Autism Spectrum - Useful Links
Asperger's Disorder Homepage is a blog written by R. Kaan Ozbayrak, MD. It provides information about Asperger's Syndrome, from diagnosis to treatment, as well as a bibliography. More information is available at: http://www.aspergers.com/.
Asperger's Conversations blog is written by Dr. Larry Welkowitz, who offers weekly audio posts on the topic. More information is available at: http://welkowitz.typepad.com/.
AutismAsperger.net blog is written by Stephen Shore who is an adult with autism and an author. It serves to build greater awareness of ASD and, in particular, Asperger's Syndrome. More information is available at: http://www.autismasperger.net/.
Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support (OASIS) is a web-based resource offering articles, news, and other information about the condition. More information is available at: http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/ or http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/.
Wrong Planet is an online community of people with Asperger's Syndrome, as well as other ASDs, and their families. More information is available at: http://www.wrongplanet.net/.
ASD General Resources
About Autism blog is written by Lisa Jo Rudy, a writer, researcher, and consultant with experience in science education and writing. More information is available at: http://autism.about.com/.
Adventures in Autism blog is written by Ginger Taylor, who is a family therapist currently focused on one patient, her autistic son, Chandler. More information is available at: http://adventuresinautism.blogspot.com/.
ASD Blog is a clearinghouse and resource for practical information about autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). More information is available at: http://onthespectrum.blogspot.com/.
ASD Friendly is a United Kingdom web-based community of parents helping parents of ASD children. More information is available at: http://www.asdfriendly.org/.
Autism Awareness Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, believes that education is key in assisting people with ASD. It provides information and lists resources about autism and other disabilities worldwide. More information is available at: http://www.autismawarenesscentre.org/.
Autism Europe, Brussels, Belgium, is an international association advancing the rights of persons with autism and their families, helping them to improve their quality of life. It plays a role in raising public awareness and in influencing European decision-makers on issues relating to autism, including the promotion of rights of people with autism and other disabilities. More information is available at: http://www.autismeurope.org/.
Autism Human Rights and Discrimination Initiative, San Diego, California, USA, is a task force created to address human rights violations and discrimination against persons with autism and other cognitive challenges internationally. AHRDI strives to end inequities and restore justice. More information is available at: http://www.autismwebsite.com/autismdiscrimination/ahrdi_initiative.html.
Autism One, Chicago, Illinois, USA, is a nonprofit organization established by a small group of parents of children with autism. It works to end denial of rights and discrimination against persons with ASD. More information is available at: http://autismone.org/.
Autism Romania, Bucharest, Romania, is an NGO promoting rights and interests of persons with ASD and their families. It is a member organization of Autism Europe. More information (in Romanian) is available at: http://www.autismromania.ro/.
Autism Society Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, is a nonprofit organization founded by a group of parents committed to advocacy, public education, information, and referral. Currently, it is a federation of autism societies in Canada, representing a large collective voice of the autism community. More information is available at: http://www.autismsocietycanada.ca/.
Autism Society of America (ASA), Bethesda, Maryland, USA, is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of all affected by autism. It works to raise public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people with ASD, advocate for appropriate services, and provide the latest information concerning treatment, education, research, and advocacy. More information is available at: http://www.autism-society.org/.
The Autism Trust, Surrey, Kent, United Kingdom, works on the development of a network of innovative outreach centers for autism that provide help and support to individuals with autism, as well as to their families and those involved with their care, support, ongoing education, and development. More information is available at: http://www.theautismtrust.com/.
Ballastexistenz is a blog established and maintained by a nonverbal woman with physical disability as well as autism, who has lived in institutions and whose subsistence and services are funded by the state. This blog features ideas about human rights, autistic liberation, and disability rights. More information is available at: http://ballastexistenz.autistics.org/.
