Parent
Resource
Coordinator
California
Gail Singer-Chang:
Autism Advocate, Advisory Board Member, and Medical Education Consultant
Dr. Gail Singer-Chang retired early from medical education after 20 years to support her young adult son with autism in creating an engaging and meaningful life. While at Western University of Health Sciences’ (WesternU) College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP), she served as the Founding Chair of the Department of Social Medicine & Healthcare Leadership, Founding Director of the Institute for Medical Educators for faculty development, and Assistant Dean for Inter-Disciplinary Professional Education.
Gail Singer-Chang
Email: changgailmail@gmail.com
Phone: 407-951-6117
She developed curriculum, taught doctor-patient communication, and received a grant from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) for her research on the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in physician professional development. Dr. Singer-Chang also founded FACE: Faculty for Autism Collaboration and Education, a working group of faculty, staff, administrators dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with ASD and their significant others. FACE had a show streaming on The Autism Channel (TAC) via Roku to promote the importance of integrated perspectives, activities, and resources.
Dr. Singer-Chang holds a doctorate degree in clinical psychology, 2 master’s degrees in counseling and psychology, a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and a school counseling credential. As a parent and a professional, she has sat on both sides of the IEP. She is an autism advocate, educator/trainer, consultant, and sits on multiple non-profit advisory boards. Her passion is to promote understanding, share resources for empowerment, and help those affected by autism create their best possible lives. Her son just completed his Musical Theater Performing Arts certificate at their local community college. She is also a passionate shelter dog lover and works to connect vulnerable populations, such as animal rescue/service animals and military veterans find ways to collaborate creatively to support each other.
Local Organizations
-
North Orange Continuing Education
Website: www.scautism.org
The South Carolina Autism Society provides advocacy, resources, and support to families across the state. They offer educational workshops, parent support groups, and connections to therapy providers. Their programs aim to improve the lives of individuals with autism and their families.
-
Project HOPE Foundation
Website: www.projecthopesc.org
Project HOPE Foundation offers a lifespan of services, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, inclusive classrooms, and employment opportunities for individuals with autism. With multiple locations across South Carolina, they’re dedicated to meeting diverse needs.
-
Family Connection of South Carolina
Website: www.familyconnectionsc.org
This statewide organization supports families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs, including autism. They provide free resources, family training, and emotional support to caregivers navigating autism diagnosis and services.
-
Thrive Upstate
Website: www.thriveupstate.org
Thrive Upstate provides programs and services that promote independence and inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism. Services include residential programs, vocational training, and recreational activities in the Upstate region.
-
Autism Academy of South Carolina (AASC)
Website: www.autismacademysc.org
Based in Columbia, AASC specializes in providing ABA therapy and educational programs for children with autism. They focus on individualized learning plans and work closely with families to ensure meaningful progress.
-
Dogs for Better Lives
Website: https://dogsforbetterlives.org
Dogs for Better Lives provides free Assistance Dogs to those who are deaf, have autism, or work with vulnerable communities. With campuses in Oregon and Massachusetts, they train both purpose-bred and rescue dogs, ensuring lifelong support for each dog and client.
Video Library for newly diagnosed families. Topics include Therapies, Government benefits, IEP's, Ppecial Needs Planning, ABLE Accounts, Medwaiver and so many more!
Providing Expert Insight to Issues that Matter
Video Library for families trying to catch their child's developmental level up to their chronological level. Topics include alternative therapies, diets, vision therapy, so much more.
Video Library for families transitioning into adulthood. Topics include Guardianship, Vocational Rehabilitation, Day Programs, Housing Options, Transportation Options, and so much more.
Use Code
Gail25
for 25% off
FREE Resources
National Special Needs Resource Database! Search for your state and service you're looking for.
Plus leave a review for your providers!
Abilities Workshop's free membership where you can stay in the loop and have access to extra resources like books, podcasts, newsletters, and so much more.
The Vortex is a podcast where a special needs caregiver asks the leading doctors all over the world about different topics relating to autism in an easy to understand way!