Autism Organizations
Autism Organizations providing comprehensive information about autism.

Original Thoughts on Understanding People Who are Different
Thoughts on autism and other disabilities by the people who live with them.

Diagnostic Criteria
Several different rating scales of diagnostic criteria for autism.

Understanding Your AS Child
Sleeping, stimming, self-injury, sensory issues, other issues.

Other Issues Related to Autism
Support groups, bereavement and grief, identification tags, other issues.

Other Diagnoses Often Seen in AS
Sensory integration, CAPD, semantic-pragmatic, apraxia, hyperlexia, assistive technology, other issues.

Sibling Issues
Jealousy of the parents' time for therapies and other interventions, not wanting to play with siblings, curiosity about siblings, how to help siblings, and other sibling issues.

Other Organizations
Boy scouts, girl scouts, Disneyland, Disney World.

Entitlements and Insurance
Social security, disability, Medicare, medical insurance, other issues.

Disability Information and Advocacy
Advocating for your child, how to get help if you are fighting with your school district, employer, medical insurance, health care provider, or other similar issues.

Live Autism News
The #1 site for comprehensive information on autism, Asperger syndrome, and other spectrum issues. Includes sections on her family's "life on a spectrum", links to the homepages of AS adults [including mine!!] and the parents of AS children, "more autism links than you can shake a stick at", books, and just about anything else you would ever want or need to know about autism.

Autism One Radio
From the site: "Autism One Radio presents knowledgeable, caring hosts providing answers to many of the most important questions. We cover a wide range of topics, including the most effective treatments and therapies, school concerns, legal issues, government policies, family dynamics and more."

Autism TV
Online TV about autism topics.

Jypsy -- OOPS Wrong Planet Syndrome
The #1 site for comprehensive information on autism, Asperger syndrome, and other spectrum issues. Includes sections on her family's "life on a spectrum", links to the homepages of AS adults [including mine!!] and the parents of AS children, "more autism links than you can shake a stick at", books, and just about anything else you would ever want or need to know about autism.

National Autism Association
From the site: "The mission of the National Autism Association is to advocate, educate, and empower. We will advocate on behalf of those who cannot fight for their own rights. We will raise public and professional awareness of autism spectrum disorders. We will empower those in the autism community to never give up in their search to help their loved ones reach their full potential." This organization has a contact phone number, see site for information.

Treating Autism
Autism information and intervention, in the UK.

Autism Networks
From the site: "Good Evening! Welcome to the Autism Networks website, the world's first and largest autism related website available in multiple languages. We offer a wide variety of services from parent and professional training workshops to consultation and supervision for school districts and service provider agencies. Our organization's services are always expanding, Please join our email list to stay up to date."

Autism Info
From the site: "Our goal is to provide parents, particularly those with newly diagnosed kids, a good source of information. We believe that there are many treatments and therapies available and all have helped some kids. However none have helped every kid. Treating autism can produce tangible results. Through diet, medical intervention, behavioral therapies, and nutritional supplementation, these kids are making remarkable progress, and many are now "indistinguishable" among their peers. If kids are feeling better physically, it is reasonable to think their therapies will be more effective."

Generation Rescue
From the site: "The incidence of autism has increased from 1 in 10,000 in the 1970s to 1 in 150 today, an increase of over 6,000%. Many more children have been diagnosed with other neurodevelopmental disorders all considered to be on the same spectrum including Asperger's, ADHD/ADD, speech delay, and many other developmental delays and learning disabilities. "During these investigations, numerous scientists from around the globe have testified before the committee, and have presented credible peer-reviewed research studies that indicated a direct link between the exposure of Mercury, a widely known neurotoxin, and the increasing incidences of autism.""

Unlocking Autism
From the site: "The incidence of autism is increasing at an alarming rate. Only 10 years ago, it was estimated that autism affected one out of 10,000 children. Two years ago, it was estimated that autism affected one out of 500 children. Current estimates are that autism affects one out of 300 children nationwide and in some areas of the country the rate is as much as one out of 150 children. Unlocking Autism was founded primarily for the purpose of increasing awareness about the disorder." This organization has a toll free hotline and call center, see site for information.

Autism Society of America
From the site: "The mission of the Autism Society of America is to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum, and their families, to be fully participating, included members of their community. Education, advocacy at state and federal levels, active public awareness and the promotion of research form the cornerstones of ASA's efforts to carry forth its mission."

