Autism+Spectrum+Disorders



= Autism Spectrum Disorders =

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Science of Autism [|FAQautism.com]  A Resource for Practical Ideas

= Time to Listen =

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This Resource Wiki provides helpful information and resources for parents, family, and educators who are involved in the lives of individuals with autism. This valuable source gives information regarding disability specific information, education and services, local support groups and educational conferences, recreational and community-based resources, and funding/legal advocacy. For clarity and convenience, this source is presented in a table format, with easy-to-access links to websites. For each link, their is a brief summary to give viewers a better understanding of what is available. To enhance the quality of this particular resource, audio and video are provided. This resource and others like it can help raise awareness and promote advocacy.



= Helpful Resources = = = = =


 * = Categories of Resources = || = Description  = || = Links  = ||

= = =    Disability Specific Information  =

||  **Autism Speaks **   Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. The program’s goal is to change the future of individuals who are impacted by autism spectrum disorders. Autism Speaks is devoted to bringing the autism community together to address this disorder that is on the rise, and to do everything possible to raise public awareness, raise funds for research, and give hope to everyone who is impacted by autism. "It is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle. "



**Autism Society of America **  The Autism Society is an outstanding organization that is one of the leading foundations of trusted and dependable information. This organization is well known for advocating for autism and supporting thousands of families throughout their life long journey. Through increasing awareness, providing the latest information, and advocating for proper services, the Autism Society is improving lives throughout America. Also, it is one of only a few organizations that has active board members with autism! Make sure to get involved in an Autism Society chapter near you!

**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) ** <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;"> NICHCY is available for anyone to use, but it focuses primarily on children and young adults, ages birth to twenty two. It provides information about disabilities, IDEA, No Child Left Behind Act, and programs and services for children. This is an amazing website that provides individuals with all the necessary means of finding out more about specific information regarding disabilities, finding services for children, finding organizations that may be helpful and much more. Another helpful aspect of this website is that it has a toll free number that one can call, it has a bilingual website, a eNews service, and a research center! <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;"> Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">By: Ellen Notbohm   <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">This informational text, written by Notbohm, a compassionate and inspirational writer, allows readers to gain insight into the complex lives of those with autism through humor and sharing her personal experiences. Her book is helpful for all of those whose lives have been touched by an individual with autism. Through her writing, readers are given the ability to better understand the thoughts and emotions of those on the spectrum. This book is regarded as a "must read" that focuses on understanding children with autism and providing the support and love they need.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;"> A Practical Guide to Autism: What Every Parent, Family Member, and Teacher Need to KnowBy: Fred R. Volkmar & Lisa A. WiesnerThis particular book addresses the scientific developments and recent learning regarding autism and autism research. This is literature free of scientific jargon, instead it is written in a clear, concise manner so that readers gain a better understanding. This is shown in the frequent appearance of informational charts and question and answer sections that help to clarify the points addressed. This is a book to empower and educate all those who read it.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;"> The World of the Autistic Child: Understanding and Treating Autism Spectrum DisordersBy: Bryna Siegel Bryna Siegel, a developmental psychologist, focuses on the emotional struggles that correspond with having a child or being a part of the life of a child with autism.She stresses that being informed is the greatest gift that you can give a child. Through her writing, she gives hope and helps families learn to become advocates for their child. This book helps parents understand the diagnosis of autism and the various resources that are available to best meet the needs of their child. Siegel provides information that is straightforward and beneficial to all who read it.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Facing Autism: Giving Parents Reason for Hope and Guidance for Help By: Lynn M. Hamilton <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">This book is based on a mother's experiences with her child with autism. Her story involves struggles with behavior, food tolerance, and immune deficiencies. She describes her encounters with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and other "experimental" therapies. Hamilton also focuses on the roles within the family and her Christian faith and how it is interwoven into her everyday life. Also, within the pages of this book resources are found all throughout. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Teaching Children with Autism: Strategies to Enhance Communication and Socialization By: Kathleen Ann Quill <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">Within the pages of this books, parents, family, and educators are given the strategies that aid in promoting communication and socialization in children with autism. This provides readers with the much needed information and confidence to enhance a child's understanding. If all the people within the child's life are working towards a common goal, the well being of the child, in the end the child ultimately benefits. This book distributes ideas and offers tools and support for all who read it.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">Changing the Course of Autism: A Scientific Approach for Parents and Physicians <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">By: Bryan Jepson, MD with Jane Johnson <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This book is helpful to readers due to the the fact that is addresses the biological nature of autism. This particular book stands apart from others due to the fact that it is written by and Medical Professional who is also a parent of a child with autism. Specific areas that are brought to readers attention relate to the lack of knowledge and medical understanding surrounding autism. The author strives to stress that autism is a medical disorder and the correct treatments can ultimately improve the life of a child with autism. || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Helpful Websites

