Neuro Affirmative Autism Resource Center
Providing a network of neuro-affirmative resources run by autistic people for autistic people. Located in North Alabama near Huntsville and Madison, our goal is to create resources for people in the North Alabama autism community!
Welcome to the Neuro Affirmative Autism Resource Center (NAARC) in North Alabama, a nonprofit organization rooted in research, lived experience, and the expertise of mental health practitioners. We are dedicated to empowering autistic individuals and their families by providing vital autism resources, support groups, and community connections for autism awareness and advocacy. Developed in response to the overwhelming need for accessible, affirming mental health support, NAARC seeks to establish deep roots that nurture our growing autistic population. Our goal is to promote neurodiversity, enhance life skills for autism, and offer services such as education, outreach, and support for mental health and service dogs. Whether you’re seeking information about autism services, family support, or autism-friendly activities, we’re here to help. Join us in building a supportive community for autistic individuals in North Alabama!
Who We Are:
“When I was younger I was looking for the magic meaning of life. It’s very simple now. Making the lives of others better, doing something of lasting value. That’s the meaning of life, it’s that simple”
— Temple Grandin, Autistic Person and Autism Advocate
Join Our Community!
NAARC uses a discord server to create a safe space to chat, learn about upcoming events, and build our community!
Join A Group!
At NAARC, we have groups almost every day of the week. Most of our groups are closed groups that you can join after we get to know you a bit but you are always welcome to join or discord or come to our Thursday night group. We meet at 6:30pm. We also have a group for teens that meets at 6:30pm on Thursday.
Need an Autism Assessment?
Starting in January of 2025, we will have autism assessments available for the cost of $200 for individuals in need. You will have to bring in paperwork documenting your financial need and have taken the RAADS-R online first. Please click the link below and complete the form to be added to be called in January.
Need A Service Dog?
We are working to raise money to make service dogs available to autistic people in need. We are hoping to have this service available in the next three years. If you are interested in this service, fill out the form below to show your interest so we can call you when we have raised enough money!
Need Counseling?
We are able to offer counseling services for autistic adults and teens for $25 a session for individuals in financial need. You will need to bring in paperwork documenting your financial need and have testing indicating you are autistic to qualify. The online RAADS-R and AQ tests are valid. Please complete the form below to register and someone will reach out to you to schedule you within 2-3 weeks.
Media or Speaking Request?
Do you need an expert on neurodivergence to help you do a training on how to create a neuroaffirmative workplace or to speak on autism? NAARC has expert speakers that have published books on autism such as The Unmasking Workbook for Neurodivergent Adults, written for Psychology Today, and have years working with autistic children in the school system and as therapists. Our team of experts can speak from multiple perspectives and all of our team are also autistic. Our goal is to spread awareness and acceptance and to advocate in the community to help people understand what it is like to live as an autistic person. We have spoken on podcasts, youtube, at conferences, and for private businesses.
Group Schedule:
Monday: Dungeons and Dragons
Wednesday: 7pm Queer Adults (tree of life location)
5: 30Adverse Religious Experiences Group (Tree of Life Location)
Thursday:
6:30 pm: Open group for autistic adults,
Friday: 2:00 pm Parenting Autistic Children Group
6:30 pm: Small Group for Less Verbal Adults
Sunday: 3:30pm: Magic the Gathering Commander (Raging Gazebo across the street)
All groups are held at 190 Limequarry Road Suite 108
Madison, Alabama 35758 unless otherwise noted
UPCOMING EVENTS:
April is Autism Acceptance Month
Green Pea Press Has Made T-Shirts to Raise Money for
NAARC and awareness. Help us Fund our Services!
Buy your shirt today!
April 1, 2025: Open House and Taco Bar
April 18th: Training for Spectrum
Unmasking and Acceptance Therapy
Trainings and Events - Tree of Life Behavioral Health
Coming in May!
Magic the Gathering Draft Tournament Fundraiser
Hosted by Raging Gazebo
May 16th @ 6:30 pm
All Proceeds Benefit NAARC
