Type “autism” into Google, and you’ll find 17,700,000 references. Ready to check them all out? Hopefully, your answer is NO! In fact, though, many parents spend unending hours surfing the Net, hoping to find the one site that will make a difference. Before you find yourself surfing the web at 4 a.m., check out these top ten sites. All of them are reliable and readable, with links to plenty of specialized services and related organizations.
1. The Autism Society of America
The Autism Society of America is the nation’s premiere autism resource. It’s a chapter and member-based organization, which means you can join up and get involved at the local level. Start here for a good, unbiased introduction to autism, including information on diagnosis, treatment, and much more.
2. First Signs
Many pediatricians know very little about autism.
First Signs is dedicated to changing all that. Explore this site if you suspect your very young child may be Autistic. Share their information with your pediatrician. Then come back from more information about Early Intervention and optimal treatments
4. Wrightslaw
The law has a lot to say about the education of children with disabilities. In fact, there’s so much legal information out there that it’s almost impossible for a lay person to understand it all. But don’t panic --
Wrightslaw has it all covered, from federal to state issues ranging from Individualized Educational Programs to Extended School Year, inclusion, and much more.
5. Disabilityinfo.gov
What is the government doing about autism, and how can you tap in?
Disabilityinfo.gov is a portal for information about specialized programs, resources and research for parents and adults coping with disabilities.
6. Future Horizons
No matter what your relationship to autism, you'll find resources galore at this website. Future Horizons is a publisher, a conference organizer, a web resource, and even more. Start here if you're looking for tools for reaching and teaching autistic children, informing grandparents, selecting therapies, finding community...or just browsing.
7. AutismLink
Autismlink is intended to be a clearinghouse of autism information. You’ll find information about local service providers in your area; information and links about all different types of therapy; chats; forums; and an event calendar including autism workshops, programs and conferences all over the country.
8. OASIS
Online Asperger Syndrome Information & Support (also known as OASIS) is the definitive resource for Asperger’s Syndrome. It’s been growing since 1995, and includes and incredible range of resources and information. Be sure to check out the relatively new OASIS book, also a terrific resource to have on hand.
9. Autism Speaks
If you’re interested supporting research and advocacy for autism,
Autism Speaks is a good place to start. Autism Speaks recently merged with the National Association for autism Research, and it’s funded in part by the Chairman of NBC.
10. Tammy Glaser's Aut-2-Be Home Site
This is the only personal website on the list. It belongs to
Tammy Glaser, a homeschooling parent of an autistic daughter. I included it as a window into the world of an inspirational family who have done an extraordinary job -- not only for their own child, but for the autism community.
