Autism Resources
The institute is devoted to conducting and disseminating research information related to autism and other childhood disorders. ARI publishes an excellent quarterly publication, The Autism Research Review International” presenting current developments in biomedical and educational research. I appreciate reading it, to help keep up with current developments.
This website provides resources to learn about autism, parent support and advocacy, and to learn what is happening in autism research.
An amazing website ran by a parent of a child with autism. It has over 2700 links related to the many facets of autism, look in the “favorite links” section. The site is especially strong in information about PECS and communication.
Social Stories are a social learning tool that supports the safe and meaningful exchange of information between parents, professionals, and people with autism of all ages. The people who develop Social Stories are referred to as Authors, and they work on behalf of a child, adolescent, or adult with autism, the Audience.
A site written by a mother of children on the autism spectrum. Dana shares that she also qualifies as having AS. This site contains a large amount of information and links.
I Need Help ® Communication Bracelets
I need help.® Communication Bracelets are used across the world in learning environments by students and staff and also the health industry by Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language clinics, hospitals, medical patients, group, nursing, assistive living homes and families. Bracelets are also used by deaf citizens, people who travel, assistive technology companies.
Links to autism research and information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health
“Success Stories are customizable stories on social, safety, and daily living skills for children with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD, Fragile X Syndrome, Rett’s Syndrome, and other developmental disabilities. Safety and social skills are presented in engaging stories that focus on positive ways to manage feelings, act safely, and use social skills in a variety of situations. Individual social and safety concerns are further addressed by customizing the stories for the child. Customize the child’s appearance based on gender, hair style and color, eye color, skin tone, glasses, and method of communication. Alter the text to personalize the story’s content. Additional ideas for academic and language skill development are included with each book.”
“The PLAY Project is a unique, multifaceted, community-based autism training and early intervention center in Michigan with a mission to help parents and professionals learn effective, low cost and efficient ways to provide intensive (15-25 hours per week) intervention programming for young children with autism.” Therapy is based on the DIR model focusing on play, communication and sensory integration. They also provide training and materials. One of the items that is available on this site, is a training CD-ROM that has received high marks from several of the parents on the Floortime Yahoo Group.
Articles
Banishing the Babysitting Blues
Eye Contact Triggers Threat Signals in Autistic Children’s Brains
This is why people need to be inviting and make it fun for children with autism to make visual contact. Visual contact can’t be forced or it will increase these children’s stress level.
How Do You Know When Your Child with ASD is Being Bullied?
How to Create the Ultimate Playroom for a Child with Autism
How to Explain Autism to Typical Kids (and Lots of Others While You’re At It)
How to Help Your Child with Autism Cope During and After a Move
How to Help Your Child with Autism Overcome Picky Eating
“Despite its many benefits, exercise is often overlooked by parents due to their own inactive lifestyle or being too busy. But when physical exercise is cheap, safe, and healthy, it should be one of the first interventions for a child on the autism spectrum. Motivating your child may be difficult at first, and you may need to shape the exercise around an interest they have. Once it forms part of the child’s routine, motivation is usually no longer a problem.”
Sensory Friendly Birthday Party Activities for Children with Autism
Travel Tips for Children with Autism
The Ultimate Guide to Improving Sleep in Autistic Children
“We all know how we can become irritable when we don’t get a good night’s sleep. Now, if your autistic child is continuously having trouble falling and staying asleep, think about how that affects their behavior every single day!”
Ways to Help Your Child with Autism Fit in Socially
7 Rockin’ Sensory Play Activities for Kids on the Spectrum
20 Tips for Keeping Your Child with Special Needs Safe in Your Home