AutismLink
From the site: "Our mission is to provide opportunities for inclusion, information, and support; to keep parents, family members of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and autistic individuals apprised of news and information, help them in their quest for services, and also in their quest for camaraderie with others in the autism community. We seek to directly help parents by providing opportunities for support, inclusion and information, free of charge."

Talk Autism
Message boards, email lists, newsletters, support groups.

FEAT -- Families for Early Autism Treatment
From the site: "FEAT (Families for Early Autism Treatment) is a non-profit organization of parents and professionals, designed to help families with children who have received the diagnosis of Autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD NOS). It offers a network of support where families can meet each other and discuss issues surrounding autism and treatment options. FEAT has a Board of Directors that meets monthly to discuss issues, establish priorities, and vote on the direction of the organization. Every other month, a newsletter is published which contains current news and events. FEAT has a Lending Library, where families can get information about Autism and check out teaching materials for their therapy programs for free. FEAT also offers Support Meetings on the third Wednesday of each month which are designed to provide information to families whose children have been diagnosed with Autism and to provide emotional support to those who need it. Throughout the year, FEAT has parties, field trips and fundraising events. These activities are the most fun for the parents because this is when many friendships are formed."

CAN -- Cure Autism Now
From the site: "The Cure Autism Now (CAN) foundation is an organization of parents, clinicians and scientists dedicated to finding effective biological treatments, prevention and a cure for autism and related disorders."

BBB Autism
From the site: "We initially created the BBB Autism Online club in order to provide support and share strategies for dealing with everyday life. As the club grew, it evolved into a place to find information via tips, sites and recommended reading on a variety of subjects pertaining to raising an autistic child. We began to research certain topics for club members and to present them in a chat format, followed by “information posts”. Our files grew and grew as we amassed fantastic sites. Our membership grew, and we developed a desire to provide a more permanent place to gather knowledge that could reach a much larger audience. We wanted to develop the very site that we wish we’d had access to back in the early days."

Moms On A Mission For Autism
From the site: "A Non-Profit Organization Incorporated In Florida Whose Goal Is To Help All Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our Mission Is To Bring Vaccine Injury Issues To The Forefront Of National Dialogue And To Advocate For Scientific Research Into The Suspected Link Of Vaccine Injury To Autism Spectrum Disorders."

Autism Network Resources for Physicians
From the site: "Autism Network Resources for Physicians is a resource website listing links to autism research and related sites that will be of interest to physicians. The goal of this site is to assist the medical community in their efforts to understand autism and study the treatment options available in the hopes that someday, the treatment protocol that proves to be the most beneficial for certain populations with autism are going to be accepted or recommended by the medical community. By taking part in the study of autism and its causes, we hope that the medical community will be able to identify at-risk children and will be able to follow or recommend certain measures to prevent autism."

OASIS -- Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support
From the site: "As parents of children who are diagnosed with AS, we understand how essential is it that families of children diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and related disorders, educators who teach children with AS, professionals working with individuals diagnosed with AS, and individuals with AS who are seeking support, have access to information. Although recently reminded that there is no oasis or paradise for those with Asperger Syndrome, we sincerely hope that they, along with parents and professionals, will find a bit of shade and support via the information presented and links available at this site."

NICHCY -- Natl Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
From the site: "NICHCY is the national information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals. Our special focus is children and youth (birth to age 22). NICHCY provides information and makes referrals in areas related to: [1] Specific disabilities, [2] Early intervention, [3] Special education and related services, [4] Individualized education programs, [5] Family issues, [6] Disability organizations, [7] Professional associations, [8] Education rights, [9] Transition to adult life, [10] and much, much more!"

National Military Family Association
From the site: "Serving the Families of Those Who Serve: We are the only national organization dedicated to identifying and resolving issues of concern to military families. Our mission: To serve the families of the seven uniformed services through education, information and advocacy."

STOMP: Specialized Training of Military Parents
From the site: "With a population of 1.5 million active duty military members, each day around the globe, there are an estimated 540,000 active duty sponsors each caring for a family member with special medical or educational needs. STOMP is the only National Parent Training and Information Center for military families providing support and advice to military parents without regard of the type of medical condition their child has."

Geneva Centre for Autism -- Canada
From the site: "Since 1974, the Geneva Centre for Autism has been the leader in developing and teaching the most effective techniques for those affected by Autism/PDD. The Centre delivers services to enhance the lives of people affected by Autism/PDD. Founded on principles of partnership and skill building, the Geneva Centre for Autism is committed to collaborative partnerships with families and professionals to ensure services meet individual needs. The Geneva Centre has become the most extensive resource and clinical centre in Canada. Mission: Geneva Centre empowers individuals with autism and other related disorders, and their families, to fully participate in their communities."