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|Autism speaks]

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|Autism Society of America]

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">[|National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities] <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Suggested Books

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Notbohm, E. (2005). Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew. Arlington, TX: Future Horizons Inc. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Volkmar, F. R., & Wiesner, L. A. (2009). A Practical Guide to Autism: What Every Parent, Family Member, and Teacher Need to Know. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Siegel, B. (1996). The World of the Autistic Child: Understanding and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders. Oxford, NY: Oxford writerUniversity Press. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Hamilton, L. M. (2000). Facing Autism: Giving Parents Reason for Hope and Guidance for Help. Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook Press. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Quill, K. A. (1995). Teaching Children with Autism: Strategies to Enhance Communication and Socialization. New York: Delmar Publishers Inc.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Jepson, Bryan, and Jane Johnson. Changing the Course of Autism: A Scientific Approach for Parents and Physicians. Boulder, CO: First Sentient Publications, 2007. || = = = <span style="color: #0090ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Education and Services   = || **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Shafer Center **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This is an early intervention program for those children on the Autism Spectrum from the ages of 18 months to age eight. Their approach to autism therapy is called the “whole-child” approach. This is a place where a child’s strengths are highlighted and the best services for their needs are provided. Within the Shafer Center there is a resource center where parents can go to contact other parents, professionals, and find services that meet the needs of their child. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Maryland Disability Law Center “Special Education Rights and Wrongs” **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The Maryland Disability Law Center is a non-profit law firm that was selected by Congress to protect and advocate for individuals in Maryland with disabilities. Using many different methods, including but not limited to, direct representation, technical assistance and community outreach. MDLC works towards advancing the rights of people in Maryland with disabilities. **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: Developmental ** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Autism Spectrum Education Services**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Disabilities Administration **   <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Although this website is not strictly used for individuals on the autism spectrum, it is still a great resource for families. The DDA provides a service delivery system, so that people with developmental disabilities can receive the appropriate service that they are entitled to, centered around the goal of getting the individuals involved in their surrounding community. Services are provided through state residential centers, as well as a variety of community based services through a network of mostly non-profit providers. Along with information about the actual program itself, there is news regarding how to get involved, as well as a place to have questions answered about the program itself.    [[image:http://www.autismspectrumeducation.com/uploads/6/9/9/1/699189/2206237.jpg?576x129 width="315" height="85" align="center"]]

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> The Autism Spectrum Education Services website provides strategies and resources that are positively helping support people with autism spectrum disorders. They are committed to improving the learning and social success of individuals on the spectrum through behavior supports, as well as helping with better communication and the use of strategies that are visual. They offer half day and full day workshops with on staff support to help work on specific goals. There is also a list provided of events and workshops that are occuring within the service as well as news letters and contact information if you have questions about the service. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">

