• Advocates: Qualities to Look for and Choosing the Correct One for YOU
• Considering an Overnight Camp Program for your Child on the Autism Spectrum?
• Finding or Starting a Support Group
• Making the Most of the Holidays for Your Family and Your Son/Daughter on the Autism Spectrum
• Selected Bibliography for Families of People within the Autism Spectrum
• Selected National Resources for Information on Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Selected Resources for Understanding and Supporting Siblings
• Setting the Stage for Parent-Professional Collaboration
• Siblings Perspectives: Some Guidelines for Parents
• What About the Dads?
• When Your Child is Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
• What to Do If You Suspect Your Son/Daughter Might Have an Autism Spectrum Disorder
• For Parents: Preparing for the School Year

Selected National Resources for Information on Autism Spectrum Disorders

Contributed by Marci Wheeler

The following publishers, national agencies and organizations address various issues surrounding autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. Contact each agency or organization for specific information about cost, type of publications, services and resources, expertise of staff and other considerations. Dissemination of this list does not reflect official endorsement of any organization. Seeking information about autism spectrum disorders can be a time consuming and confusing process. It is hoped that by providing a list of frequently used resources that your information gathering journey will be made easier.


Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1000
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301-588-8252
Fax: 301-588-2842
aucdinfo@aucd.org
http://www.aucd.org/ 

The Association of University Centers on Disabilities has programs located in every U.S. state. The AUCD’s are all part of universities or medical centers. They bring together the resources of both the university/medical center and the community to attain change that is meaningful in the disability community in each state and within their networks across the country. AUCD programs provide model services for children, adults, and families around disability related concerns,
training and technical assistance to schools, agencies and organizations throughout the state, research, development and dissemination of best practices and new information. AUCD publishes several regular FREE newsletters. To view the latest or previous issues of their various newsletters check their website.

Indiana has two such university related Centers as part of the national AUCD network: the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program at Riley Child Development Center and the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). Explore their websites for services, information and online news. See contact information below:

UCEDD Program:
Indiana Resource Center for Autism
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
Indiana University
2853 East Tenth Street
Bloomington, IN 47408-2696
Phone:  812-855-6508 or TTY: 812-855-9396
812-855-9630
iidc@indiana.edu
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca

LEND Program:
Riley Child Development Center
Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
705 Riley Hospital Drive, Room 5837
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5225
Phone: 317-944-8167
Fax: 317-944-9760
http://www.child-dev.com/

Autism
2455 Teller Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
Phone: 805-499-9774 or toll free 800-818-7243
Fax: 805-499-0871 or 800-583-2665
journals@sagepub.com 
http://aut.sagepub.com/

Autism is a peer-reviewed, bi-monthly, international journal, focused on research in many areas, including: intervention, diagnosis, training, education, neuroscience, evaluation of particular therapies, family issues and family services, medical and genetic issues that helps improve the quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum and related disorders. It is interdisciplinary in nature focusing on evaluative research. Individual subscription is $126.00 per year.
 
Autism Asperger Publishing Company (AAPC)
15490 Quivira Road
P.O. Box 23173
Overland Park, KS  66223
Phone: 913-897-1004 or toll free 877-277-8254
Fax: 913-681-9473
Email: aapc@asperger.net 
http://www.aapcpublishing.net/

AAPC publishes and sells a variety books and materials focused on practical information, advice and solutions when dealing with autism spectrum disorders. Also sponsors conferences nationwide.
    

The Autism File Magazine
U.S.A. Edition Subscription Department
P.O. Box 8536
Big Sandy, TX 75755
Phone: 888-414-7709 toll free
Email: info@autismfile.com
http://www.autismfile.com/

The Autism File is a focused on all aspects of autism spectrum disorders. However, there is a major focus on medically related issues and treatments. Current subscription rate is $24.00 for one year (six issues).

The Autism National Committee (AutCom)
c/o Sandra McClennen, Information and Referral Coordinator
Email: sandra.mcclennen@emich.edu
http://www.autcom.org

AutCom is an advocacy organization with a vision and a commitment to the use positive approaches for the support of individuals on the autism spectrum. Membership is $10 for individuals with autism;
$30 for a regular membership. THE COMMUNICATOR, a publication of AutCom, is available on their website or mailed with a membership. Also sponsor a yearly conference. Mail order bookstore provided through the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability

Autism Network International (ANI)
P.O. Box 35448
Syracuse, NY 13235
http://www.autreat.com/

ANI is a self-help and advocacy group founded and run by people with autism. An online discussion group is available and a yearly autism friendly conference (Autreat) focuses on positive living with autism; not on causes or cures. Included with a $15.00-$20.00 membership is four issues of the Our Voices Newsletter.

