Web links: Autism spectrum info

The dramatic rise in autism cases is a mystery-is there a cause? Is it preventable? Regardless, we know more about it and other developmental disorders than ever before. Children who previously would be considered slow, shy, antisocial, or even mentally retarded are now understood as having difficulty with transitions and emphasizing in the way most other people do. Contemporary Pediatrics' podcast on autism focuses on how pediatricians can help diagnose and treat patients who have autistic-spectrum disorders, and how to communicate to their parents. Access this feature at http://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/

Asperger's Disorder Homepage: http://www.aspergers.com/
Run by U. Mass. Assistant Professor of Psychiatry R. Kaan Ozbayrak, MD.

Autism Asperger Publishing Company: http://www.asperger.net/
An independent publisher specializing in books for all ages and education levels on autism research.

AutismInfo: http://www.autisminfo.com/
Links site run by the parent of an autistic child.

Autism Education Foundation: http://www.autismlessons.org/
A group disseminating teaching materials to those who deal with autistic children.

The Autism Research Institute: http://www.autism.org/
Founded in 1967, the ARI conducts and disseminates research on autism's triggers, diagnosis, and treatment.

The Autism Society Of America: http://www.autism-society.org/
The ASA is the oldest and largest grassroots autism group in the US.

Autism Speaks: http://www.autismspeaks.org/
A group which, when it merged with the National Alliance for Autism Research ( http://www.naar.org/), created the world's largest autism advocacy organization.

Autism Today: http://www.autismtoday.com/
A comprehensive online directory.

CDC's Autism Information Center: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cure Autism Now: http://www.cureautismnow.org/
A foundation started in 1995 to increase the pace of research of autism.

Do 2 Learn: http://www.do2learn.com/
Learning products for children with developmental delays.

Easter Seals' Autism Services: http://www.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=reus_autism_service
Lists of resources broken up by age, for young children, school-aged kids, and adults.

IAN Project: http://www.ianproject.org/
The Interactive Autism Network hosts an online research effort to join researchers and families of those with autistic-spectrum disorders.

Kyle's Treehouse: http://www.kylestreehouse.org/
A 501(c) 3 organization that provides information on autism research, treatments, and support groups.

National Autism Association: http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/
An advocacy group that promotes the link between vaccines and autism.

Naturally Autistic: http://www.naturallyautistic.com/
Offers workshops and seminars on how to be high-functioning and proud of your autism.

NIMH's Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders): http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm
Information from the National Institute of Mental Health.

NINDS' Autism Fact Sheet: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders /autism/detail_autism.htm
From the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

OASIS@MAAP Services: http://www.maapservices.org/
Resources for Asperger syndrome, autism, and pervasive developmental disorder/not otherwise specified.

Princeton Autism Technologies: http://www.caringtechnologies.com/pat/index.shtml
A nonprofit group researching ways to teach and care via broadband connections.

TACA: http://www.tacanow.com/
Talking About Curing Autism offers autism resources for the California region.

Wrong Planet: http://www.wrongplanet.net/
An online community for those with autism and Asperger's.