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.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is Autism?
Use the sites in this section to understand what autism is, learn about its potential causes and familiarize yourself with its signs and symptoms.
Insights for Understanding Autism
- You'll likely find a handful of terms mentioned frequently during your research. For example, autism is a type of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD).
- Because every individual case of autism is unique, most online information about autism is purposefully very general. If you'd like more specialized help, try searching the Web sites of autism foundations and organizations.
- The Autism PDD Support Network has a list of books on autism; many of the titles address children with autism.
Top Sites for Understanding Autism
For an overview of autism information ...
MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Spectrum
provides an overview of autism and Asperger's syndrome. The Web site also puts you in touch with local resources. Scroll down for a clickable U.S. map to find resources in your state.
National Institute of Mental Health
supplies a lengthy review of autism spectrum disorders with links to further information. Don't miss the links on the right for news on autism and a comprehensive booklet on autism symptoms, causes, treatment options and more.
Symptoms and Causes of Autism
Many of the symptoms and causes of autism are difficult for scientists and medical professionals to determine with certainty. The Web can help you learn about symptom trends and possible causes of autism.
Insights for Symptoms and Causes of Autism
- Autism symptoms are generally evident within the first 18 months of a child's life. Keep in mind, however, that children at that age often exhibit sporadic or quirky behavior. After reading this section, be careful not to project and read into symptoms that may not be there.
- Many medical Web sites offer an "Ask the Expert" feature. This feature can be helpful in offering a basic overview of a condition and answering simple questions, but it should not be used as a substitute for a face-to-face appointment with a doctor.
Top Sites for Symptoms and Causes of Autism
For symptoms of autism ...
Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic
has a page that answers several frequently asked questions about autism and other PDDs. Roughly the first half of the questions deal with symptoms and diagnosing autism.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
offers an in-depth look at the symptoms of autism. "Possible Red Flags for Autism Spectrum Disorders" offers a helpful, concise list of warning signs.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
explains how normal speech and communication patterns develop in children, and highlights the speech and language problems evident in some autistic children.
For possible causes of autism ...
The Environmental Illness Resource
has an overview of autism that includes a discussion of its theoretical causes. Scroll down the page to "Possible Causes of Autism" to read about genetics, vaccines, yeast/candida, thimerosal and mercury exposure, diet and more.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
says there isn't evidence that vaccines and autism are connected. The site links to research that the agency is involved in, as well as the CDC's Immunization Safety Office.
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 teachers can provide a well-rounded education for autistic children.
Insights for Education for Autistic Children
- Your state's Council on Developmental Disabilities may be able to help you with questions about your child's education.
- "Autism in the School-Aged Child" is a highly recommended book for parents and teachers of autistic children. It reviews both behavioral management strategies and tips for educators who want to successfully integrate an autistic child into the school system.
Top Sites for Education for Autistic Children
For special education information for autistic children ...
The Autism Education Network
teaches you how to navigate your school's special education system and obtain the resources necessary to help your child have the best school experience possible.
U.S. Department of Education
presents information about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which dictates how states and public agencies serve children with disabilities. This site is useful for parents or educators looking to increase their knowledge about special education regulations.
For legal and other resources regarding education for autistic children ...
Autism PDD Support Network
covers helpful information about the legal rights of people with autism, and provides information on education, financial and disability resources.
For tips you can use at home regarding education for autistic children ...
JoeSchedule's Visual Toolkit
helps parents create schedules for autistic children using pictures of planned activities. According to the site, a visual strategy teaches independence, and offers autistic children a sense of structure. You must pay a $30 annual fee to use the site, but a free demo is available.
To help children understand autism ...
KidsHealth
explains autism in simple terms that young children can understand.
Adults With Autism
Autism does not go away with age and maturity, yet many of the resources about autism are geared toward children. Use these Web sites to find resources for adults with autism.
Insights for Adults With Autism
- We've included some sites in this section that are helpful in preparing an adult with autism for life after school.
