Autism Resources
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Listen to a Podcast
A new podcast from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) features autism expert Dr. Amy Wetherby discussing the importance of early diagnosis and evidence-based intervention in treating children with autism. Dr. Wetherby is the Laurel Schendel Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders at Florida State University and Executive Director for the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Click here to listen to the podcast.
Related Resources
ABA Educational Resources
For those looking for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) method resources, this site includes some free downloadable tools.
Abilities Network provides autism services through a program designed to work in collaboration with the family to help each individual with autism live a self-sufficient and independent life.
Autism and PDD Support Network is a place for parents to get help and support in coping with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The site has the latest research about autism, message boards to connect with other parents of children with autism, information about education services and the law, and other helpful resources.
Autism Society of America - Baltimore Chapter
Founded in 1976 to serve families of children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Baltimore County, Maryland, Baltimore City, and the state of Maryland, this volunteer organization provides information, advocacy, and support for families and individuals with autism. This chapter is part of the national l Autism Society of America organization.
AutismConnect MD is an online resource that assists families, service providers, and other interested parties in locating and securing resources for individuals with autism. The website focuses specifically on research, educational resources, and advocacy organizations available to families in Maryland.
AutismLink offers a variety of services specifically for families of children with Autism and related disorders in Maryland.
"Autism: The Musical" is a documentary film which follows five children with autism and their families as they embark on a journey to write, rehearse, and perform a musical under the guidance of The Miracle Project Founder, Elaine Hall. The film is available to view online for one week, at no cost, at HBO beginning on March 26th. Click here for more information on the March 18th screening in NYC and to view a clip from the CBS Early Show. Also, check out the review in the Denver Post.
Autism Research Institute is an international network of parents and professionals interested in improving methods of diagnosing, treating, and preventing autism.
National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders provides content development, professional development, technical assistance, and evaluation.
The goal of AutismSpeaks is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. This site offers community events, research information and information about family services and support. Be sure to check out the 100-day kit created specifically for parents of newly diagnosed children.
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Bulletin Board
Share ideas, words of wisdom, advice, and much-needed support about raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder.
Interactive Collaborative Autism Network (ICAN) Online Training Modules is a collaboration between three states to disseminate information about services and resources for families of children with autism spectrum disorder. This site provides seven online training modules for all interested parties on the following topics:
- Characteristics
- Assessment
- Academic interventions
- Behavioral interventions
- Communication interventions
- Environmental interventions
- Social interventions
Future Horizons Resource Center for Autism and Aspergers Syndrome provides general resources for autism and related disorders, such as articles, newsletters, and conference information.
The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding is dedicated to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and those who work alongside them to improve mutual understanding. This is original social story site with lots of great information from Carol Gray on writing social stories and purchasing materials.
National Institute of Mental Health's page on Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders) offers useful information on where to find assistance, research grants, and research and publications. It also lists a number of Studies to Advance Autism Research and Treatment (START). The Pediatric and Developmental Neuropsychiatry (PDN) Branch is also currently conducting several studies.
Studies to Advance Autism Research: Autism Speaks, the CDC, and the Advertising Council Launch New Program to Educate Teachers about the Importance of Early Intervention for Autism. Read more...
Evidence-based Practice Options
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a comprehensive training package that teaches children and adults with autism and other communication deficits to initiate communication using pictures. Pyramid Educational Consultants provides a wide array of products, workshops, and training programs for families and educators working with children with autism.
The SCERTS Model is a unique educational approach that is used to address challenges faced by children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related disabilities, focusing on social and emotional awareness and communication. Their website offers comprehensive information about the SCERTS® Model and its collaborators, as well as resources that are available to assist professionals and parents in developing and implementing educational programs based on the SCERTS® Model.
Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped Children (TEACCH) offers training programs, evidence-based services, and teaching materials (kits) for individuals of all ages and skill levels diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. This program uses clinical programs, training, and research.
