Resources to Make Sense of Autism
Links to organizations that help families deal with autism.
July 10, 2008 — -- A new study by researchers at the Children's Hospital in Boston has located five new genes implicated in autism that may provide families new hope for future treatment.
According to the CDC, as many as 1 in every 150 children in the United States has autism or a related disorder.
The following links can provide resources to parents and families who are living with autism:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institute of Health, has an informative fact sheet, which outlines the common signs, inheritance factors, treatment and ongoing research on autism.
Autism Society of America offers a community of local chapters in nearly every state that provide a hotline for support, local companionship and resources for managing the disease.
Association for Science in Autism Treatment supports all scientifically sound research on the prevention, treatments and cure for autism. It offers information on how to select treatment and distinguish between confusing treatment options in "Making Sense of Autism Treatment: Weighing the Evidence."
Autism Research Institute is a nonprofit organization which conducts research specifically on the triggers of autism, as well as ways to diagnose and treat the disease.
MAAP Services for Autism, Asperger's and PDD is a nonprofit organization that provides information and advice to families with autism, Asperger syndrome, and its newsletter to stay up to date.
Autism Cares provides "Family Support Awards" for individuals and families dealing with autism in times of hardship or crisis. Families can apply online to receive this grant to cover the costs of housing, medical care, daycare and more if they are facing a catastrophic life event.
The Autism National Committee is an advocacy organization that champions social justice for all citizens with autism.
Autism Speaks is an advocacy organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
The organization also hosts "Walk Now for Autism," which is North America's largest grassroots autism walk program and awareness event. To get involved and find a walk in your area, click here.