Your Guide to Support in WNY
Welcome to our Resource Center. We know that navigating life with an autistic child can feel overwhelmed, so we’ve gathered the information you need in one clear, warm space. AJ Strives For Change Inc. connects you with licensed professionals and trusted community tools; please note that we do not provide clinical or diagnostic services ourselves.
- School Advocacy Specialist Lists
- WNY Licensed Service Providers
- Parent-to-Parent Support Circles
- Home Visual Schedule Templates
Learning Together
Navigating autism in Western New York can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. We gather the information families need to feel confident and connected at every stage of their journey.
Important Note: AJ Strives For Change Inc. provides peer support and community connection. We do not provide clinical or diagnostic services. Instead, we connect families with licensed professionals and trusted local resources.
Understanding Autism
Clear, warm information to help you understand your child's world and find the right path forward in Western New York.
- Common Signs & Milestones
- Paths to a Formal Diagnosis
- First Steps After a Diagnosis
- Local Support Groups for Parents
Education & Advocacy
Practical tools to help you advocate for your child in the classroom and the community with confidence and care.
- Understanding IEP Basics
- Section 504 Plan Guides
- Building Parent-Teacher Partnerships
- Inclusive Extra-Curriculars in WNY
Local Support Networks
Finding others who understand your journey is the first step toward feeling less alone. AJ Strives For Change Inc. connects WNY families with trusted parent circles and community events. While we do not provide clinical or diagnostic services, we are here to help you find the licensed professionals and peer groups that fit your family’s needs and goals.
- Peer Support Circles
- Family Meetups
- WNY Advocacy Groups
- Educational Resource Links
Navigating Therapies in WNY
Finding the right therapy path for your child is a journey you don’t have to take alone. At AJ Strives For Change Inc., we help you understand the landscape of available interventions so you can make informed choices with confidence.
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – A structured approach focusing on building communication and daily living skills.
- Speech & Occupational Therapy – Essential supports for language development, sensory processing, and fine motor skills.
- Social Skills Coaching – Groups and tools designed to help children build lasting, meaningful friendships.
- Diagnosis & Evaluation Support – Guidance on finding local specialists, including neurologists and developmental pediatricians, for essential medical assessments.
AJ Strives For Change Inc. is a resource and advocacy organization. We do not provide clinical or diagnostic services. Our mission is to connect your family with trusted, licensed professionals in Western New York.
Feeding, Behavior & Neurology
We invite families to explore comprehensive resources tailored to feeding challenges, behavioral support, and specialized neurological care.
- Feeding clinics and feeding teams
- Behavioral support and parent coaching
- Pediatric neurologists and neurology clinics
Resource Center for WNY Families
Navigating autism shouldn’t feel like a solo journey. We are here to listen and connect your family with licensed professionals and trusted local support. Please note: AJ Strives For Change Inc. does not provide clinical or diagnostic services; we facilitate connections to those who do.
Therapy & Skill-Building Services
Families can discover a range of therapies focused on boosting communication, teaching daily living skills, and supporting emotional regulation.
- Speech and language therapy (ST)
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services
- Occupational therapy (OT)
- Physical therapy (PT)
Evaluation & Diagnostic Support
These professional agencies help families with thorough evaluations and obtaining a clear diagnosis to help clarify your family's next steps.
- Autism and developmental evaluation clinics
- Hospital- or university-based assessment centers
- Agencies that coordinate testing and eligibility
Common Questions & Resources
Where should our family start?
Start with a warm connection. Our team provides an initial introduction to the autism community in Western New York, helping you identify immediate next steps and finding others who share your journey.
Do you provide medical or diagnostic services?
No. AJ Strives For Change Inc. does not provide clinical or diagnostic services. Instead, we act as a trusted bridge—connecting families with licensed professionals, including neurologists, and proven clinical resources.
What types of resources can you help me find?
We connect families with varied local supports and information tailored to their specific needs, including:
- Licensed clinical and behavioral professionals, including neurologists and psychologists
- Educational advocacy and IEP tools
- Local sensory-friendly community events
- Caregiver support networks and circles
Is your support available outside of WNY?
Currently, our focus is serving families within the Western New York area. This ensures that the professional connections we facilitate are local, relevant, and accessible to our community members.
Western New York Autism & Developmental Resource Directory
A guide to trusted organizations serving children and families across Buffalo and Western New York.
"We believe families should never have to navigate autism alone. This directory connects Western New York families with trusted organizations offering evaluations, therapy, support, and community resources."
1) Feeding, Behavior & Neurology
- UBMD Pediatrics – Pediatric Neurology (Buffalo, NY)
- Robert Warner Center for Developmental Pediatrics (Kaleida Health) (Buffalo, NY)
- Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center (Buffalo, Cheektowaga, West Seneca)
- Dent Neurologic Institute (Amherst, NY)
- Oishei Children’s Hospital – Pediatric Neurology (Buffalo, NY)
2) Therapy & Skill-Building Services
- The Summit Center (Getzville / Amherst)
- Aspire of Western New York (Buffalo / Getzville)
- Autism Learning Partners (Buffalo)
- Kids First Services (Buffalo area)
- The Children’s League (Springville / Orchard Park)
- Empower Children’s Academy (Tonawanda)
- Beyond Boundaries Therapy (Buffalo)
- Stepping Stones Therapy Center (Western NY region)
3) Evaluation & Diagnostic Support
- Oishei Children’s Hospital – Autism Spectrum Disorder Center (Buffalo)
- Oishei Neuropsychological Evaluation Clinic (Buffalo)
- UB Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics (Buffalo)
- Early Childhood Direction Center (ECDC) (Buffalo)
- Erie County Early Intervention Program (Erie County)
- Niagara County Early Intervention Program (Niagara County)