Autism Research Institute (ARI)
Autism Research Institute (ARI)
4182 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA  92116
ARI Autism Resource Call Center: 1-866-366-3361
Fax: 619-563-6840
http://www.autism.com/

The Autism Research Institute (ARI) maintains a website and produces and distributes a variety of information packets, videos, audio tapes and FREE online newsletters many related to biomedical treatment of autism spectrum disorders. The Autism Research Institute partners with a variety of national autism organization and sponsors the DAN! Project (Defeat Autism Now!) which sponsors a national conference twice a year held in various locations around the country. The Autistic Global Initiative (AGI) is a more recent program of ARI. It is a committee of adults diagnosed on the autism spectrum from all regions of the United States,

Autism Society 
4340 East-West Hwy, Suite 350
Bethesda, MD 20814-3067
Phone: 1-800-3AUTISM (1-800-328-8476) or 301-657-0881
Email: info@autism-society.org
http://www.autism-society.org

Membership to the Autism Society is currently $30.00 for individuals and $40.00 for families. ASA is a national organization that engages in legislative and advocacy efforts, provides extensive information about autism spectrum disorders, provides an online newsletter and holds a national conference each July. ASA has a national network of state and local chapters that provide grassroots support.


The Autism Spectrum Quarterly
c/o Starfish Specialty Press, LLC
P.O. Box 799
Higganum, CT  06441-0799
Phone: 1-877-STARFISH (1-877-782-7347) Ext. 3
Fax: 860-345-4471
Email: info@ASQuarterly.com
http://www.asquarterly.com/

An annual subscription is $34.95 for individuals in the US. Starfish Press also produces, publishes, and sells a small selection of unique books, DVD’s and other products related to autism spectrum disorders.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
P.O. Box 66122
Washington, DC 20035
Phone: 202-596-1056
Email: info@autisticadvocacy.org
http://autisticadvocacy.org

ASAN provides support and services to individuals on the autism spectrum while working to educate communities and improve public perceptions of autism. Activities include public policy advocacy and community engagement to encourage inclusion and respect for individuals on the spectrum. ASAN provides information about autism to the public through a number of different educational, outreach, and systems change related projects.

Association for Science in Autism Treatment
P.O. Box 188
Crosswicks, NJ 08515-0188
Email: info@asatonline.org
http://www.asatonline.org
ASAT is a not-for-profit organization of parents and professionals committed to improving the education, treatment and care of people with autism spectrum disorders. ASAT’s mission is to educate parents, professionals and consumers by disseminating accurate, scientifically sound information about autism and treatments and by combating inaccurate or unsubstantiated information. Publishes Science in Autism Treatment, a FREE quarterly e-newsletter that includes synopses of research, book reviews, interviews and more.


Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities
Hammill Institute on Disabilities
8700 Shoal Creek Boulevard
Austin, TX  78757-6897
Phone: 512-451-3521
Fax: 512-451-3278
Email: info@hammill-institute.org
http://www.hammill-institute.org/journals/FOCUS.html

This journal highlights articles and research that focus on practical strategies for teaching and working with individuals to improve a wide variety of skill deficits experienced by individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Individual subscription rate is $63.00 for a quarterly journal.

Future Horizons, Inc.
Future Horizons
721 W. Abram Street
Arlington, TX  76013
Phone: 1-800-489-0727
Fax: 817-277-2270
Email: info@fhautism.com
http://www.fhautism.com

Publisher that sells extensive variety of materials on autism spectrum disorders as well as offering conferences throughout the country and an online newsletter. Also publishes The Autism/Asperger’s Digest magazine.  Subscription rate for the magazine is $49.95 for one year or $79.95 for two years within the USA.

Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partners (GRASP)
666 Broadway, Suite 825
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 888-47-GRASP (888-474-7277) toll free
http://www.grasp.org

GRASP helps educate the public and raise awareness by delivering presentations and workshops developed and run by adults and teens on the autism spectrum. GRASP also maintains a website with a library of free online resources.  Through a network of regional peer-run support groups and online discussion groups, GRASP helps adults and teens across the country. GRASP also offers support to family members and clinicians, through an online discussion group.

The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding
100 Pine Street, Suite 121
Zeeland, MI  49464
Phone: 616-748-6030
Fax: 616-748-6029
 Email: info@thegraycenter.org  
 http://www.thegraycenter.org/
     
The Center develops and disseminates social understanding information. A variety of books and other materials written by various authors many which are focused on teaching social understanding to individuals with autism spectrum disorders is also promoted. There is an online bookstore accessible for all and a library at the Center for local access to materials. Coaching, consulting, presentations and support groups are also available at the local level.

Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Inc.
400 Market Street, Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (toll free ordering): 866-416-1078
Phone: (main office): 215-922-1161
Fax: 215-922-1474
Email: orders@jkp.com 
http://jkp.com/ 

Jessica Kingsley Publishers (JKP) is recognized as one of the leading publishers on autism and Asperger syndrome.  JKP publishes in a range of areas including social work, education and arts therapies.  Books are for parents, professionals, academics and the general reader. 

OASIS@MAAP Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 524
Crown Point, IN  46308
Phone: 219-662-1311
Fax: 219-662-0638
Email: info@aspergersyndrome.org
http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/

OASIS@MAAP Services, Inc. provides information by responding to phone calls and emails and developing and selling some of their own publications as well as providing an extensive listing of articles, resources and information on their website. Presentations and consultations available as staff time allows. Online newsletters published quarterly: one for families/professionals and one for children.

Social Thinking
Social Thinking - Main Office (Workshops, Books, Etc.)
3031 Tisch Way, Suite 800
San Jose, CA 95128
Phone: 408-557-8595 or Toll Free: 877-464-9278
Fax: 408-557-8594 (use for workshop purchase orders!)
Email: information@socialthinking.com
http://www.socialthinking.com/

Social Thinking provides a variety of services. Conferences focused on various challenges of persons with autism spectrum disorders and similar social learning difficulties are offered at locations around the country. Clinical services are offered at two northern California clinics which also serve as teaching clinics for professionals. Books and other products on social thinking are sold through their publishing company; Think Social Publishing.

Selected Organizations Founded to Support Autism Research

Autism Science Foundation
28 West 39th Street, Suite 502
2nd floor
New York, NY 10018
Phone: 212-391-3913
Fax: 212-391-3954
Email: contactus@autismsciencefoundation.org    
http://www.autismsciencefoundation.org/ 

The Autism Science Foundation's mission is to support autism research by providing funding and other assistance to scientists and organizations conducting, facilitating, publicizing and disseminating autism research. The organization also provides information about autism to the general public via a free e-newsletter that provides monthly highlights of the latest in autism science, updates from the ASF team, events, and much more!

Autism Speaks
1 East 33rd Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY  10016
Phone: 212-252-8584
Call the Autism response Team toll free: 888-288-4762
Or En Español 888-772-9050
Fax: 212-252-8676
Email: familyservices@autismspeaks.org 
http://www.autismspeaks.org/

Autism Speaks is committed to working cooperatively with other autism groups and federal agencies (e.g., National Institute on Neurological Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control) in discovering the cause(s) of autism spectrum disorders. Raises funds and provides grants to support biomedical research and applied research for autism spectrum disorders. Also has MANY resources and information available for families on their website.

M.I.N.D. Institute (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
University of California Davis Medical Center
2825 50th Street
Sacramento, CA 95817
Phone: 916-703-0280
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/

An interdisciplinary institute established to conduct research and provide clinical programs focused on those with neurodevelopmental disorders. A quarterly publication is available online that includes updates on the Institute’s advances in research, clinical care and education, as well as providing information on upcoming events.

National Autism Association
20 Alice Agnew Drive
Attleboro Falls, MA 02763
Phone: Toll free 877-622-2884
Fax: 774-643-6331
http://www.nationalautismassociation.org

NAA is a parent-led non-profit organization that focuses its attention on funding impactful research studies aimed at real progress for children.  NAA seeks to strengthen families affected by autism by providing its members and community with the latest information pertaining to research, legislation, safety, and therapy and treatment trends.  NAA’s website offers various brochures that focus on family supports, treatments, and safety issues. There are also local chapters in about a dozen states across the country and projects that help support families in various ways.

National Autism Center
41 Pacella Park Drive
Randolph, Massachusetts 02368
Phone: Toll free 877-313-3833
Fax: 781- 440-0401
Email: info@nationalautismcenter.org
http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/

The National Autism Center is May Institute’s center for the promotion of evidence-based practice. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by providing reliable information, promoting best practices, and offering comprehensive resources for families, practitioners, and communities.  An advocate for evidence-based treatment approaches, the National Autism Center identifies effective programming and shares practical information with families about how to respond to the challenges they face.

Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
2000 N. 14th Street, Suite 710
Arlington, VA  22201
Phone: 703-243-9710
Fax: 703-243-9751
Email: OAR@researchautism.org
http://www.researchautism.org

OAR is an organization focused on funding applied research focused on autism spectrum disorders and various issues throughout the lifespan. A website offers extensive information about autism spectrum disorders and current research including “A Parent’s Guide to Research” a resource guide to help parents understand applied research and various research methods. A monthly e-newsletter The Oaracle, offers very useful information for families.

