100 Useful Sites, Networks, and Resources for Parents of Autistic Children By Meredith Walker It is difficult to read the news or watch TV today without hearing about autism. What many believe has become an epidemic has brought autism to the forefront of society as scientists scramble to understand it and parents reach out for ways to help their children. The following resources include organizations, social networks, informational sites, helpful articles, blogs from parents and science-based writers, and even ways to help with the financial burden that autism can place on a family. Organizations and Groups The following organizations and groups all promote education, research, and support for families touched by autism and all have plenty to offer. 1. Autism Society of America. Find out about research and programs, get tips, learn about living with autism, autism news, resources, and even sensory-friendly film showings. 2. Autism Speaks. This organization is promoting public education as well as research for a cure. They include information on early signs as well as other information, autism in the news, sponsor walk events, and offer family support through social networks and outreach. 3. TalkAutism. With a database of professionals, a place for those seeking help to reach out with their requests, and online presentations offering information on a variety of topics this group offers support for parents and caregivers. 4. Organization for Autism Research. This group was organized by parents and grandparents with autistic children and focuses on educating parents, teachers, and caregivers about autism through applied science. 5. Unlocking Autism. Working to speak for those with autism by getting information to the public as well as providing parents with information about legislation, biomedical research, and more, this group is a great resource to stay on top of what’s going on behind the scenes. 6. National Autism Association. Educating and empowering families while funding research for autism are the goals of this organization. Learn about research projects, find help for families, and more. 7. Autism Research Institute. This organization is the home to the Defeat Autism Now! approach that believes autism can be cured through biomedical intervention that moves the focus of treatment away from psychotropic drugs as a primary means of treatment. This site offers tons of information on autism. 8. Easter Seals: Help, hope and answers. The resources here include results from the Easter Seals’ Living with Autism Study, state-by-state profiles and services, and their autism blog. 9. The Arc of the United States. This national group offers information and support for families and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities with local chapters that can offer services such as advocates to attend ARD meetings at your child’s school, case management services, and respite care. 10. Autism Network International. This organization is run by adults with autism with the goals of self-help and advocacy for those with autism. 11. Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT). This specific group is based out of Northern California, but they have chapters in many other cities across the US and focus on scientifically-based intervention and treatments for children with ASDs. 12. The National Autistic Society. This organization from the UK offers support, information, news, events, and more. Support and Social Networks These groups are specifically created for support and networking opportunities for parents, educators, and caregivers working with those with autism. 13. Autism and PDD Support Network. Find forums and message boards, links to resources, and their new community–Moms Fighting Autism. 14. Parent to Parent USA. This nationwide organization has local chapters that link parents with other parents who have children with similar medical or behavioral issues. They have a section specifically for autism spectrum disorders. 15. Moms Fighting Autism. Create your own profile to meet others or just browse through the posts on this social network of moms fighting autism. 16. Autism Speaks Social Network. This social network sprung from the larger organization by the same name and offers groups, forums, blogs, profile pages, and more for members. 17. Autism Support Network. Find a group, connect with other members, or read what others have to share about their experiences with autism and Asperger’s. 18. Model Me Kids Social Network. The members here include parents, caregivers, educators, and people with autism and Asperger’s. 19. WeAreAutism.org. This social network is for those living with ASDs and allows opportunities for social connection and sharing. 20. Autism Parents. This site is specifically for single parents who have a child or children on the spectrum and offers a place for support and social connection. 21. The A-N Social Network. Create a customized profile page, post photos and videos, or talk with others on the forums at this social network designed to connect those dealing with autism. 22. Grandparent Autism Network. This organization serves a dual purpose with articles and videos to help inform and support grandparents of grandchildren dealing with autism and also providing face-to-face support for grandparents and their families in southern California. Understanding Autism From recognizing early signs of autism to understanding communication and autism, the following resources will help you learn more about autism. 23. Learn the Signs. Act Early. Get plenty of information about child development from the information here that is designed to help parents, educators, and caregivers recognize developmental disorders in children from birth to 5 years. 24. American Academy of Pediatrics Developmental Stages. You can rely on this information to provide you with developmental stages of typically-developing children. Use this as a general guideline to recognize if your child is developing according to this schedule. 25. First Signs. This resource offers information on recognizing autism, screening and referrals, treatment options, and more. 26. Autism A.L.A.R.M.. This fact sheet is specifically designed for physicians, but provides helpful information on recognizing the potential of ASDs. 27. What are the Autism Spectrum Disorders?. This article offers a good overview of the various autism spectrum disorders and their similarities and differences. 28. Your Child: Autism, Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). From the University of Michigan Health System, this resource provides basic information about the various types of autism spectrum disorders. 29. CDC Autism Information Center. Find early warning signs, learn about screenings and diagnosis, learn about treatment and therapy options, and read research about the suspected relationship between vaccinations and autism. 30. Autism Research at the NICHD. Learn about the autism research going on at the National Institute of Child Health and Development. 31. NIMH – Autism Spectrum Disorders. This resource offers a close look at ASDs, including diagnosis, treatments, and research. 32. Autism and Communication. Learn about autism and communication with the information here from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. 33. MedlinePlus: Autism. This resource offers links to many articles and publications offering information on everything from the basics about autism to diagnosis and treatment to coping to clinical trials. 34. AutismWeb: A Parent’s Guide to Autism and PDD. This site provides several links to everything from warning signs to treatment options to finding support. Treatments and Therapies Learn about various treatments and therapies used with children on the spectrum with these resources. 35. Lovaas Institute. Dr. O Ivar Lovaas is a pioneer in the treatment of autism and began using his method of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) over 40 years ago. Learn more about this treatment therapy and find help in your area here. 36. ABA Resources for Recovery from Autism/PDD/Hyperlexia. This page is run by a father with a child with autism and provides information about ABA therapy. 37. The Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders Floortime Overview. Founded by Stanley Greenspan, MD, and Serena Wieder, PhD, this project helps parents, educators, and caregivers connect with children on the spectrum by focusing on social, emotional, and intellectual abilities. 38. The PLAY Project. The focus of this project is to provide opportunities for parents, caregivers, and educators to learn interventions appropriate for young children with ASDs based on the work done by Dr. Stanley Greenspan. 39. Autism Treatment Center of America. This organization is the home of the Son-Rise program, which approaches treatment through embracing what the autistic behaviors communicate about children with ASDs and working to discover and incorporate what motivates them into the treatment plan. 40. Sensory Fun. This website offers a quick glimpse at Sensory Integration Dysfunction as well as provides ideas for activities and tools to help your child. 41. Social Skills. With plenty of links and examples for teaching social skills, this is a good place to start if you are working on teaching social skills to an autistic child. 42. ANDI – Autism Network for Dietary Intervention. Learn about dietary intervention and find support and resources too at this site. 43. The GFCF Diet. This site will help you learn