Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Introduction
- What is autism and what causes it?
- What are the symptoms of autism?
- How is it diagnosed?
- What is the prognosis?
- What is the risk for other family members or future babies?
- What treatments/therapies/medications are recommended or available?
- How will my child and our family be impacted?
- Are vaccines to blame for autism?
- Our pediatrician is concerned about our child’s development and has recommended a formal autism evaluation. Would there be any harm in waiting to see if he outgrows his language and social delays?
- My child is receiving special education services with an Asperger or PDD-NOS diagnosis, will these services continue or do we need to get re-evaluated?
Introduction
What is autism and what causes it?
What are the symptoms of autism?
How is it diagnosed?
What is the prognosis?
What is the risk for other family members or future babies?
What treatments/therapies/medications are recommended or available?
How will my child and our family be impacted?
Are vaccines to blame for autism?
Our pediatrician is concerned about our child’s development and has recommended a formal autism evaluation. Would there be any harm in waiting to see if he outgrows his language and social delays?
My child is receiving special education services with an Asperger or PDD-NOS diagnosis, will these services continue or do we need to get re-evaluated?
Resources
Information & Support
For Parents and Patients
Support
Autism Parent Focus Group (
22 KB)
Read what parents of children with autism have to say about getting a diagnosis, the impact on siblings, where parents get
information, and the financial impact on families. The transcript is from a focus group in July 2009 in Utah.
Center for Parent Information and Resources (DOE)
Maintains a large resource library with information related to children with disabilities. Parent Centers in every state provide
training to parents of children with disabilities and provide information about local conferences, support groups, and finding
schools and other local services; Department of Education, Office of Special Education.
General
Helping You Through the Evaluation Process of Your Child with a Possible Autism Spectrum Disorder ( 636 KB)
A map for parents and caregivers to assist understanding of the process of evaluation and the appropriate services and therapies.
Written by the partner organizations of Utah Autism Initiative.
AspergerLife
A good site for basic information for parents and physicians about Asperger's Disorder, written by a clinical psychologist
in Michigan.
Asperger Syndrome (MedlinePlus)
From National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, the site offers many links to high-quality sources of
information for patients and their families. The Asperger's page is short.
Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT)
A nonprofit organization that provides information, lists of conferences, suggested readings, and articles about evidence-based
autism treatments for clinicians and parents.
Autism (MedlinePlus)
From the National Library of Medicine & National Institutes of Health, offers a brief overview and numerous links to high-quality
sources of information for patients and their families.
Autism Information Center (CDC)
Parent-oriented information regarding autism spectrum disorders from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with
focused information on early warning signs and vaccines and autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (healthychildren.org)
From the American Academy of Pediatrics, information about autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Autism Society of America
The ASA promotes autism awareness and is dedicated to providing information regarding research, treatment, advocacy, and family
support throughout the lifespan.
Autism Speaks
A national organization dedicated to promoting autism-related research. The web site provides information regarding fundraising
for specific research projects as well as general parent information regarding autism spectrum disorders.
Autism Speaks - Technology and Autism
Communication applications for those with autism spectrum disorders. For individuals with autism, some new technologies can
improve communication, assist in the development of social skills, and enhance the ability to learn.
Autism Watch
Part of QuackWatch, an online "Guide to Quackery, Health Fraud, and Intelligent Decisions." Provides reliable information
and links about proposed causes of autism and treatments, and lists of reliable and not reliable web sites for more information.
Considerations when Looking for Services for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (ACU)
Thoughtful suggestions for selecting services for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This was developed by a collaborative
group through the Utah Autism Initiative and hosted by the Autism Council of Utah (ACU). The suggestions are also helpful
when looking for services for other conditions.
Different Roads to Learning
On-line catalogs specializing in learning materials and playthings for children with developmental disabilities, including
autism. Focus is on ABA resources.
Future Horizons
Commercial site offering information, training, and resources for families, teachers, and professionals for dealing with autism.
Aquatic Therapy for Children with Autism
Describes the benefits of aquatic therapy for children with autism.