Selected National Resources for Families and
Professionals (Across Disabilities)

Beach Center on Families and Disability
University of Kansas (an Affiliate of the Life Span Institute and Department of Special Education)
Haworth Hall, Room 3136
1200 Sunnyside Avenue
Lawrence, KS 66045-7534
Phone: 785-864-7600
Fax: 785-864-7605
Email:  beachcenter@ku.edu  
http://www.beachcenter.org

The Beach Center works to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. They assist families with identifying resources, by providing training and conducting research. They offer an e-newsletter; Families and Disabilities Newsletter. Check their website for details of their many projects and information for families 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: Toll free Voice 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or TTY1-888-232-6348
Email: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
http://www.cdc.gov/

The CDC is one of the major operating components of the US Department of Health and Human Services. CDC is focused on efforts to prevent and control infectious and chronic diseases, injuries, workplace hazards, disabilities, and environmental health threats. Use search function on their web site to find an abundance of information and resources on specific disabilities including autism spectrum disorders. Much FREE information for download and/or order many free materials in bulk.

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
2900 Crystal Drive, Suite 1000
Arlington, VA 22202-3557
Phone: 703-620-3660 or toll-free: 866-509-0218; toll free TTY: 866-915-5000
 Fax: 703-264-9494
 E-mail: service@cec.sped.org
http://www.cec.sped.org 

The CEC is a large international professional organization dedicated to the educational success of students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. This organization provides professional development opportunities and resources. They publish a journal, e-newsletter with information on new research, evidence based practices, legislation and policies and advocacy for exceptional students. The e-newsletter is FREE for anyone who is interested. CEC also supports state chapters and holds conferences and conventions for teachers, administrators, college students, parents, paraprofessionals and related support personnel. They also have 17 divisions, including the Division on Autism and developmental Disabilities (DADD) for specialized information.


Developmental Delay Resources (DDR)
121 S. Winebiddle St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Phone: 412-450-0373 or 1-800-497-0944 toll free
Fax: 412-422-1374
Email: devdelay@mindspring.com
http://www.devdelay.org

DDR sponsors workshops and presentations, keeps archives of past quarterly newsletters and radio shows and interviews on Autism One Radio. Now has a blog that can be accessed on their website. DDR also keeps a list of recommended books and small bookstore focused on treatments related to nutrition, immune functioning and environmental causes of developmental delays and particularly autism.

Disability Scoop, LLC
611 North 3rd Street
Memphis, TN 38107
Mail: info@disabilityscoop.com
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/

This organization offers a national e-newsletter, disabilityscoop. This is a timely and comprehensive publication that is focused on issues of importance to families and professionals interested in developmental disabilities. More than one issue that is released each week. Very easy to access a wealth of past articles off their website. Many articles available focus on autism spectrum disorders.

Exceptional Parent Magazine
EP Global Communications, Inc.
416 Main Street
Johnstown, PA 15901
Phone: 814-361-3860 or 1-800-372-7368 toll free
Fax: 814-361-3861
http://www.eparent.com 

This publication includes 12 issues and a free annual resource guide. The Resource Guide can be purchased separately. It is a valuable publication which lists national organizations, associations and products and services as well as certain state by state listings. Cost for a one year digital subscription is $19.95. They also offer an e-newsletter and interactive CME accredited online seminars and teleconferences on a wide range of disability topics:  http://www.epliveonline.com/).

HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transition Center:
   The National Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities
George Washington University
HEATH Resource Center
2134 G Street NW
Washington, DC 20052-0001
Phone: 202-973-0904 (V/TTY)
Fax: 202-994-3365
Email: askheath@gwu.edu  
http://www.heath.gwu.edu

HEATH responds annually to thousands of e- mails by providing information on educational supports and post-secondary schools including college, university and vocational schools. Information is also available on adult education programs and other training programs after high school for individuals with disabilities. A quarterly e-newsletter is available. HEATH also participates in national conferences, training sessions, and workshops; develops training modules; publishes resource papers, fact sheets, directories, and provides an abundance of information on its website.




Inclusion Press Inclusion Network and the Marsha Forest Centre
47 Indiana Trail
Toronto, ON M6R 1Z8 Canada
Phone: 416-658-5363
Fax: 416-658-5067
Email: inclusionpress@inclusion.com
http://www.inclusion.com

Small independent publisher/mail order agency, that provides excellent resources on diversity, inclusion, and change. The publishers also offer workshops around the world on inclusion, person centered planning and related topics. Contact them for a free copy of the yearly publication, Inclusion News.

