Melissa Lewis, MSW
Senior Vice President of Operations, Intellectual/Developmental Disability and Brain Injury
Advocates offers a full range of services for individuals with autism and their families at all stages of life. From our family support centers, which support families from diagnosis through early adulthood, to our specialized adult residential and day services, we strive to create opportunities for rewarding and productive lives.
Our Services
Adult Residential Services
One of the most daunting challenges for many families is finding the right place for their adult children with autism to call home. From navigating eligibility for adult services to choosing the best situation for a loved one and transitioning to new care providers, the process can be overwhelming. Advocates’ approach is to partner with families to help them identify their own vision, access resources, and implement the supports needed to bring that vision to life.
We offer 24-hour staffed group homes specializing in autism, as well as Shared Living, Adult Family Care, and in-home support for families caring for their adult children at home. When existing programs and models do not fit the needs and goals of an individual or family, we are eager to think outside of the box to create a customized solution with families. Learn More
Autism Day Services
Our day services are designed to encourage independence through paths to employment and opportunities to successfully contribute to the community. Learn More
Autism WelcomingSM
Through our Autism Welcoming trainings, businesses learn how to welcome individuals and families, creating new customers and a more inclusive community for all. Learn More
Children's ABA Services
We provide high-quality, individualized, and intensive ABA services to children and young adults who have been diagnosed with autism. Programs centered in Applied Behavioral Analysis include our Advocates ABA Clinic, ABA Home and Community Services, Early Intervention, and The Darnell School. Learn More
Crisis Intervention
Through our Mobile Crisis Intervention services for individuals 21 and under with autism, our team of clinicians and trained family partners provide immediate response and support wherever the child is located, whether it’s at home, school, or another setting in the community. Learn More
Family Support Centers
For families caring for loved ones of all ages living at home, Advocates’ family support centers provide recreation, trainings, and resources to assist you. Programs range from sibling workshops to social skills groups for young adults and special outings just for moms. Learn More
