Website Review: Child-Autism-Parent-Cafe.com

This site, created by Crystal Brown (sister of an individual on the autism spectrum), is an absolute treasure trove of information, resources, sample materials, research, and much more. It's not a one-stop-shop: treatment information is limited, and it would be great to find even more resources for African American families. Still, it's well worth an extended visit.

Crystal Brown has created a remarkably robust site that specifically supports African American families with children on the autism spectrum. Though there are links to research and resources for African American families, the site speaks to all American families coping with autism. It does so with a clear voice and a carefully culled collection of links to resources ranging from summer camp programs to educational resources to tools for smoothing the road to adulthood.

In addition to general information about autism and its impact, this site goes a step further. Brown shares social stories that have helped her brother manage daily life; poems about autism; ideas for family journals; and much more. By combining these different types of materials, she's created a resource that blends the technical with the spiritual side of life.

The one negative side of this site is that, because of Brown's own experiences with her brother, the site's information about autism causes and treatments is very limited. There is a great deal of information about biomedical treatments, and some information about controversial treatments such as auditory training, but very little content about developmental, behavioral, or educational approaches. It's important, therefore, to explore other sites when researching treatment options.