- If you're caring for an adult with autism who has finished public school, your state's Council on Developmental Disabilities can be a valuable resource.
Top Sites for Adults With Autism
For information about the potential needs and abilities of autistic adults ...
eMedTV
provides an overview of autism in adults, and offers insight and advice on employment opportunities and living arrangements for autistic adults.
Associated Content
presents "Autism in Adults," an article that discusses the difficulties faced by adults with autism. It describes the challenges in overcoming daily obstacles, and how autistic adults may function in social and professional settings.
ABC News
did a series on autism in adults in 2006. Read about Paul, a man in his 30s with autism, who experiences romantic love. The series also includes a story on how siblings cope with autism.
Discovery Health
offers advice on living independently with autism. The article notes that some cities have programs that train autistic adults to perform basic jobs and provide independent living facilities.
For assistive resources for adults with autism ...
Autism PDD Support Network
presents a list of agencies and organizations that assist people with disabilities. Find organizations in the areas of employment, recreation, education, independent living, assistive technology and more.
Child-Autism-Parent-Cafe.com
has an autism resources directory with links to autism organizations, accessible housing registries, assistive technology resources, employment resources and more.
Autism Advocacy
There are a variety of ways to get involved with autism advocacy, and share support with families faced with autism. Use the Web sites below to learn more.
Insights for Autism Advocacy
- Autism advocacy tends to follow one of two approaches: working to cure autism, and working to help people understand autism. Visit the "About Us" section of a Web site to get an even clearer idea of the site's mission.
Top Sites for Autism Advocacy
To get involved in autism advocacy organizations ...
Autism National Committee
advocates on behalf of all individuals with autism, and offers conferences, newsletters and other publications to promote autism awareness.
Autism Society of America
aims to educate the public about autism by providing information and support to families with autistic children. Find a chapter near you using the "Find a Chapter" map.
National Autism Association
works to educate families about autism and campaigns to eliminate possible environmental causes of autism, such as mercury exposure. The site advocates for "those who cannot fight for their own rights."
For message boards on autism ...
Autism Key
is a forum for parents of children with autism and autism spectrum disorders. Free registration is required to post messages.
HealthBoards
offers message boards for a variety of conditions, including autism. You must register to post messages here, although the service is free.
Aspies for Freedom
contains a collection of message boards related to autism and Asperger's syndrome. Membership is free and open to anyone, but you must register before posting messages.
For blogs devoted to autism ...
Autism Blogger
is a collection of blogs written by people affected by autism. Register for a free membership to write your own blog and participate in a forum on autism.
The Joy Of Autism
is a blog written by the mother of a young boy with autism. View the categories on the right for a list of topics covered on the blog.
This Way of Life
is written by an autistic adult who shares his feelings on daily life with autism. Use the links on the left to expand the topic areas.
Autism News and Research
As researchers continue to study autism, it's important to stay abreast of the latest developments. You'll need good autism news and research sources to keep current.
Insights for Autism News and Research
- Many news sites offer e-newsletters. Subscribe to have news delivered straight to your e-mail inbox.
- Consider subscribing to RSS feeds to have new content delivered to you as it's posted.
Top Sites for Autism News and Research
For autism news ...
Autism Today
aims to be a comprehensive source of articles on autism news and research. An "Ask the Experts" section invites you to submit questions about autism and browse questions posted by others.
ScienceDaily
has a section of news about autism. The site also features encyclopedia articles about autism and links to related book reviews. If you'd like ready access to autism updates, subscribe to the site's RSS feed.
For online magazines devoted to autism ...
Positively Autism
is a free e-zine dedicated to publishing positive news developments and announcements from people with autism. Each issue of the magazine features autism research, positive news about autism, an autism "product of the month" and book reviews.
For studies on autism ...
PubMed Central
is a repository of biomedical and life sciences journal articles. Once you’ve searched your topic, use a tab under the display options to narrow the results to articles that are free to access.
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