Autism Organisations Worldwide
Autism organizations from just about every country in the world, arranged alphabetically.

The Autism Link Page
Very long alphabetical list of autism related links.

The Autism Perspective
A magazine that provides information on therapy options.

Coping with life's stressors, including special needs issues
This site includes very good information on a variety of life stressors. Parent/child issues including raising responsible children, study skills, children with disabilities, etc. Adult issues include self-esteem, 12-step guide, handling loss, personal growth, relationships, communication, anger, control, and other self-understanding and improvement.

Father's Network
From the site: "Greetings and a warm welcome to the Fathers Network web page. Our mission is to celebrate and support fathers and families raising children with special health care needs and developmental disabilities."

Brad Rand -- How to Understand People Who are Different

Emily Perl Kingsley -- Welcome to Holland

Jasmine Lee O'Neal -- A Place for All

Autism Information Library: Autism? What is it?

BEING TOLD OR BEING TOLD OFF? Reciprocity at the Diagnostic Interview

** Presentation to Class

** Rabbi Paysach Krohn -- Shaya, God's Perfection

** Personal Dragons

** I am the Child

** The Value of Friendship

** Holiday/Special Event Letter

** As I See It -- A Parent's Perspective

** Acceptance of and Adjustment to Your Child's Disability

** What I have learned in the last 16 months

** Where are the Parents?

An excellent speech about having a child with a disability

ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria for Autism
International classification of diseases [ICD] issued by the World Health Organization [WHO].

DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Autism
From the site: "To be diagnosed with autistic disorder at least one sign (each) from parts A, B, and C must be present plus at least six overall. Those meeting fewer criteria are diagnosable as PDD NOS."

** My Comments on the Diagnostic Criteria
These are my notes from a two-hour presentation I did for a local support group in my area. These are my own personal comments from my personal experiences and the experiences which have been related to me by others. They do not necessarily apply to your own child

Autism Symptom Checklist
From the site: "Autism, which affects thought, perception and attention, is not just one disorder with a well defined set of symptoms; autism is a broad spectrum of disorders that ranges from mild to severe. In addition, the behavior usually occurs across many different situations and is consistently inappropriate for their age."

Practice Parameter: Screening and Diagnosis of Autism
From the site: "Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society"

First Signs
From the site: "First Signs is dedicated to the early identification and intervention of children with developmental delays and disorders."

CARS -- Childhood Autism Rating Scale
Includes ARI form E-2 [parent survey] and an excerpt/sample of CARS. The full CARS is available to qualified professionals, address on this site.

Autism Research Institute -- ATEC Internet Scoring Procedure
Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist, designed to evaluate different treatment/therapy methods to gauge progress of individual autistic children. The test is designed to evaluate the progress made by an individual child, altho general scores also give a comparison of the individual child with other children.

Autism Research Institute -- Diagnostic Checklist Form E-2 and Research Questionnaire Form E-3
From the site: "A high-priority goal of the Autism Research Institute (ARI) is the development of improved methods of diagnosing children with severe behavior disorders, since most medical research is highly dependent upon accurate diagnostic methods. Our Diagnostic Checklist, Form E-2, has been designed for this purpose. In addition, the Form E-2 checklist asks parents to rate the effectiveness of various interventions they have tried on their son/daughter. Information on the effectiveness of interventions is compiled on a regular basis and is shared with families and professionals throughout the world."

DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Asperger Syndrome
From the site: "For your information, I've included below a copy of the DSM IV Description. In addition, I've also added a more down-to-earth description that was originally posted to the autism listserv."

PDD Assessment Scale/Screening Questionnaire
From the site: "This is an experimental screening tool that requires a traditionally established PDD diagnosis."

Signs of Autism
From the site: "The signs and symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Autism. This medical information about signs and symptoms for Autism has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of Autism signs or Autism symptoms. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Autism may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Autism symptoms."

To Diagnose or Not to Diagnose
From the site: "Although in my heart of hearts I know that a child or adult has Aspergers Syndrome, I ask myself whether it is helpful, in the long run, to identify the disorder."

BEING TOLD OR BEING TOLD OFF? Reciprocity at the Diagnostic Interview
From the site: "I need to be told what my diagnosis is and why this diagnosis. If I didn’t care about why I wouldn’t be here."