Center za avtizem, Ljubljana, Slovenia, is an association of special education teachers, psychologists, therapists, and other professionals, experts, and advocates, working to assist inclusion and integration of persons with autism. It is a partner organization of Autism Europe. More information (in Slovenian) is available at: http://www.avtizem.org/.
Dr. Chris' Autism Journal blog is written by a licensed psychologist and board certified behavior analyst specializing in autism and related disorders. More information is available at: http://drchris.teachtown.com/.
The Elizabeth Birt Center for Autism Law and Advocacy, Chicago, Illinois, USA, honors the memory of Liz Birt, an autism rights advocate. The Center is committed to ending injustice, denial of rights, and discrimination of persons with ASD, to providing legal education and training, as well as tо gathering resources to end autism discrimination. More information is available at: http://www.autismone.org/content/elizabeth-birt-center-autism-law-and-advocacy-ebcala.
First Signs, Merrimac, Massachusetts, USA, is dedicated to educating parents and professionals about the early warning signs of autism and related disorders. More information is available at: http://www.firstsigns.org/.
The mission of the National Autism Association, Nixa, Missouri, USA, is to educate and empower families affected by autism and other neurological disorders, while advocating on behalf of those who cannot fight for their own rights. More information is available at: http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/
The National Autistic Society, London, United Kingdom, champions the rights and interests of all people with autism, and ensures that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs. More information is available at: http://www.nas.org.uk/.
The Scottish Society for Autism, New Struan, Scotland, aims to provide high quality support and opportunities to people with autism, raise public awareness about autism, and influence policy and practice by working with a range of organizations. More information is available at: http://www.autism-in-scotland.org.uk/.
Schafer Autism Report is an online resource dedicated to research and treatment of ASD. It offers a wealth of information on autism causes, symptoms, therapies, as well as on the rights of persons with ASD. It also features the monthly Autism Calendar of Events. More information is available at: http://www.sarnet.org/.
S.P.O.S.A (Spoločnost´ na pomoc osobám s autizmom), Bratislava, Slovakia, is a society created to help people with autism. Initially founded in 1994 by parents, it currently consists of 17 organizations throughout Slovakia. It represents interests of children, youth, and adults with ASD. More information is available at: http://www.sposa.sk/.
Talk About Curing Autism (TACA), Costa Mesa, California, USA, provides information, resources, and support to families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. More information is available at: http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org/.
Unlocking Autism, Tyrone, Georgia, USA, aims to educate parents about pending legislation and existing laws, as well as about biomedical treatments and behavioral therapies. It works to increase society's ability to work with and understand people with autism, while helping people with ASD to reach their greatest potential in leading fulfilling and productive lives. More information is available at: http://www.unlockingautism.org/.
Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT), Crosswicks, New Jersey, USA, is a nonprofit organization committed to improving education, treatment, and care for persons with autism. More information is available at: http://www.asatonline.org/.
Autism Collaboration, brings together experienced autism advocacy organizations in the USA and internationally, to inform, solicit, review, and fund autism research initiatives following the guiding principal of "helping the most kids the most quickly". More information is available from: http://www.autism.org/.
Autism Does Not Disappear At 18! is a project of Pentru Voi Foundation in Timisoara, Romania. The project aims to develop specialized support services for persons diagnosed with autism in their childhood. It also aims to raise awareness of persons with autism among General Practitioners (GP's), psychiatrists, local authorities, and local communities. Within the project is a campaign to promote the social inclusion of adults with autism; training sessions for GP's and specialists working with adults with autism; an advocacy group on social inclusion of adults diagnosed with autism in their childhood and two support groups for 15 adults with autism and their families. The project is financially supported by the European Union and the Romanian Government through PHARE 2006 - Support for the development of the mental health community-based services and deinstitutionalization of persons with mental illness. More information is available at: http://www.pentruvoi.ro/content/content/news/38/140/37/.
Autism Research Blog explains autism research, addressing the latest findings in autism. More information is available at: http://www.translatingautism.com/.
