An updated resource guide for families of chidlren with autism is available free from the special education program at the University of Arkansas. The special education program operates Project Connect to provide resources and referral services for families and created the guide last year.

The guide was created last year. The PDF of the guide can be downloaded from the website of the special education program in the College of Education and Health Professions.

Project Connect was funded by a $150,000 grant awarded over two years by the Health Resources and Services Administration in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It developed several initiatives, including Camp Connect for children with autism. In the future, Project Connect will be affiliated with the Arkansas Autism Resource & Outreach Center, a program based in Partners for Inclusive Communities, which is also a part of the University of Arkansas.

The resource guide includes registration information about free workshops for parents and extended family that will take place Jan. 16, Feb. 20 and March 12 in Fayetteville. The guide also has autism service maps of the state for everything from early intervention to employment services.

Project Connect can be reached at projconn@uark.edu or by calling 479-575-3215.