**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Autism Service Center **   <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The Autism Service Center offers a variety of services for individuals with autism. Some of the supports offered center around ABA, therapeutic consults, residential and day rehabilitation, and family support. There is also a section with research articles as well as links to other websites that offer more information if needed. The vision formed by the Autism Service Center surrounds the central idea that individuals with autism deserve to lead fulfilling lives, be active members in the community, and strive to achieve their individual goals. ||   <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|Shafer Center]

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|Maryland Disability Law Center “Special Education Rights and Wrongs”]

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: Developmental Disabilities Administration <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Autism Spectrum Education Services <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Autism Service Center || = = = <span style="color: #0090ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Local Support Groups and Educational Conferences = || **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health **    <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">The Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health has a wonderful resource page for families on their website! The page lists all of the Maryland support groups by county and gives information on how to contact the group, meeting dates and times, and location. This is a great resource, especially if one has just started looking into support groups because it gives a lot of options! **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">MD Junction: People Helping People **    <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">MD Junction is an online Autism support group. If you cannot make it out to a support group meeting or need some support in between meetings, this is the place to go! All you have to do is sign up for free and just write your thoughts. Forums, articles, diaries, and just posting on the discussion board make it very easy to get all the support you need! **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Autism Speaks Family Resources **   <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">Autism Speaks has a very helpful link on their web page, which allows individuals to find support groups near to them. When picking the state that you would like to find a support group in, it lists all of the support groups in that state. Also, you can refine your search to see the support groups that are in your area. Each of the services listed gives the name, address, and other facts, such as contact information and their mission statement. Autism Speaks is a great website to find support groups all over the United States. **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Autism Web: A Parent’s Guide to Autism and PDD ** <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;"> Autism Web is a website that provides information regarding educational conferences surrounding Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), and Asperger’s Syndrome. The website provides a calendar of conferences beginning in 2010 and going until July 2011 all over the United States and Canada. These particular conferences are shown in a wide range of locations, which makes it easier for individuals to attend. Also, having the dates in advance allows individuals to plan ahead and attend the conferences. **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The Autism Education Site: Autism News, Schools, Summer Camps & More ** <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;"> The Autism Education Site is a great resource for a list of Autism Conferences in a particular year. From January to December, the website has educational conferences anyone and everyone can attend, all over the United States. Also, if you have a conference you know of or are hosting you can contact the website and they will post the conference for you. || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Support Groups** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> [|Maryland Coalition of Families for Children's Mental Health] <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|MD Junction: People Helping People] <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|Autism Speaks Family Resources] **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Educational Conferences **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Autism Web: A Parent’s Guide to Autism and PDD <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|The Autism Education Site: Autism News, Schools, Summer Camps & More] || = = = = = <span style="color: #0090ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Recreational and Community Based Resources = || **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“Sharing gifts to encourage and celebrate life”

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding Inc. is an organization that brings the healing power of a horse to those with special needs. Certified instructors provide lessons based on the child’s particular physical and emotional needs. The program focuses on learning riding skills and horse related responsibilities while experiencing the rehabilitation benefits. The gait of a horse forces all of the rider’s muscles to work together simultaneously, which in turn improves muscle function and balance. These interactive lessons focus on improving but not limited to the following areas: self esteem, gross and fine motor skills, communication skills, and gaining independence. At Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding a safe environment to learn and grow is offered to those who walk through the doors. **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Special Olympics **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The Special Olympics of Maryland is a worldwide organization that provides recreational and sports related activities for those children and adults with special needs. The goal is to not discriminate against any individual and give them the opportunity to be involved in their communities. It provides a safe environment for all participants and help foster independence and self worth. All successes are recognized and all individuals are winners. Look for a Special Olympics group in your area!


