 18, at 6 p.m.

Autism support groups are helpful to families who are looking to meet others to network and exchange information. An important function of nearly all autism support groups is to introduce families to others like themselves who can provide much needed information and emotional support.

When families with similar concerns meet, there is a sense of community, of understanding; you create a place where you can laugh about the same things, where you can discuss the same problems, where you can help each other. Where else can a parent find out which local dentists are good with children who dont sit still, where to buy specialized clothes, toys, or equipment, how to help a teenager find a summer or after-school job, or how to fill out a social security application?

Some autism support groups also include members who are not parents of children with disabilities, such as educators, medical professionals, social services people, policymakers and others interested in the same issues.

The first meeting will be lead by Tracey Daniels, a Polk County resident. Interested parents are encouraged to volunteer to provide leadership and form an advisory board for future meetings. &bsp;

Future meeting locations and meeting dates will be decided amongst the group of attendees, as well as the goals and overall function of the support group.&bsp; Childcare will not be provided at the first meeting, but most likely will be available at future meetings.

For questions, contact Tracey at: tracey@mmpublicity.com.&bsp; Put support group in the subject line.