Autism Resources: Using the Web to Understand the Autistic World
According to the Wall Street Journal, somewhere between one in 500 and one in 166 children in the United States have autism. Autism has no definite causes or cures, and can seem like a devastating diagnosis for the patient and for his or her loved ones. However, people with autism can live successful, happy lives. In this Autism Resources Web Guide, you'll find valuable information for those with autism, and gain the knowledge you need to make life as rich as possible for you and your family.
What is Autism?
Use the sites in this section to understand what autism is, learn about its potential causes and ... read more »
Symptoms and Causes of Autism
Many of the symptoms and causes of autism are difficult for scientists and medical ... read more »
Autism Diagnosis and Treatment
Dealing with autism is easier when you're equipped with reliable autism diagnosis and treatment information.
Insights for Autism Diagnosis and Treatment
- The Web is no substitute for a doctor's formal diagnosis. If the autism diagnosis and treatment information you find at these sites leads you to suspect that your child may be autistic, take him to a pediatrician who can make a diagnosis or refer you to a specialist who can.
- Autism is known as a spectrum disorder, which means that the severity of disabilities autistics may face can vary greatly from person to person. As a result, lots of Web advice regarding autism diagnosis and treatment is more general than specific. Be in touch with your doctor or specialist for more precise information.
Top Sites for Autism Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect your child has autism ...
Mayo Clinic
lists the risk factors for autism and provides advice on when to seek medical attention if you suspect your child has autism.
Both Hands and a Flashlight
is a blog written by the parents of an autistic toddler. The post "Five Things You Can Do If You Think Your Child Has Autism" offers practical, friendly advice from the parental perspective.
To learn how autism is diagnosed and treated ...
WebMD
covers the exams and tests that help determine if a child has autism. Also find a discussion of autism treatment, including what you can do at home.
Child Neurology and Developmental Center
offers a thorough discussion of how PDD or autism is diagnosed. The text tends to be technical, but provides a thorough picture of the diagnostic process.
The Autism Research Institute (ARI)
focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of autism. This nonprofit organization suggests that autism is a treatable condition, and offers advice on the first steps that parents should take to help their autistic child.
For advice on how to choose a specialist ...
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)
offers a PDF document full of advice on choosing specialists and professional services. It includes a thoughtful list of questions to ask when you're screening doctors and therapists.
To find a doctor who can diagnose autism ...
Talk Autism
maintains the largest directory of autism resources available. Search for professional resources, such as autism specialists and clinics.
Wrightslaw Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities
lists medical professionals, coaches, advocates, attorneys and tutors for children with disabilities such as autism. Select your state from the dropdown menu or on the map to find resources in your area.
Education for Autistic Children
With a few adaptive teaching techniques and an understanding of autistic behaviors, parents and ... read more »
Adults With Autism
Autism does not go away with age and maturity, yet many of the resources about autism are geared ... read more »
Autism Advocacy
There are a variety of ways to get involved with autism advocacy, and share ... read more »
Autism News and Research
As researchers continue to study autism, it's important to stay abreast of the latest developments. ... read more »