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
1825 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20009
Email: nichcy@fhi360.org
Phone: 202-884-8200 or toll free and TTY:  800-695-0285
Fax: 202-884-8441
http://www.nichcy.org
Website in Spanish: http://nichcy.org/espanol

This is an information and referral center that provides a wealth of information on disabilities free of charge. NICHCY is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Information is also available in Spanish. NICHCY serves the nation as a source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth. It also provides easy-to-read information on IDEA. NICHCY’s website also has State Resource Sheets that help consumers connect with the disability agencies and organizations in their state.  The website also allows consumers to read and freely share many articles and publications, sign up for NICHCY’s newsletter, and encourages individuals to write or call them for more personalized assistance.

(Eunice Kennedy Shriver) National Institute of Child Health and
   Human Development (NICHD) at the National Institutes of Health
31 Center Drive, Bldg. 31, Room 2A32, MSC 2425
Bethesda, MD 20892-2425
Phone: Voice toll free 800-370-2943 or TTY toll free 888-320-6942
Fax: 866-760-5947
Email: NICHDInformationResourceCenter@mail.nih.gov
http://www.nichd.nih.gov

NICHD conducts and supports research on all stages of human development, from preconception to adulthood, to better understand the health of children, adults, families, and communities. NICHD offers two listservs, NICHDNews and NICHDevelopments, which provide the latest announcements about NICHD including news releases, media events, outreach, education campaigns, spotlights, selected funding opportunities, upcoming scientific meetings and conferences.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) at the National Institutes of Health
Mailing address:
6001 Executive Blvd. Rm. 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
Tel: 301-443-4513 or Voice toll free: 866-415-8051 (TTY) 301-443-8431 or TTY toll free:  866-615-6464
Fax: 301-443-4279
Email:  nimhinfo@nih.gov
http://www.nimh.nih.gov


The mission of NIMH is to further the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, which will result in prevention, recovery, and cure.   NIMH’s website provides many educational resources including interactive activities and modules designed for children and adults.  They also offer hundreds of publications and have them organized by cost and/or subject.  Consumers can also sign up for the NIMH Newsletter for the latest mental health news, research advances, upcoming events, publications, clinical trials, meeting summaries, and more.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Information Clearinghouse
   at the National Institutes of Health
31 Center Drive, MSC 2320
Bethesda, MD 20892-2320
Phone: 301-496-7243 or toll free: Voice 800-241-1044 and TTD/TTY 800-241-1055
Email: nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) is one of the Institutes that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH is the Federal government's focal point for the support of biomedical research. NIH's mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone.  NIDCD also offers three free newsletters: NIDCD news updates (1-2 per month), Inside Newsletter (quarterly), and Noisy Planet: information about protecting children’s hearing (1-2 per month).  The website offers extensive information on research and events across the nation.

Learning Disabilities Association of America
4156 Library Road
Pittsburgh, PA  15234-1349
Phone: 412-341-1515
Fax: 412-344-0224
Email: info@ldaamerica.org
http://www.ldanatl.org

LDA is a large non-profit volunteer organization for individuals, families and professionals who advocate for individuals with learning disabilities and has over 200 state and local affiliates in 42 states and Puerto Rico. The state and local affiliates are supported through their affiliation with the national LDA. LDA focuses on the broad spectrum of learning disabilities and on disabilities that overlap with learning disabilities. Also offers a very comprehensive website with current resource information listings by state.


PACER Center, Inc.
8161 Normandale Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN  55437
Phone: 952-838-9000 or TTY: 952-838-0190
Toll-free: Nationally: 888-248-0822 or in MN only: 800-537-2237
Fax: 952-838-0199
Email: http://www.pacer.org/forms/
http://www.pacer.org

A Minnesota and national parent center for families of children with disabilities. They provide workshops, webinars and a wide variety of newsletters, publications and materials, which are free or sold at cost. PACER's site offers many PDF files for FREE download. Some materials are also translated into Hmoob/Hmong, Español/Spanish and Soomaaliga/Somali.

Special Ed Advocate Newsletter
Pete and Pam Wright
P.O. Box 1008
Deltaville, VA  23043
Email: webmaster@wrightslaw.com  
http://www.wrightslaw.com

The Wrights are legal advocates who provide workshops and materials to educate family members on how to become effective and positive advocates of behalf of their child with a disability. The FREE newsletter is sent electronically after subscribing online. Web site also offers MUCH information and resources about education related issues.