** Autism vs. Asperger Syndrome, Functioning Levels
Question: How do people determine what is "high" functioning versus "low" functioning, etc?

Low versus High Functioning Autism
A very good article from about.com.

House Government Reform Hearings -- AUTISM: PRESENT CHALLENGES, FUTURE NEEDS--WHY THE INCREASED RATES?
April 6, 2000

** My Comments on the Diagnostic Criteria
These are my notes from a two-hour presentation I did for a local support group in my area. These are my own personal comments from my personal experiences and the experiences which have been related to me by others. They do not necessarily apply to your own child

** AS Social Skills
My thoughts, and comments by several others, regarding AS social skills, or lack thereof.

** AS Literal Thinking
A description of literal thinking in AS.

** Personal thoughts on several issues in life
Thoughts by an AS adult on death and dying, AS and affection, special interests, and life in general.

Face Blindness
From the site: "This is the world's first (and to date only) book about face blindness. It has been published on the Internet so people in all lands can have access to it readily, and so it can be continuously updated."

** Talking to Yourself
Question: Did there come a time in your life when your realized it was not socially acceptable to talk to yourself?

** Sleeping Under the Bed
Question: Why does my son like to sleep under the bed?

** Getting to Sleep and Staying Asleep
Question: My son has trouble falling asleep, he is awake for hours after bedtime, and wants to play. Sometimes he wakes up in the middle of the night for several hours also. Any ideas for helping him get to sleep and stay asleep?

** Removing Clothes
Question: My son is removing his clothes and shoes in the car and at school. How can I get him to stop?

** Fear of landscapers or other noisy equipment
Question: My child is afraid of the landscapers and their noisy equipment at his school. How can I help him not be afraid of this?

** Transitioning
Question: My child has difficulty transitioning from one activity to the next.

** Handwriting
Question: My AS son presses too hard when he writes, causing his hand to get tired, broken pencil leads, and holes in the paper. How can I help him not press so hard?

** Hitting to Gain Attention
Question: An AS boy in my classroom hits other children but does not appear angry. Why does he do this and how can I help him learn to stop?

** Hitting and Throwing Without Anger
Question: My son throws things and hits his brother, but sometimes it does not appear he is angry.

** Turning on and off the light switches
Question: My son likes to turn on and off the light switches, a million times a day. Why does he do this and how can I make him stop?

** Sensory Experiences -- A Personal Story
Sensory overload experiences as described by an AS adult

** Hand flapping
Question: My son flaps his hands, even tho I have told him "quiet hands" a thousand times a day. Why does he do this and how can I help him to stop?

** Early Childhood Memories -- A personal story
Childhood memories of an AS adult on stimming and other things.

** Reasons for Stimming
Question: Why does my AS child stim?

Stereotypic (Self-Stimulatory) Behavior
From the site: "Stereotypy or self-stimulatory behavior refers to repetitive body movements or repetitive movement of objects. This behavior is common in many individuals with developmental disabilities; however, it appears to be more common in autism. In fact, if a person with another developmental disability exhibits a form of self-stimulatory behavior, often the person is also labelled as having autistic characteristics. Stereotypy can involve any one or all senses. We have listed the five major senses and some examples of stereotypy.

Self-stimulation -- I'm Okay, You Have a Mannerism
This is from a deaf/blind site, but it is a really good description of what are self-stimulation activities and how all people do them, just for some people they look different from the "normal" self-stimulation activities of the majority of the population. Discusses ways to use self-stimulation activities to learn how each of us as individuals best deal with stressful situations, idleness/boredom, how we learn best, etc. Very good descriptions of what is self-stimulation activity and how to put it to good use.

** Stimming While Reading/TV/Computer Games
Question: My son stims a lot while reading and especially while watching tv or playing video games. Why does he do this and should we restrict his playing of the games?

** Stimming in New Classroom Situation
Question: My son recently started in a new classroom situation, and his stims have increased when they were practically non-existent before. Does anyone know why this is, and what I can do to help him? We are considering OT and AIT.

** Hand Licking and Mouthing/Chewing on Objects
Question: My son is licking his hands and chewing on objects. What can I do about that?

** Hand Biting When Angry
Question: My son bites the back of his hand when he is angry. What can I do to help him stop that?

** Self Injury Behavior -- Hand Biting
Question: My son is biting his hand. Why does he do this and how can I get him to stop?

** Self Injury Behavior -- Cutting
Question: My son likes to cut himself with sharp objects like razors, knives, and scissors. Why does he do this and how can I get him to stop?

