Table of Contents Introduction Understanding Autism What is autism? Autism Symptoms & Diagnosis Child Autism Causes Are there accompanying disorders? Finding Help and Hope Is there reason for hope? Can social skills and behavior be improved? What medications are available? What are the educational options? Can child autism be outgrown? Can adults with autism live independent lives? Do families learn to cope? What hope does research offer? What are sources of information and support? Keeping on Top of Your Condition Resources

Resources

The following resources provide a good starting point for gaining insight, practical information, and support. Further information on autism can be found at libraries, book stores, and local chapters of the Autism Society of America.

Books for parents

Baron-Cohen, S., and Bolton, B. Autism: The Facts. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993.

Harris, S., and Handelman, J. eds. Preschool Programs for Children with Autism. Austin, TX: PRO-ED, 1993.

Hart, C. A Parent's Guide to Autism, New York: Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books, 1993.

Lovaas, O. Teaching Developmentally Disabled Children: The ME Book. Austin, TX: PRO-ED, 1981.

May, J. Circles of Care and Understanding: Support Groups for Fathers of Children with Special Needs. Bethesda, MD: Association for the Care of Children's Health, 1993.

Powers, M. Children with Autism: A Parents' Guide. Rockville, MD: Woodbine House, 1989.

Sacks, O. An Anthropologist on Mars. New York: Knopf, 1995.

Advocacy Manual: A Parent's How-to Guide for Special Education Services. Pittsburgh: Learning Disabilities Association of America, 1992.

Directory for Exceptional Children: A Listing of Educational and Training Facilities. Boston: Porter Sargent Publications, 1994.

Pocket Guide to Federal Help for Individuals with Disabilities. Pueblo, CO: U. S. Government Printing Office, Consumer Information Center.

Books for children

Amenta, C. Russell is Extra Special. New York: Magination Press, 1992.

Gold, P. Please Don't Say Hello. New York: Human Sciences Press/Plenum Publications, 1986.

Katz, I., and Ritvo, E. Joey and Sam. Northridge, CA: Real Life Storybooks, 1993.

Books for teachers and other interested professionals

Aarons, M., and Gittens, T. The Handbook of Autism. A Guide for Parents and Professionals. New York: Tavistock/Routledge, 1992.

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association, 1994.

Groden, G., and Baron, M., eds. Autism: Strategies for Change. New York: Gardner Press, 1988.

Simmons, J. The Hidden Child. Rockville, MD: Woodbine House, 1987.

Simpson, R., and Zionts, P. Autism : Information and Resources for Parents, Families, and Professionals. Austin, TX: PRO-ED, 1992.

Smith, M. Autism and Life in the Community: Successful Interventions for Behavioral Challenges. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., 1990.

Smith, M., Belcher, R., and Juhrs, P. A Guide to Successful Employment for Individuals with Autism. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., 1995.

Autobiographies of people dealing with autism

Barron, J., and Barron, S. There's a Boy in Here, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1992.

Grandin, T. Thinking In Pictures and Other Reports From My Life with Autism. New York: Doubleday, 1995.

Grandin, T. Emergence: Labeled Autistic. Novato, CA: Arena Press, 1986.

Hart, C. Without Reason: A Family Copes with Two Generations of Autism. New York: Harper & Row, 1989.

Maurice, C. Let Me Hear Your Voice.: A Family's Triumph over Autism. New York: Knopf, 1993.

Miedzianik, D. I Hope Some Lass Will Want Me After Reading All This. Nottingham England: Nottingham University, 1986.

Park, C. The Siege. New York: Harcourt, Brace, World, 1967.

Williams, D. Somebody Somewhere. New York: Times Books, 1994.

Agencies and associations

American Association of University Affiliated Programs for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (AAUAP)
8630 Fenton Street
Suite 410
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 588-8252

Prepares professionals for careers in the field of developmental disabilities. Also provides technical assistance and training, and disseminates information to service providers to support the independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into the community of persons with developmental disabilities and their families.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
10801 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
(800) 638-8255

Provides information on speech, language, and hearing disorders, as well as referrals to certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

The Association of Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH)
29 West Susquehanna Avenue
Suite 210
Baltimore, MD 21204
(410) 828-8274

An advocacy group that works toward school and community inclusion of children and adults with disabilities. Provides information and referrals to services. Publishes a newsletter and journal.

The Autism National Committee
635 Ardmore Avenue
Ardmore, PA 19003
(610)649-9139

Publishes "The Communicator," provides referrals, and sponsors an annual conference.

Autism Research Institute
4182 Adams Ave.
San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 281-7165

Publishes the quarterly journal, Autism Research Review International. Provides up to date information on current research.

Autism Society of America, Inc.
7910 Woodmont Avenue
Suite 650
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 657-0881 or (800)-3-AUTISM

Provides a wide range of services and information to families and educators. Organizes a national conference. Publishes The Advocate, with articles by parents and autism experts. Local chapters make referrals to regional programs and services, and sponsor parent support groups. Offers information on educating children with autism, including a bibliography of instructional materials for and about children with special needs.

The Beach Center on Families and Disability
3111 Haworth Hall
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KA 66045
(913) 864-7600

Provides professional and emotional support, as well as education and training materials to families with members who have disabilities. Collaborates with professionals and policy makers to influence national policy toward people with developmental disabilities.

Council for Exceptional Children
11920 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1589
(703) 620-3660 or (800) 641-7824

Provides publications for educators. Can also provide referral to ERIC Clearinghouse for Handicapped and Gifted Children.

Cure Autism Now (CAN)
5225 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 503
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(213) 549-0500

Serves as an information exchange for families affected by autism. Founded by parents dedicated to finding effective biological treatments for autism. Sponsors talks, conferences, and research.

Department of Education
Office of Special Education Programs
330 C Street, SW
Mail Stop 2651
Washington, DC 20202
(202) 205-9058, (202) 205-8824

Federal agency providing information on educational rights under the law, as well as referrals to the Parent Training Information Center and Protection and Advocacy Agency in each state.

Division TEACCH
Campus Box 7180
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7180
(919) 966-2173

Publishes the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Also offers workshops for parents and professionals.

Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health
1101 King St., Suite 420
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 684-7710
Fax: (703) 836-1040
Email: ffcmh@ffcmh.org
Internet: http://www.ffcmh.org

Provides information, support, and referrals through local chapters throughout the country. This national parent-run organization focuses on the needs of families of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders.

Indiana Resource Center on Autism
Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities
Indiana University
2853 East Tenth Street
Bloomington, IN 47408-2601
(812) 855-6508

Offers publications, films and videocassettes on a range oftopics related to autism.

National Alliance for Autism Research
414 Wall Street, Research Park
Princeton, NJ 08540
(888)-777-NAAR; (609) 430-9160

Dedicated to advancing biomedical research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of the autism spectrum disorders. Sponsors research and conferences.

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY)
P.O. Box 1492
Washington, DC 20013-1492
(800) 695-0285

Publishes information for the public and professionals in helping youth become participating members of the home and the community.

University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)
Department of Psychology
1282-A Franz Hall
P.O. Box 951563
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563
(310) 825-2319