National Resources

National Resources

Autism Speaks
www.autismspeaks.org

This is a good resource to begin with for those who are first diagnosed
- provides national and local information on where to get a diagnosis, schools and special education, advocacy and support, adult services - including post-secondary programs and employment, inclusion and community activities
- has a list of apps that parents may find useful, including games that focus on communication and social skills
- has a response team to call for advice, and provides resources for each state, with local chapters and support phone numbers
- one of the leading autism science and advocacy organizations,
- provides good introductory information on signs of ASD and screening
- has a team phone number for advice
- downloadable booklets - to explain ASD to different audiences, such as grandparents and siblings
- section written in Spanish
- comprehensive resource directory, broken down into age groups which provides lots of helpful practical -- - information on day to day activities for example travelling with someone with ASD
- up to date info on policy changes and research regarding ASD.

Autism Research Institute

www.autism.org
I recommend this site as it provides concise information for parents and other people who need to learn about ASD. It highlights evidence based practices and has webinars on the latest research findings
- advocates for those with ASD
- focuses on researching the causes of autism, as well as developing safe and effective treatments for those currently affected by the disorder.
- has webinars on a variety of issues related to ASD and provides opportunities to participate in research studies
- has a variety of resources for parents, caregivers, clinicians and therapists on a wide range of topics for example, sleep, nutrition, seizures, sensory integration, anxiety, behavior, ABA therapy and strategies to help.

Autism Society
www.autism-society.org

This site provides a good overview of ASD characteristics throughout the life span rather than focusing on the childhood years as a lot of sites do. As a teacher, the academic success section is invaluable to me, my students and their families.
- provides helpful resources on screening, assessment, medical and behavioral symptoms and treatment.
- good for accessing the latest autism news and press releases and has a comprehensive section dedicated to public policy and community inclusion
- national helpline which is a great place to start for those who are new to ASD
- section in Spanish

Assessment Resources

Center for Disease Control -
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp-screening.html
This is an excellent place to begin, it provides comprehensive information on the following
Screening Recommendations
Diagnostic Tools
Developmental Screening Tools
Myths about developmental screening

National Autism Association
https://nationalautismassociation.org/resources/signs-of-autism/
This site has a comprehensive list of Autism symptoms. It also provides links to assessments.