Self Injury Behavior [ARI]
This is written by Stephen Edelson. From the site: "Self-injurious behavior often refers to any behavior that can cause tissue damage, such as bruises, redness, and open wounds. The most common forms of these behaviors include head-banging, hand-biting, and excessive scratching or rubbing. There are two major sets of theories on why people engage in self-injury -- physiological and social." The article includes these theories and suggested treatments.

** Starting or joining a support group
Question: How can I find a support group in my area to join, or start one if I can't find one near me?

** AS Opinions of NT
Question: Why do many AS adults seem to hate NTs?

** Autism and Mental Retardation
Question: Are all autistic children also MR?

** Telling Your Child About AS
Question: When and how should I tell my 7yo child he is AS?

** Using Public Restrooms
Question: Should a mother or other female caregiver bring her older male disabled child to the women’s or to the men’s restroom?

** Long Distance Plane Trip Ideas
Ideas for taking your child on a long distance plane trip.

Managing Grief: People with Developmental Disabilities
From the site: "People with disabilities have a right to participate fully in the grief and mourning process and in all of society's support systems and rituals associated with these losses. Concerted effort is needed to offer death education to professionals and to parent organizations so that they may become familiar with normal grief reactions and provide proper supports. Death education can be introduced into the school and adult education curriculum for people with developmental disabilities. Advice is needed to construct guidelines for special agencies to follow when a death does occur. This might include helping professional caregivers rehearse breaking the news of a death. Practical plans to avoid immediate admission to residential care are required. The importance of ensuring that the bereaved person has some mementos of their deceased relative must be remembered and advice on the importance of nonverbal rituals at the funeral may be helpful. Bereavement counseling for persons with a developmental disability should be made available routinely and not just when a maladaptive reaction has been recognized as grief. Both individual and group work with bereaved individuals may be helpful, particularly if nonverbal approaches, such as the use of counseling picture books, are available."

Planet Amber global disability resource links
From the site: "[A] global information source for people with health impairments, their families and for those who provide services and support." Site includes information on living care, therapy and counselling, bereavement, children, assistive equipment, clothing, pharmaceuticals, rights, employment, education, technology, transportation, leisure activities, and more.

Handling Feelings of Grief and Loss
From the site: "Parents of children with disabilities experience grief or loss feelings over the entire life time of their children. This grief is felt more acutely at the points of transitions in their children's lives. It is imperative that parents recognize that this is a normal phenomenon and that it is best for them to prepare themselves in advance when such transitions are to occur."

MedicAlert
Medical Alert ID Bracelets

Medic ID
Medical Alert Jewelry

AwareAbouts
Children's ID Tags

Whose Shoes ID
Child Safety ID Kit

Child Personal Safety Alarm
From the site: "CHILD Personal Safety ALARM - Can't see your child? PRESS the transmitter to activate a high-decibel chirping child alarm on the teddy bear child locator, drawing instant attention to your wandering child up to 150 feet away. A great gift for all your friends with children."

Autism-Ally
Door Guards and Alarms

TBO Tech
Door and Window Alarms

First Alert
Door and Window Alarms

Project Lifesaver
From the site: "Project Lifesaver has completed over 1,000 Successful Search & Rescue Missions for Wandering Victims Of Alzheimer's Disease, Autism, Down syndrome and related dementia type Disorders. All persons were found using Project Lifesaver at a 100% recovery rate. All persons were found alive and returned home. Project Lifesaver uses electronic tracking systems to locate the patient during a wandering incident. Project Lifesaver is not a passive bracelet with a toll free number. Such bracelets do not locate the patient, they provide information about the patient once they are located and someone calls the number. Many times, wandering incidents end tragically because the individual is not found quickly enough. Project Lifesaver has been successful because it actually locates the person quickly , before it is too late. The difference between a passive ID bracelet and an active tracking device is paramount to locating the person fast enough to save a life."

Ion Kids
From the site: "Sometimes even the best parents need help keeping track of their children. The stress and panic associated with this can be tremendous-but it can be alleviated using technology and education. ionKids™ is a safe, easy-to-use system that enables parents and guardians to monitor and locate their children or dependents when they're at a neighborhood park, theme park, mall, airport or even when they're just playing in the backyard."

Global GPS and Tracking Solutions
From the site: "The Kid Safety System was developed to allow parents to know when their children leave a pre-specified range or fall into water."