The Autism Research Institute, San Diego, California, USA, is the hub of a worldwide network of parents and professionals concerned with autism. ARI conducts and fosters scientific research designed to improve the methods of diagnosing, treating, and preventing autism. It also disseminates research findings worldwide and publishes the Autism Research Review International, a quarterly newsletter, covering biomedical and educational advances in autism research. More information is available at: http://www.autism.com/ari/.
Autism Research Network is supported by the National Institutes for Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Its website provides information about two autism-related networks. One is known as the Studies to Advance Autism Research and Treatment (STAART). The other is called Collaborative Programs of Excellence in Autism (CPEA) and conducts research on possible causes of autism, as well as diagnosis, early detection, characteristics, and treatment. More information is available at: http://www.autismresearchnetwork.org/.
Generation Rescue is an international movement of scientists and physicians researching the causes and treatments for ASD, ADHD, and chronic illness, while parent-volunteers mentor thousands of families in helping their children. More information is available at: http://www.generationrescue.org/.
The Handle Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA, provides effective non-drug alternatives for identifying and treating developmental disorders, such as ASDs, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette's Syndrome. It incorporates research and techniques from many disciplines, including medicine, rehabilitation, psychology, education, and nutrition. It is founded on an interactive, developmental model of human functioning. More information is available at: http://www.handle.org/.
International Society for Autism Research (INSAR), West Hartford, Connecticut, USA, is a scientific and professional organization devoted to advancing knowledge about ASD. The Society's main task is running the annual International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR). More information is available at: http://autism-insar.org/.
Macedonian Scientific Society for Autism, Skopje, Macedonia, is a society of professionals and scientists aimed at improving investigation and treatment of persons with ASD. It is a member organization of Autism Europe. More information is available at: http://www.mnza.org.mk/.
Metabolic, Immunologic, Neurologic, Digestive Disorders (MINDD) Foundation, Vaucluse, Australia, focuses on pediatric disorders, including: ASD, ADHD, learning and language delay, and digestive and behavioral disorders. It promotes an integrated approach to healthcare for the whole family with a focus on biomedicine, nutrition, neuro-development, and related therapies. More information is available at: http://mindd.org/.
Research Autism, Bristol, United Kingdom, is a charity dedicated to research into interventions in autism, including functional communication training. More information is available at: http://www.researchautism.net/.
The Coalition for SafeMinds (Sensible Action For Ending Mercury-Induced Neurological Disorders), Huntington Beach, California, USA, is a nonprofit organization founded to investigate and raise awareness of the risks to infants and children of exposure to mercury from medical products, including vaccines. SafeMinds supports research on the potential harmful effects of mercury and thimerosal. More information is available at: http://www.safeminds.org/.
Synapsis Foundation, Warsaw, Poland, is an NGO engaged in research and advocacy on behalf of persons with ASD. It is a member organization of Autism Europe. More information (in Polish) is available at: http://www.synapsis.waw.pl/.
Treating Autism, Stockport, Cheshire, United Kingdom, is a charity that exists to help people with autism and their families reach their potential and live life free of discomfort, anxiety and pain. More information is available at: http://www.treatingautism.co.uk/.
The ACE Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom, aims to give a voice to children struggling to communicate. It puts emphasis on the use of technology for the communication and educational needs of young people with physical and communication difficulties. More information is available at: http://www.ace-centre.org.uk/.
Barkley Preschool, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, uses the Team Teaching model in which all special education staff, services, and students are integrated within the general Head Start program. More information is available at: http://www.circleofinclusion.org/english/demo/lincolnbarkley/index.html.
Special Communication Needs a webpage hosted by the Communication Aids for Language and Learning (CALL) Center's, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, provides specialist expertise in technology for children with speech, communication, and/or writing difficulties, in schools throughout Scotland. Its website contains information, guidance, assessments, and a range of resources on how information and communication technology (ICT) can support the education of children and people with disabilities or special educational and communication needs. More information is available at: http://callcentre.education.ed.ac.uk/SCN/scn.html.
