Outreach autism Services Network (OaSN)
OaSN is a non-profit organization was founded 5/12/11 to provide no cost/low cost programs, services & events to individuals on the spectrum for autism & related neuro immune disorders, their families & caregivers residing in the state of FL. To participate in our programs & services, offered in Ocala, FL, we must have a current intake form on file (on/after 8/1/18).
OaSN collaborates with doctors, therapists, schools, etc. to provide valuable resources, services and support for the individuals and families we serve. We also offer an annual Neuro Medical Conference with speakers offering the lastest treatments and research in the field of autism & related neuro immune disorders. This conference is open to the families we serve, medical students & medical professionals.
OaSN relies on the generosity of the community & grants to help fund our autism programs/services. Tax deductible donations are always appreciated! OaSN staff are available to offer assistance regarding programs/services & referrals 9am-2pm M-TH Eastern Time (closed for holidays and most school breaks). Most OaSN staff are off on Fridays so that we can be apart of community events on weekends. Messages can be left with our administrator on Fridays 9am-2pm.
OaSN MISSION:
To facilitate the best outcomes for individuals with autism and related neuroimmune/neurodevelopmental disorders. This mission will be accomplished by offering educational programs/services and referrals to the individuals, families & caregivers served.
OaSN HISTORY
Outreach autism Services Network (OaSN) was founded in 2011 in collaboration with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and a parent of a child with autism to offer one service, a monthly support meeting in Ocala (Marion County) FL. Our original name was Ocala Autism Support Network to reflect our one service. Over the next year (2011-2012), families wanted more services so OaSN became a non-profit organization. Due to the change in what we offer to the community; in 2014, we changed our name too! We now outreach to individuals on the spectrum for autism and related neuroimmune disorders, their families and/or caregivers residing all over the state of Florida, offering 20+ no cost and low-cost autism services that have an intake form on file on/after 8/1/19.
EXPANSION PLANS=CAPITOL CAMPAIGN
OaSN has started a capital campaign to fund our plan is to obtain a 20,000 sq ft. facility with a commercial kitchen, outdoor space for an organic farm, and expanded recreational space. Expanded space (interior/exterior) and a commercial kitchen will allow us to provide meaningful programs that offer purpose for adults with autism and expand current programs/services for children with autism and related neuro immune disorders. Please contact our executive director at kvega@oasn.info or our finance director at dhorton@oasn.info for more information about our capital campaign.
Autism Behavioral Education Program Registration
The Autism Behavioral Education Program is a United Way funded program that assists autism families (with an intake form completed after 8-1-2018 on file AND residing in Marion County) by offering the following:
-A seminar that provides a core understanding of Applied Behavioral Analysis & ways that it can assist your child with autism (up to age 19) with behavioral management, life & social skills. Childcare for all children in your family is provided for this required seminar to participate in this program.
-Once you have determined that you are in interested in obtaining applied behavioral analysis (ABA) for your child, you will be assisted in completing paperwork to one or more ABA companies (depending on your insurance provider) with the assistance of Outreach autism Services Network staff (OaSN) and/or volunteers.
-You will be required to fill out additional paperwork to provide to an applied behavioral analyst or an assistant applied behavioral analyst to assist with creating a basic behavioral plan to assist parents, caregivers and teachers to aid the child with autism until ABA therapy is approved by your public, private or commercial insurance plan.
-OaSN will provide assistance through support meetings, information about other services that are offered, & referrals to other therapies or services as needed.
Please note, there is no charge to participate in this program, however, you will need to provide requested information including family income to be considered. This program is NOT income dependent, it is dependent on the need of the child you are requesting to participate in this program. OaSN is required to collect this information to receive grant funding. This information also assists us in getting more funding. Thank you. Additional note, this information is confidential & will only be shared as data without identifying names, addresses, etc.
Intake Form
Our intake form is available to complete and submit online!
Please take a moment and click the button below and fully complete the intake form. You must have an intake form on file to be eligible for the programs and services that OaSN offers. Should you have any questions please contact us.
We know the road, so we have paved it for others to have an easier journey!™
What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. Individuals with autism process information differently than those not on the spectrum for autism.
How many individuals are diagnosed with autism?
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/
&
https://www.askdrsears.com/topics/autism/autism-rate-jumps-1-36-children-1-28-boys
Are there higher medical costs associated with autism?
Individuals with an autism diagnosis have medical expenditures that exceeded those without an autism diagnosis by $4,110–$6,200 per year. On average, medical expenditures for individuals with an autism diagnosis were 4.1–6.2 times greater than for those without an autism diagnosis. Differences in median expenditures ranged from $2,240 to $3,360 per year with median expenditures 8.4–9.5 times greater. In 2005, the average annual medical costs for Medicaid-enrolled children with autism were $10,709 per child, which was about six times higher than costs for children without autism ($1,812). In addition to medical costs, intensive behavioral interventions for children with autism cost $40,000 to $60,000 per child per year.
Reference: Centers for Disease Control:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db291.pdf, please visit the CDC website for more information.
HUGE thanks to Howard Middle School and the Jr. National Honor Society for volunteering, choosing OaSN as their study project, and for their generous donation. Community support allows OaSN to offer low cost/no cost programs/services. We are so grateful!
Ember911™
The Ember911™ Child Safety Education Program is designed to teach children how to react in dangerous or life threatening situations. Ember is virtual Dalmatian who teaches fire safety along with other aspects of child safety in an interactive way with a host of animated characters.
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Highly recommended for anyone looking for assistance with children with autism. Also any adults with autism looking for help, this is the place to go. Highly skilled and knowledgeable people ready to assist you and many others as well. If you haven't been to a Support meeting on Wednesday, you must go. Handouts, up to date information and much more on a weekly basis. I am so thankful I was invited to attend this class. The amount of knowledge that Anne Marie had was mind blowing. I am looking forward to some positive changes in my son's life. - Magnificent and amazing people!! Highly recommend this for anyone who needs assistance with their child for support in Autism! Super knowledgeable and very helpful! They have saved my life and my family’s!!
A great organization. Absolutely amazing how much they do for kids with autism in our community. Thank you to all at the facility, and thank you to the donors who are able to help our kids. My son attended camp this week and absolutely enjoyed himself. He was able to learn and have fun. - Outstanding organization and an answer to our prayers. An amazing community of people with expert knowledge, resources, and support! The most wonderful,caring,dedicated group of people you will ever meet. We are so appreciative for all the hard work and dedication. The community needs this service and we will do all we can to support you.
- Very informative! Helped me understand I wasn't alone!!! Keep up the outstanding work! The most wonderful,caring,dedicated group of people you will ever meet. We are so appreciative for all the hard work and dedication. The community needs this service and we will do all we can to support you.