Best Internet Resources for Autism

This guide is written for medical assistant schools.

With a registered growth rate of 10% to 17% each year, the number of autism diagnoses is rising dramatically. It’s currently estimated that 1 in 150 children are born with this disorder. Autism may be described as a spectrum neurological disorder that impairs communication, social skills, and behavior. As a spectrum disorder, the number of symptoms and ways those symptoms manifest themselves can vary wildly from individual to individual. There are a number of resources that families, educators, and individuals can turn to for information and support.

Overview of Autism

• Information about Autism: Basic facts about autism and resources for further information.
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs): A thorough overview of the spectrum from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Autism Facts: A definition of autism and information about its symptoms and treatments.

Resources for Families

• Pathfinders for Autism: A parent sponsored organization dedicated to providing resources for families and individuals with autism.
• UCLA-CART: The UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment provides diagnostic services and resources for families.
• Los Angeles Families for Effective Autism Treatment: LAFEAT provides information and support for families of newly diagnosed children.
• Families for Early Autism Treatment: Providing education and support for the Northern California region.
• Talk About Curing Autism: A parental support and resource group run by parents.
• "Don't Mourn for Us": An open letter to parents by Jim Sinclair, explaining what it’s like to be on the autistic spectrum.
• Child-Autism-Parent-Cafe: A support site that offers tips and advice on a variety of issues that affect daily living with autism.
• Autism Web: An information resource for parents that has the latest medical news and treatment information.
• Autism Education Network: A source of information on special education rights and treatment methods.
• Autism Community Connection: Based out of Illinois, this is a collection of resources put together by parents for parents.
• Autism Cares: An organization that offers support during natural disasters to families affected by autism.

Resources for professionals

• Tips for Teaching Children with Autism: An article with detailed advice, written by Dr. Temple Grandin.
• TEACCH: An program with a successful research based techniques in educating individuals with autism.
• Council for Exceptional Children: An international professional organization dedicated to improving the education of people with disabilities.
• Lovaas Institute: The Lovaas Institute provides research and resources for educators working with autistic children.
• Do To Learn: Games and learning tools for teachers.
• Social Stories: An explanation of how social stories work when teaching autistic children.
• Tin Snips: A resource of ideas and activities for early childhood teachers working with students on the autistic spectrum.
• Autism4Teachers: A resource and support site put together by South Florida teachers.
• Center for Autism Resources for Educators: Lesson plans and other resources for educators.
• Autism Education Foundation: Dedicated to making high quality teaching materials available to instructors of all levels.

Life with Autism

• Jobs 4 Autism: A forum for adults with autism to sharing job experiences and ideas.
• Adult Issues and Perspectives: Short essays by adults with Asperger’s Syndrome.
• Autism Network International: A self-help and advocacy organization run by autistic people.
• The Real Voices of Autism: A social networking site for autistics.
• Jane Meyerding: Essays about autism from the perspective of an adult-diagnosed autistic.
• Temple Grandin: Dr. Grandin is an autistic who has written several books as an advocate for autistics and revolutionized the livestock industry.
• We Are Autism: A support network for individuals that have been diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum.

Organizations & Communities

• Autism Speaks: One of the largest science and advocacy groups in the US.
• Autism Society of America: A grass roots organization that has branches in many states.
• Autism National Committee: An advocacy group that supports the rights of individuals with autism and other communication and behavior differences.
• Interactive Autism Network: This site connects autistic individuals with researchers.
• National Autism Association: An advocacy organization dedicated to educating the public about autism.
• Organization for Autism Research: An organization that uses applied science in an attempt to answer questions related to autism.
• US Autism & Asperger Association: A non-profit organization dedicated to the education and support of families and individuals affected by autism and Aspergers.
• Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.: An organization that conducts assessment and research.
• Dan Jordan Fiddle Foundation: Providing grants to enrich the lives of adolescents and young adults with autism.

Though there is no known treatment or cure for autism, individuals with autism can live full lives. The causes of autism spectrum disorders are hotly debated, but research and strategies are available to aid families and individuals affected by autism.