 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">TALMAR Gardens & Horticultural Center **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">TALMAR is a non-profit organization dedicated to provide a therapeutic and recreational environment for all ages and abilities. One of the features of this organization is horticultural therapy. This therapy is centered on plants and plant related activities which help improve the mind, bodies, and spirits of the individuals that partake in it. These activities include planting seeds, watering or re-potting plants, and gardening with the help of adaptive schools. Working with plants is helpful in improving mobility, balance, endurance, and memory and motivation skills. This program also holds community events where all are welcome, and provide community based instruction and vocational training. **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The Baltimore Saints **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Baltimore Area Special Hockey, Inc. **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The Baltimore Saints is a hockey program designed to meet the needs of those with special needs. This gives individuals the opportunity to participate in the sport of hockey, in a safe environment, to the best of their abilities. This is considered a recreational activity, but it also can serve as a therapeutic experience. Being a part of this team fosters self confidence and pride in accomplishments.

**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">American Music Therapy Association **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This organization’s goal is to raise awareness in the benefits that can come from music therapy particularly for those individuals that have special needs. These services are given by licensed professionals to meet the specific needs of the individual. Sessions work to achieve established goals while providing an alternative means of therapy. Music therapy works to manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation. ||

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding]

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|Special Olympics]

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|TALMAR Gardens & Horticultural Center]

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|The Baltimore Saints]

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|American Music Therapy Association]

|| = = = = =<span style="color: #0090ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">Funding & = =<span style="color: #0090ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;"> Legal Advocacy = || **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Autism and PDD Support Network **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The Autism and PDD support network is a great tool to have. On the home page there are four links at the top of the page relating to the definition of autism, diagnosis, resources and a message board where anyone can leave posts regarding certain topics listed.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">When you place your mouse over any of the sections listed at the top, more links will appear underneath the four original sections. There are various links within the page that will help navigate you to another section relating to other various topics dealing with autism. Specifically under the resources section, there are legal, financial, autism, and disability and state specific resources.

**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Pathfinders for Autism **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Located on the Pathfinders for autism website, there is a section specifically dedicated to advocacy. In this section there is much discussion of the laws and budgets that have been both passed and not passed over the years, specifically to Maryland. There are also areas further down the page where laws that were passed in the past are also listed and explained. This is a good tool to have because contact information and e-mail addresses are listed where you can get more information regarding what is discussed on the website.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Social Security Benefits **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This website provides information that is not specific towards just individuals with autism. Located on this site is information regarding how a parent can apply to recieve benefits for their child with a disability. For a parent using this website for the first time, it may be a little confusing, so there is also a section for questions and contact information if needed. There is a variety of links listed where one can look up how they can apply for benefits, as well as how to receive them once their application has been approved. A section about health insurance and various programs is also provided. This website is user friendly in that it provides alternative ways of communication, for someone who might need a TTY service, or may just want to directly speak with a representative. **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The Autistic Self Advocacy Network ** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is a website created for people who have autism, as well as people who are involved in their lives. This website encourages individuals with autism to go out in their community and work towards learning how to ask for what they want and need in life. Through the website, you can become a member of ASAN as well as find a chapter located near you. There is a Baltimore chapter for this group. There are also various support groups as well as ways to get involved whether just by donating, or getting on the mailing list. A section is also listed on the home page about ASAN in the news. This is a nationwide, non-profit organization dedicated solely to the cause of helping individuals with autism and their families. **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Autism Community Brought to you by DynaVox Mayer-Johnson **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This page is a section of the website that is very similar to a simple blog. It is a place for people who are registered on the Mayer-Johnson website to post various articles relating to autism legislation and advocacy. By clicking the icon within the box where only a small section of the article is posted, you have access to read the entire post. There is also space where you can comment or reply to an article that has already been posted. You can even post an article yourself if you find one that you think would be useful or helpful to other people who may be involved in an individual's life with autism. There are also many other various pages similar to this one for other areas of interest involving autism. || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|Autism and PDD Support Network]

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|Pathfinders for Autism]

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Social Security Benefits

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[|The Autistic Self Advocacy Network]

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">[|Autism Community Brought to you by DynaVox Mayer-Johnson] ||