Additional Helpful Resources

On this page we have listed various sites that give an introduction to developmental disabilities, with a focus on autistic spectrum disorders. While these sites are all useful and informative, they are no substitute for consultation with appropriate diagnosticians and therapists. Intervention modalities need to be tailored to each child’s age and developmental needs. Be aware also, that there are very few controlled data to establish the efficacy of various therapies commonly promoted for children with ASD. Use your common sense when evaluating treatment claims.( If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Also note the web links in section III, below.)

 I. For a general overview of autistic spectrum disorders (autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Asperger Syndrome):

1.      Autism Society of America: http://www.autism-society.org - Provides an excellent introduction and many related links.

2.      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/ddautism.htm

3.      National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities: http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs20txt.htm This publication is designed to answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). 

4.      First Signs: http://www.firstsigns.org.  As the name suggests, this site provides a review of early signs and symptoms of ASD. Many useful links to other resources as well.

5.      Center for the Study of Autism: http://www.autism.org/contents.html  Excellent links; also excellent overview of autism in English, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese

6.      For an introduction to Asperger Syndrome: http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger

7.      Another good site for Asperger Syndrome: http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/

8.      An overview of the relationship between autism, PDD, Asperger syndrome, IQ, and long-term outcome: Coplan J. Counseling parents regarding prognosis in autistic spectrum disorder. Pediatrics 2000; 105:5. URL: http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/105/5/e65  

9.      Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NLD) and Semantic-Pragmatic Language Disorder (SPLD). NLD and SPLD lie at the “borderland of autism.” Children with NLD have “atypical” features that fall short of ASD, but have many of the same instructional needs as children with Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning autism. Children with SPLD have language impairment of the type similar to children with autism, but generally intact social skills.

·        http://www.margaretkay.com/Non-Verbal%20Learning%20Disabilities.htm

·        http://www.geocities.com/denisev2/spd.html

II. For an overview of various intervention modalities for children with autistic spectrum disorder:

1.      Explanation of Applied Behavioral Analysis: http://www.bbbautism.com/aba.htm; also, the Home Page of this organization: http://www.bbbautism.com/,  contains much other useful information

2.      Verbal Behavior Analysis: http://www.mariposaschool.org/programs/TrainingManual1.doc

3.      More on VBA (Or, “Applied Verbal Behavior – AVB”):

·       http://www.verbalbehaviornetwork.com/ 

·        http://www.christinaburkaba.com/AVB.htm

·        http://psyc.csustan.edu/verbalbehavior/

4.      Explanation of the principles underlying PECS (Picture Exchange Communication Systems), along with links to IEP objectives, training, etc. http://www.pecs.com/page5.html

5.      Explanation of TEACCH methods: http://www.teacch.com/

6.      Information about “Floor Time” (DIR; “Greenspan method”)

·        http://home.sprintmail.com/~janettevance/floor_time.htm

·        http://www.stanleygreenspan.com/

7.      Relationship Development Intervention (RDI): Another socially based form of intervention for children on the autistic spectrum: http://www.rdiconnect.com/

8.      For children and youth with High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome: http://www.med.yale.edu/chldstdy/autism/astreatments.html

III. For a discussion of the evidence behind various treatment options for children with ASD:

1.      National Research Council (2001) Educating Children with Autism. Committee on Educational Interventions for Children with Autism.  Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education.  Washington, DC: National Academy Press.  This book is available at major bookstores: online go to web site  http://www.nap.edu/, then search for "autism.”

2.      Quackwatch: Guide to health fraud: http://www.quackwatch.com/ Evaluates complementary and alternative medical therapies. Many entries cover therapies promoted as beneficial to children with ASD.

IV. General Resources on caring for children with special needs

1.      Exceptional Parent Magazine (web site): http://www.eparent.com/

2.      Family Voices: http://www.familyvoices.org

3.      Family Village: Guide to disability resources: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/index.htmlx

A Family Handbook on Future Planning. http://www.thearc.org/publications/futureplanninghandbook.doc  An excellent publication on long-term planning, put out by the ARC of the United States.