Sesame Street and Autism
With the help people who live with autism, families of kids with autism, and people who serve our autism community, the makers
of Sesame Street have created a nationwide autism initiative. This initiative is a way to help people better understand autism
and offer families ways to overcome common challenges and simplify everyday activities. The website has helpful videos, stories,
and printable daily routine cards for social experiences.
Autism Program at Yale
Yale's Autism program focuses on developmental disorders such as autism and other neuropsychiatric disorders to understand
the developmental trajectory of social cognition. Ongoing studies include children, adolescents, and adults, clinical and
using telemedicine.
Autism Research Institute
Information about autism, autism research, free webinars for parents and professionals, and other resources.
Interactive Autism Network FAQ
Information about the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) diagnosis, the history of the diagnosis, the benefits of having a diagnosis,
the difference between screening and assessment, and more. Updated 2014.
Patient Education
100 Day Kit for Newly Diagnosed Families of Young Children (81 pgs) (Autism Speaks)
Downloadable family-oriented guide from Autism Speaks. Offers an overview of ASDs and aims to help parents organize and prioritize
their approach to seeking services for their child. Practical information is provided emphasizing advocacy and family support.
Several forms are available to assist in the organization of medical records and tracking the effectiveness of treatments.
100 Day Kit for Newly Diagnosed Families of Young Children, Spanish (84 pgs) (Autism Speaks)
Family-oriented guide, in Spanish, from Autism Speaks, downloadable from the linked site. Offers an overview of ASDs and aims
to help parents organize and prioritize their approach to seeking services for their child. Practical information is provided
emphasizing advocacy and family support. Several forms are available to assist in the organization of medical records and
tracking the effectiveness of treatments.
Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Tantrums, Rage, and Meltdowns (AAPC)
This expanded edition of the bestselling AAPC classic offers both parents and professionals tried-and-true solutions to minimize
and circumvent the often frightening circumstances that surround the rage cycle – not only for the child with Asperger Syndrome
but others in the environment as well. Available for purchase from AAPC publishing.
Autism Fact Sheet (NINDS)
Detailed information about autism and resources; from the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke.
Autism Fact Sheet, Spanish (NINDS)
From the National Institue of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke.
Autism Spectrum Disorder, A Parent's Guide (NIMH)
The link takes you to the National Institute of Mental Health website, from which the 27 page autism booklet may be downloaded
at no cost.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: What Every Parent Needs to Know (AAP)
An invaluable resource for parents and caregivers of children who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
(320 pages). Prepared under the editorial direction of two distinguished pediatricians who are autism experts, this book helps
you understand how ASDs are defined and diagnosed and provides information on the most current types of behavioral and developmental
therapies. Available from the American Academy of Pediatrics bookstore for $14.95 ($11.95 for members).
Translated Autism Resources (VFN)
Autism Fact Sheet and Learn the Signs: Act Early Autism Fact Sheet, each translated into multiple languages, Vermont Family
Network.
Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, English, French,Nepali, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Vietnamese
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders Pamphlet (AAP), Spanish
Family-oriented information pamphlet (44 pgs), available from the American Academy of Pediatrics bookstore for $40 for a package
of 10 ($36 for members).
Services
Autism Treatment/Applied Behavioral Analysis (BCBA)
See all Autism Treatment/Applied Behavioral Analysis (BCBA) services providers (29) in our database.
Developmental - Behavioral Pediatrics
See all Developmental - Behavioral Pediatrics services providers (4) in our database.
Occupational Therapy, Pediatric
See all Occupational Therapy, Pediatric services providers (32) in our database.
Pediatric Gastroenterology
See all Pediatric Gastroenterology services providers (21) in our database.
Psychiatrist, Child-18 (MD)
See all Psychiatrist, Child-18 (MD) services providers (17) in our database.
Psychologist, Child-18 (PhD, PsyD)
See all Psychologist, Child-18 (PhD, PsyD) services providers (10) in our database.
Social Skills Training
We currently have no Social Skills Training service providers listed; search our Services database for related services.
Speech - Language Pathologists
See all Speech - Language Pathologists services providers (44) in our database.
For other services related to this condition, browse our Services categories or search our database.
Studies
Studies Related to Autism (clinicaltrials.gov)
A current list of clinical trials (active, recruiting, and recently completed) of autism and related conditions.