Whereify Wireless
From the site: "Wherify Wireless has developed products and services to compete in the Wireless Location Service markets. Our current technology is patented and covers any locking, cut-resistant band device. Our initial product line consists of a lockable Personal Locator that functions as a GPS location device, pager, watch, and wireless telephone transceiver. There will be hundreds of future products in many form factors using both identical and enhanced technologies."

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and amusement park lines
From the site: "This letter responds to your inquiry regarding the applicability of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to amusement parks."

NAMI Special Needs Estate Planning
From the site: "This information provided in the Special Needs Estate Planning Guidance System is intended to provide some of the missing pieces in understanding Special Needs Planning, but NAMI is not providing a do-it-yourself kit for Special Needs Trusts. This information is provided to educate in a general way and is not intended to provide specific legal or professional advice."

** Seasonal Affective Disorder [SAD]
Information on SAD in children and adults.

CAPD -- diagnostic criteria
This is an article by an audiologist, describing the common symptoms of Central Auditory Processing Disorder [CAPD].

CAPD Site Index
This is a site index including links for sites on adults with CAPD, children with CAPD, remedial programs, accommodations, audiologists, insurance billing, and other learning disabilities and advocacy, including other speech/language disabilities, dyslexia, hyperlexia, autism, attention deficit, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia.

Semantic-Pragmatic and CAPD Web Page
Information and links on CAPD and Semantic-Pragmatic Disorder.

Apraxia and Verbal Dyspraxia
From the site: "Apraxia-kids - the Internet's most comprehensive site for information on developmental apraxia of speech (verbal dyspraxia) and children's speech and language topics, including evaluation, therapy and other childhood communication topics. Invaluable for parents, speech language pathologists, teachers and all those who care about a child with apraxia."

Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia
A brief synopsis of what is dyspraxia.

Dyspraxia Association of Ireland
Information and support for those living in UK.

American Hyperlexia Association
From the site: "The American Hyperlexia Association is a non-profit organization comprised of parents and relatives of children with hyperlexia, speech and language professionals, education professionals, and other concerned individuals with the common goal of identifying hyperlexia, promoting and facilitating effective teaching techniques both at home and at school, and educating the general public as to the existence of the syndrome called hyperlexia. AHA is dedicated to the advancement of the education and general welfare of children with hyperlexia. We advocate and encourage research related to hyperlexia and seek to assist families of children with hyperlexia in accessing appropriate services."

Siblings of Autism
From the site: "Being a sibling of someone with Autism has made me realize that many things in life require hard work, patience and understanding. I thought up the idea for siblingsofautism.com when I was thirteen almost fourteen. Our Family was going through some stressful times and I looked, in vain, for a place to vent my feelings and a place just to chat with someone who knew what I was going through. This page is made not only for a support group for siblings of children with these disorders, but also as a page to help people who have not been exposed to Autism, learn more about it."

Siblings of Children with Autism, A Guide for Families
A book review. From the review: "This book describes the challenges that families face and has many useful strategies to help us take care of each other better.... This book is useful because it gives specific steps about what to do. For instance, siblings need appropriate information and facts about autism and why their sibling acts the way he does. The information needs to be delivered at the level of the sibling hearing it. Not too much too early."

BBB Autism
Good sibling section on the right side about half-way down the front page.

The ARC Sibling Support Project
From the site: "The Sibling Support Project, believing that disabilities, illness, and mental health issues affect the lives of all family members, seeks to increase the peer support and information opportunities for brothers and sisters of people with special needs and to increase parents' and providers' understanding of sibling issues."

Boy Scouts with Special Needs

Girl Scouts with Special Needs

Disney World and Disneyland -- Guests with Disabilities Information
From the site: "Welcome to the Disney Vacations home page for Guests with disabilities. This site establishes links to specific information related to the services and resources available at the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort for Guests with disabilities. Please choose your vacation destination to begin. This page can be accessed from the "Attractions Listing" pages within each section by selecting "Symbols Page."

Taking an Autistic Child to Disney World
Good information on this site.

Disney World Visitors with Disabilities
Question/Answer format. Good information related to autism about half-way down the page.

US Forest Service
Golden Access Passport for people with disabilities.

CA State Parks
Disabled Discount Pass for people with disabilities.

Social Security Administration Office of Disability - Disability Programs
From the site: "Did You Know... Social Security has two programs that pay benefits to people with disabilities? Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured" meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need. When you apply for either program, we will collect medical and other information from you and make a decision about whether or not you meet Social Security's definition of disability."

NHeLP Managed Care Advocacy for People with Disabilities
Site includes links for managed care advocacy, Medicaid, Medicare, industry links, consumer assistance and involvement, disabilities and special needs, contracts, litigation, and updates on managed care issues.

The Managed Care Clearinghouse Home Page
From the site: "MCARE is the National Clearinghouse on Managed Care and Long-Term Services and Support for Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families, which is funded through a grant from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The MCARE website seeks to provide the most current information available on managed care, long-term services and supports, self-determination, and other related areas. MCARE will provide the latest news articles, upcoming conferences and events, government documents, research and policy papers, and individual perspectives."

Resources on Managed Care for People with Disabilities
Understanding Managed Care, How to Pick a Plan, How to Evaluate Your Current Plan, Strategies for Managing Your Health Care, What to Look for in Health Care Providers, Resources for Choosing Health Care Providers, Medicare and Medicaid, Medication, Disability-related Issues, Advocacy Issues, Advocacy Resources, Medical Information, Research Projects, and Other Resources.

National Academy of Social Insurance [Social Security, Medicare, Disability, etc]
From the site: "The National Academy of Social Insurance is America's only private, non-profit, non-partisan resource center made up of the nation's leading experts on social insurance. Both in the United States and abroad, social insurance encompasses broad-based public systems for insuring workers and their families against economic insecurity caused by loss of income from work and the cost of health care. The Academy's scope includes such social insurance systems as Social Security, Medicare, workers' compensation and unemployment insurance, and related social assistance and private employee benefits. Our mission is to conduct research and enhance public understanding of social insurance, to develop new leaders, and to provide a nonpartisan forum for exchange of ideas on important issues in the field."

Exploratory Study of Health Care Coverage and Employment of People with Disabilities: Literature Review
From the site: "This literature review examines empirical evidence on health care coverage, employment, and public program participation among people with disabilities. The review is part of a larger project investigating the relationship between health care coverage and the employment of people with disabilities."

Disability Lawyers
From the site: "Disability Lawyers is the only exclusive Disability Law directory online. Not only do we offer this unique service as an exclusive listing for disability law firms across the country, we also provide current daily and weekly disability news articles from around the nation."

CPS Watch - Watching Our Nation's Child Protection Agencies and Workers
From the site: "Teaching Parents how to Reclaim Their Children from the State". Includes a Parent's Guide to the System.

CIBRA -- Children Injured by Restraint and Aversives
From the site: "CIBRA is a fledgling organization in the first stages of development. Founded by families whose autistic children were severely traumatized in well known programs of discrete trial (ABA)and other various settings utilizing dangerous behavior modification techniques, we are an integral part of the fast growing civil rights movement in the autism community. Our central mission is to provide a national/international support network for parents whose children (including adult children) have been traumatized, injured or killed by abusive behavior modification (ABA) and restraint . This mission includes raising public awareness of the abuses taking place in the treatment community. We will provide a national/international forum for public testimony of victims of these abuses. Following on the heels of the 60 Minutes (TV program ) expose' of the Charter Hospital chain, FOX News expose' entitled "Deadly Restraint" and Hard Copy's expose' on these same type of dangerous practices being used with autistic children (frequently without informed consent from parents), our goal is to arrest the growing use of this type of abusive , dangerous, and unethical treatment of children taking place in behavioral treatment systems and school districts."

Family & Advocates Partnership for Education
From the site: "Welcome to the Family & Advocates Partnership in Education (FAPE) Web site. The Partnership is a new project which aims to inform and educate families and advocates about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (IDEA 97). The new law supports the achievement of high standards for the 5.8 million children eligible for special education in the U.S, but for this shift to actually result in positive educational outcomes, families and advocates need to understand IDEA and their roles in improving results. The Partnership helps to ensure that the changes made in IDEA are understood by families and advocates and are put into practice at local and state levels."

Independent Panel for Special Education Advice (IPSEA) -- UK
This is a UK advocacy group. From the site: "IPSEA is a volunteer-based organisation and many of the volunteers providing telephone advice and support at Tribunals are themselves parents of children with special educational needs who have been helped by IPSEA in the past. Volunteers providing a second professional opinion service are trained and experienced professionals working in special education, as educational psychologists, speech therapists, teachers, etc. Currently, IPSEA is trying to get information to low-income families through an ongoing national targeting programme. IPSEA offers free and independent advice on Local Education Authorities' legal duties to assess and provide for children with special educational needs. These include children with physical disabilities, sensory impairment, emotional and behavioural difficulties, general and specific learning difficulties (including those arising from specific conditions such as Down's Syndrome, autism and dyslexia)."

Disability Resources on the Internet
From the site: "What We Are... Disability Resources, inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information that can help people with disabilities live, learn, love, work and play independently. Who We Serve... We serve thousands of individuals with disabilities through a multidisciplinary network of service providers and consumers. In order to reach as many people with disabilities as cost effectively as possible, we target our services and publications to libraries, disability organizations, independent living centers, rehabilitation facilities, educational institutions, and health and social service providers. What We Do... We disseminate information about books, pamphlets, magazines, newsletters, videos, databases, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, telephone hotlines and on-line services that provide free, inexpensive or hard-to-find information to help people with disabilities live independently."

June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant
Site maintained by a disability policy consultant, includes information on advocacy, disaster preparedness, managed care, independent living, health and wellness, and many other services.

TASH - Disability Advocacy Worldwide
Grassroots organization of disability advocates worldwide.

World Association of Persons with Disabilities
From the site: "Voices of Positive Ability -- Whether the term is disability, disabled, disabilities, handicapped or whatever the popular "categorizing" label.... WAPD is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association under God, that represents huge portions of the one in five residents of earth that are being... ALIVE!... INVOLVED!... and EFFECTIVE!... in their daily living. WAPD advances the interests of persons with disAbilities at national, state, local and home levels. We believe that all are entitled to high quality of life. Over fifteen years of "grassroots" planning and growth have catapulted the association to a world leadership position, advancing the soundness and empowerment of the so called "disAbled" everywhere. WAPD links the "disAbled" and supporters to current "leading edge" disAbility information via the various mediums of communication."

CARF The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission
From the site: "What is CARF? CARF is a private, not-for-profit organization that accredits programs and services in Adult Day Services, Assisted Living, Behavioral Health, Employment and Community Services, and Medical Rehabilitation. CARF develops and maintains practical and relevant standards of quality for such programs. The standards are developed by the field, which consists of the persons receiving services, rehabilitation professionals, and purchasers of services, and are applied through a peer review process to determine how well an organization is serving its consumers. Every year the standards are reviewed and new ones are developed to keep pace with changing conditions and current consumer needs. In addition to information about CARF's accreditation divisions on this web site, you can find information about the work of two other important CARF divisions, Education and Training and Research and Quality Improvement. To obtain a list of organizations in your area with accredited programs or services or to comment about an organization that is accredited by CARF, please contact CARF."

The DRM WebWatcher: Abuse of People with Disabilities
From the site: "People with disabilities are often more vulnerable to abuse and neglect than the general population. These sites deal with some of the issues involved."

National Special Needs Network
From the site: "A Full Range of Services for the Individual with Special Needs and Professionals Serving the Special Needs Populations those Individuals and Families with Developmental and Acquired Disabilities, Mental Illnesses and Chronic Medical Conditions. The National Special Needs Network is a coast-to-coast affiliation of Special Needs Professionals dedicated to providing the finest and most complete special needs support services in America."

The Council for Exceptional Children [CEC & ERIC]
From the site: "The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice."

Through the Looking Glass
From the site: "Through the Looking Glass (TLG) is a community non-profit organization which emerged from the disability independent living movement in 1982. TLG has pioneered clinical and supportive services, training and research serving families in which one or more members--whether parent or child--has a disability or medical issue. TLG's mission has been to create, demonstrate and encourage resources and model early intervention services which are non-pathological and empowering."

Special Child: For Parents of Children with Disabilities
From the site: "Welcome and thank you for visiting Special Child, an online publication dedicated to parents of children with special needs."

ADA Technical Assistance
From the site: "The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the most comprehensive federal civil-rights statute protecting the rights of people with disabilities. It affects access to employment; state and local government programs and services; access to places of public accommodation such as businesses, transportation, and non-profit service providers; and telecommunications. The ADA Technical Assistance Program has been in existence since 1992, shortly after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since its inception, the Program has consisted of a diverse array of projects to further the understanding and implementation of the Act. The program has created a vast infrastructure of resources, including numerous ADA publications and videos, materials targeted to specific audiences, training packages and an unparalleled knowledge of the ADA. The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) has established ten regional centers to provide information, training, and technical assistance to employers, people with disabilities, and other entities with responsibilities under the ADA. The centers act as a "one-stop" central, comprehensive resource on ADA issues in employment, public services, public accommodations, and communications."