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Arlington, Virginia, USA, is an international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptional abilities, students with disabilities, and gifted students. The CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice. More information is available at: http://www.cec.sped.org/.
The Early Bird Programme of the National Autistic Society, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom, combines center-based group training sessions (for parents of children with ASD) with individual home visits to help parents apply what they learn and work directly with their children. More information is available at: http://www.nas.org.uk/earlybird.
Early Childhood Research Institute on Measuring Growth and Development, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, aims to provide a comprehensive system for continuously measuring the skills and needs of individual children with disabilities from birth to eight years of age. This measurement system includes two major elements: growth and development indicators for monitoring the progress of individual young children and solutions-oriented assessments. This allows families, early childhood, and early elementary educators to identify features of classroom and home settings they can change to improve children's developmental outcomes. More information is available at: http://www.cehd.umn.edu/ceed/projects/ecri/.
Laureate Learning Systems, Winooski, Vermont, USA, offers special needs software programs that train cause and effect, turn-taking, early vocabulary, syntax, cognitive concepts, auditory processing, and reading. Some of its software solutions are particularly helpful for students with ASD. More information is available at: http://www.laureatelearning.net/.
The Sound Learning Center, London, United Kingdom, helps children and adults with learning and sensory difficulties. It offers non-invasive interventions, including sound therapy, light and colour therapy, developmental home programs, and a multi-sensory learning program. More information is available at: http://www.thesoundlearningcentre.co.uk/.
The University of Tor Vergata's Written Output Communication Enhancement (WOCE), Rome, Italy, is a rehabilitative and educational strategy to support communication skills both in people with ASD, with partial or total lack of speech, and in people with other neurological conditions involving speech impairment. More information is available at: http://www.woce.it/INTRO%20-%20ENG.html.
Bridges4Kids, Okemos, Michigan, USA, is a not-for-profit parent organization providing information and referral for parents and professionals working with children from birth through transition to adult life. More information is available at: http://www.bridges4kids.org/
British Institute of Learning Disabilities, Kidderminster, United Kingdom, is a not-for-profit organization that aims to improve the quality of life of people with a learning disability. It envisions a world where people with a learning disability are accepted as equal citizens with the potential to make a positive contribution to their communities. More information is available at: http://www.bild.org.uk/.
ComeUnity is a blog offering information about parenting, adoption, and special needs resources. More information is available at: http://www.comeunity.com/.
Early Childhood, Okemos, Michigan, USA, is an online resource for parents, professionals, and service providers on early childhood, parenting concerns, special needs, and disabilities. More information is available at: http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/.
European Disability Forum, Brussels, Belgium, is an umbrella organization representing more than 50 million people with disabilities across Europe. Its mission is to ensure full access to fundamental and human rights for all people with disabilities through their active involvement in European Union policy development and implementation. The EDF campaigns to dismantle the barriers that deny people with disabilities equal opportunities, tackling not just physical obstacles but also a range of less visible barriers. More information is available at: http://www.edf-feph.org/.
Finnish Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FAIDD), Helsinki, Finland, promotes good life, equality and participation for people with intellectual disabilities and others who need support with learning, understanding and communicating. More information is available at: http://kehitysvammaliitto.fi/en/.
Inclusion Europe, Brussels, Belgium, plays an important role in influencing and shaping European policy according to the needs of people with intellectual disabilities, their families, and their organizations. It responds to European policy proposals and provides information about the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. More information is available at: http://www.osmhi.org/?page=224.
Ritzy Film Club for Adults with Learning Disabilities, London, United Kingdom, is a film club at the Ritzy Cinema, established especially for adults with learning difficulties, and their friends or care-givers. The Lambeth Autism group came up with the idea of autism-friendly screenings, when the soundtrack is turned down, and low lights are left in the auditorium. More information is available at: http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/site/cinemas/ritzy/community.htm.