Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While the condition has been recognized and studied for decades, many people still do not know much about autism. This lack of knowledge makes it challenging for families and caregivers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders to find accurate information, reliable early intervention services, community support groups, and educational resources.
Thankfully, ongoing autism research and advocacy efforts offer hope for improved understanding and support for those affected by autism. From articles and research studies to personal stories and autism community groups to federal agencies and federal resources, there are countless places to discover more about autism online.
Whether you are a parent of a child with autism, a family member, a teacher, a community leader, or simply someone who wants to learn more about this condition, these resources provide a helpful source of information on autism and other developmental disabilities.
Advocacy, Information, and Support
If your child is living with autism, ADHD, or other developmental disorders, there are many advocacy and support organizations dedicated to helping children and families affected by these conditions.
Here are some organizations that provide information, support, and advocacy for children with autism, ADHD, and other learning disabilities.
Centers, Networks, and Associations
Organizations and associations dedicated to autism are valuable resources for children with autism, their families, and healthcare professionals. From online modules to professional development centers, there are a variety of options available to access information about autism.
These autism resources can offer insight and guidance for those seeking to better understand and support children with autism. Some of the notable organizations on this list include:
- Autism Speaks
- Autism Internet Modules
- ASPEN (Asperger/Autism Syndrome Education Network)
- The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE)
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board
- American Occupational Therapy Association
Autism Videos
There are numerous informative and educational videos available on the subject, providing insights into autism diagnosis, symptoms, treatment options, and the experiences of children with ASD and their families.
In this list, we’ve compiled some videos about autism that offer useful perspectives and information about this disorder.
- National Center for Learning Disabilities: What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
- Autism – What We Know (And What We Don’t Know Yet) by Wendy Chung MD, PhD
- Autism – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Pathology
- 7 Early Signs of Autism Every Parent Should Know by Emma Hubbard
- Sesame Street: Meet Julia
- Marvelous Max – Autism Awareness for Kids
- A Teen’s Guide to Autism
- MIND Institute Videos About Autism
Books on Autism
The growing awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have led to an increased demand for information on the subject, and fortunately, there are now numerous books available that provide important insights into ASD.
If you’re looking for reliable information on how children develop emotionally and behave from infancy to their teenage years, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) publications, Your Child and Your Adolescent, are a great place to start.
Here are some other recommended books:
- Look Me in the Eye: My Life With Asperger’s by John Elder Robison
- Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant by Daniel Tammet
- Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin
- Emergence: Labeled Autistic by Temple Grandin and Margaret M. Scariano
- Ian’s Walk: A Story About Autism by Laurie Lears
- Freaks, Geeks and Aspergers Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolescence by Luke Jackson
Whether you’re seeking a personal account of living with ASD or a clinical understanding of the disorder, these books offer valuable perspectives and knowledge and can help anyone better understand this complex condition.
