330.940.1441 x1
Hours: 9:00am - 2:00pm, Monday - Friday
In-person meetings by appointment only
What is the HelpLine?
Our HelpLine is a FREE service that provides a caring support system to listen to concerns and help solve problems. It connects people to autism-related resources and services in the counties of Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Wayne. You can reach our Support Specialists, by phone from 9am-2pm Monday through Friday with after-hour messages returned the next business day. You can also email your questions HERE at your convenience. Appointments are required for any in-person meetings with our support specialist.
Meet our Support Specialists
Wendy Cline, LSW has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Grove City College and an Ohio teaching certificate for high school science from The Ohio State University. She recently earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and is licensed through the State of Ohio.
As an educator and a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, Wendy witnessed the struggles that result because of a lack of understanding about autism in the classroom. She is a strong advocate for faculty and student-peer autism education, teen-to-adult independent living services, and opportunities that increase the quality of everyday life for those with autism and their families.
Wendy and her husband, Mike, currently reside in Ravenna with their standard poodles. The Clines have three married daughters, Abbey (29), Emma (24), and Natalie (23).
Theresa Maier has a background in Human Resources at Cleveland Clinic and earned her Bachelor of Arts at Baldwin Wallace University. She grew up in Cuyahoga county and enjoys visiting local parks, playgrounds, and beaches with her family.
Theresa currently resides in Copley with her husband and son, who was diagnosed with Autism at 23 months old. She currently volunteers as a Support Parent for P2P USA, Parent Advisor through Akron Children’s Hospital, and Parent Match through Connecting for Kids. In her free time, Theresa enjoys cooking and reading.
Who We Help
Anyone affected by autism can access the HelpLine: parents, caregivers, family members, educators, professionals working with individuals with autism, and adults with autism.
How We Help
The HelpLine is available to support you in finding options for resolutions to all sorts of inquiries, whether you are just learning about an autism diagnosis or are well into the autism journey. ASGA follows the Options Policy adopted by the Autism Society of America, which states that every family should choose the path that works for their child and their family. Every child is different and every family is different. While your path may be your own, there is also great support on this journey from families on the same road. You are not alone!
Subjects we are most frequently asked about include:
• School issues, such as questions about IEPs, parent/professional communication, and alternative placement options
• Doctors who specialize in treating individuals with ASD
• Behavior questions
• Support groups, both for parents/caregivers and for individuals with ASD
• Transition age support, such as what providers are available, housing options, and job coaching
Confidentiality
Information provided by users of the HelpLine is kept confidential. The only time this confidentiality would be broken is if someone is believed to be in immediate danger to themselves or others and there is a need to contact emergency services.
When users share personal data, such as your name, child’s diagnosis, the county you live in, it is used solely for administration, statistical, and other purposes directly related to ASGA. Every effort is made to keep user information safe and it is never sold to a third party.
Regarding Information & Referrals
When contacting other organizations or providers, it is up to the user to verify that the services fit their needs. ASGA cannot guarantee the quality of services offered by a provider. Users are encouraged to exercise their best judgment and gather references from providers when considering the use of their services. ASGA strives to keep records up-to-date, but things change quickly so please let us know if you find that an organization that no longer exists, does not offer services, or has moved.
Autism Society of Greater Akron does not endorse any specific treatments, programs, therapies or professionals providing those therapies. All information is provided FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Parents and advocates are responsible for the choice of any treatment, therapy or service provider. The inclusion of any information or organization in this communication does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval.