Comprehensive Autism Resources: Fact Sheets, Support Groups, and Services

Access a treasure trove of autism resources to empower yourself with knowledge, support, and community connections for navigating the autism spectrum.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals throughout their lives. Understanding and accessing support options, services, and resources is crucial for patients, family members, and caregivers navigating the challenges associated with autism. Comprehensive support can significantly improve the quality of life for those with ASD, enhancing their social skills, communication abilities, and overall well-being. By learning about available resources, families and caregivers can better advocate for their loved ones, ensure appropriate educational accommodations, and access specialized therapies. This knowledge empowers individuals with autism and their support networks to make informed decisions and create a more inclusive and supportive environment.


Autism Fact Sheets: Key Information About the Disease

Autism Spectrum Disorder Fact Sheet: Comprehensive overview of ASD from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): MedlinePlus fact sheet providing basic information, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for ASD.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Fact Sheet: PDF document from Tulane School of Medicine offering key facts about ASD, including signs and symptoms.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) fact sheet with essential information about ASD, including prevalence and risk factors.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) fact sheet providing an overview of ASD, including signs, symptoms, and treatment options.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) fact sheet offering information on ASD research, diagnosis, and interventions.


Advocating for Autism: A List of Patient Advocacy Groups

Autism Society: Provides information, resources, and support to individuals with autism and their families, offering educational programs and advocating for autism-friendly policies.

Autism Speaks: Promotes autism awareness, funds research, and provides resources for families affected by autism, including toolkits and support networks.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Advocates for the rights and inclusion of autistic individuals, focusing on policy advocacy, community education, and leadership development.

National Autism Association: Provides support, education, and resources to families affected by autism, with a focus on safety issues and quality of life improvements.

Autism Research Institute: Conducts and funds research on autism treatments and provides educational resources for families and professionals.

Organization for Autism Research: Funds applied research to address the challenges of autism and provides resources for families, educators, and self-advocates.

The Arc’s Autism Now: Offers information and resources on autism, including education, employment, and community living support.

Asperger/Autism Network (AANE): Provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome and related autism profiles.

Autism Science Foundation: Supports autism research and promotes awareness through various programs and initiatives.


Finding Support: A Directory of Autism Support Groups

Autism Now provides a comprehensive directory of local autism support centers across the United States, allowing users to find resources and services in their specific area.

Global and Regional Autism Spectrum Partnership (GRASP) offers online support groups for autistic adults, providing a platform for connection and shared experiences.

MyAutismTeam is a social network specifically designed for parents of individuals with autism, offering peer support and information sharing.

Friend in Me connects children with disabilities, including autism, to neurotypical student volunteers for online social interactions and games.

The Autism Project provides social skills groups led by professionals for various age groups, from young children to young adults with autism.

Making Authentic Friendships is an app that helps teens with special needs, including autism, find friends based on location, diagnosis, age, and interests.

Ernie Els Center of Excellence offers online social groups for adults with autism, including game nights and mental health support groups.

Sibling Support Project provides online and local social groups for teenage and adult siblings of individuals with autism.

Asperger Syndrome: Partners & Family of Adults with ASD hosts events for neurotypical people with autistic family members, including support for adults with autistic parents.


Connecting with Others: Online Forums and Discussion Boards for Autism Patients

Wrong Planet is a vibrant online community designed for individuals with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental differences to connect and share experiences.

Autism Forums provides a friendly discussion platform for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism, to interact and support each other.

Reddit r/autism is a subreddit dedicated to autism news, information, and support, where users can submit articles and engage in discussions to enhance knowledge and understanding of autism.

Autism Speaks Community offers a space for individuals with autism and their families to connect, share stories, and find support through various topic-specific forums.

AANE Online Discussion Forums hosts moderated Google Group discussion forums for parents of autistic individuals and partners of autistic adults, providing a supportive environment for sharing experiences.

Autism Society’s Online Community connects individuals, families, and professionals affected by autism, offering a platform to share resources, ask questions, and find support.

MyAutismTeam provides a social network and forums specifically for parents of individuals with autism to connect, share experiences, and offer mutual support.

WrongPlanet.net Forums offers a comprehensive discussion platform covering various aspects of life with autism, including education, relationships, and special interests.


Participating in Research: Current Autism Clinical Trials

Marcus Center for Cellular Cures at Duke University offers several clinical trials for autism, including studies on umbilical cord blood infusions and mesenchymal stromal cell treatments for various age groups with autism spectrum disorder.

The BRAIN Foundation provides a list of ongoing autism clinical trials in the United States, including studies on new compounds, light therapy, and biomarker development for improved screening and intervention.

University of California Health conducts various autism clinical trials across its campuses, including studies on biomarkers, social function measures, and interventions for different age groups with autism spectrum disorder.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) offers a comprehensive list of NICHD-sponsored and other autism clinical trials available through ClinicalTrials.gov.

Mayo Clinic Research conducts several autism clinical trials, focusing on interventions for social communication, cognition, mood regulation, and exploring potential risk factors and treatments for autism spectrum disorder.

Autism Speaks Science provides updates on current autism research and clinical trials, offering information on various studies and opportunities for participation in autism research.

Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) funds and conducts autism research, including clinical trials, and provides information on ongoing studies and opportunities for participation.


Managing Costs: Financial Assistance for Autism Patients

Autism Care Today provides quarterly grants to families for autism treatments, therapies, and services not covered by insurance, paying service providers directly on behalf of families in need.

MyGOAL Autism Grant Program offers yearly grants to support families caring for individuals under 18 with autism, covering treatments, enrichment, and educational needs not funded by other sources.

The Orange Effect Foundation empowers children and young adults with autism and other speech disorders by providing grants for communication devices and speech therapy.

National Autism Association’s Give A Voice Program provides communication devices to non-verbal or minimally verbal individuals with autism who are at increased risk of injury or harm due to communication challenges.

Autism Speaks Family Grant Opportunities maintains a list of various grants designed to help parents pay for autism treatment, care, and support services.

The Huckleberry Foundation provides direct financial assistance to families with autistic individuals for anything that will improve their quality of life.

KNOWAutism Foundation offers grants for diagnostic and treatment services to families affected by autism spectrum disorder in the greater Houston area.

The Autism Community in Action (TACA) provides information on various autism-specific scholarships and grants available to families across the United States.

Anchor of Hope Foundation offers financial assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism, to cover therapy, education, equipment, and other direct needs not covered by insurance or Medicaid.


Traditional Treatments: Conventional Medicine for Autism

Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder, offering personalized treatment plans and early intervention services.

Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) offers comprehensive information on evidence-based autism treatments, helping families and professionals make informed decisions about interventions and therapies.

Autism Care Network connects families, researchers, and healthcare teams to improve autism care, advancing research and clinical knowledge to enable more personalized treatment approaches.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) provides information on various autism treatments, including behavioral management therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and medication treatments.

Autism Treatment Center offers The Son-Rise Program, providing autism therapy and education designed to help families enable their children to improve in learning, development, communication, and skill acquisition.

Center for Social Dynamics delivers comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, and culturally sensitive therapy services for individuals and families diagnosed with autism, including ABA therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

University of California Health Autism Clinical Trials conducts various autism clinical trials across its campuses, focusing on interventions for different age groups and exploring potential treatments for autism spectrum disorder.


Exploring Alternatives: Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Autism

Autism Research Institute provides information on various complementary and alternative treatments for autism, including dietary interventions, nutritional supplements, and biomedical approaches, while also offering educational resources for families and professionals.

TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) offers guidance on alternative treatments for autism, including special diets, biomedical interventions, and complementary therapies, providing support and education to families exploring these options.

Generation Rescue promotes biomedical interventions for autism, offering information on dietary changes, nutritional supplements, and detoxification therapies, as well as providing grants for families to access these treatments.

Autism Comprehensive Educational Services (ACES) provides biomedical treatment services for individuals with autism, integrating nutritional and medical interventions with behavioral therapies to address underlying health issues.

The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development offers a range of complementary treatments for autism, including nutritional counseling, biomedical interventions, and integrative medicine approaches, alongside traditional therapies.

Integrative Developmental Pediatrics provides holistic care for children with autism, offering biomedical treatments, nutritional counseling, and complementary therapies in conjunction with conventional medical approaches.

Autism Treatment Center of America offers The Son-Rise Program, an alternative treatment approach focusing on child-centered play therapy and parent-led interventions to improve social interaction and communication in children with autism.


Supporting Loved Ones: Resources for Autism Families and Caregivers

VCU Autism Center for Excellence offers a comprehensive collection of resources for families, including fact sheets, guides, and links to support organizations, helping families navigate the challenges of raising a child with autism.

Children’s National Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders provides a Family Resources Notebook, handouts, and a list of helpful websites to support parents and caregivers in understanding and advocating for their child with autism.

The Autism Project offers Family Support Specialists who provide system navigation, education, coaching, and emotional support to parents and caregivers of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Autism Society’s Living with Autism section provides resources and information on various aspects of life with autism, including education, employment, and community living, to help families and caregivers support their loved ones.

Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Resources offers free guidebooks, webinars, and educational materials designed to help families and caregivers understand and support individuals with autism throughout their lifespan.

Autism Speaks Family Services provides a range of resources, including the Autism Response Team, tool kits, and an extensive resource guide to help families navigate autism-related challenges and access support services.

National Autism Association Family Support offers various programs and resources, including safety tools, crisis support, and educational materials to assist families in caring for individuals with autism.


Navigating Autism in School: Resources for Students

Autism Speaks U supports students, faculty, and alumni in their autism awareness and fundraising efforts on college campuses, offering leadership opportunities and connecting students with the local autism community.

NYU Connections Program for Global Students with Autism provides free support for autistic NYU students through peer-led activities, one-on-one meetings, and group sessions to promote student success and build a culture of acceptance.

Student Neurodiversity Alliance at Cornell promotes inclusion, spreads understanding of neurodiversity across campus, and advocates for policies to improve the experiences of neurodivergent people at Cornell University.

Autism Acceptance Club at St. Joseph’s University creates a safe and inclusive space for students on the autism spectrum and educates the college community on supporting and accepting the autism community.

Access Johnson at Cornell University is a business club for self-identified neurodiverse and disabled MBA students and their advocates, providing support and networking opportunities in the business school environment.


Raising a Child with Autism: Guidance and Support

Autism Parenting Magazine provides a wealth of information, expert advice, and practical strategies for parents raising children with autism spectrum disorders through their monthly digital publication and online resources.

MyAutismTeam offers a social network specifically for parents of children with autism, allowing them to connect, share experiences, and find support from others facing similar challenges.

Autism Parent Support Network provides online support groups, educational resources, and a community forum for parents of children with autism to connect and share information.

Autism Dad is a blog and resource site created by a father raising three autistic children, offering personal insights, practical advice, and support for other parents navigating similar experiences.

Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) Parent Support offers various programs, support groups, and resources specifically designed for parents of children with Asperger’s Syndrome and related autism profiles.

Autism Moms Support Group provides a supportive online community for mothers of children with autism, offering resources, advice, and a platform to connect with other moms facing similar challenges.

Autism Dads is an organization dedicated to supporting fathers of children with autism through online resources, community forums, and local meetups, addressing the unique challenges faced by dads in the autism community.


Caregiving for Elderly Autism Patients: Tips and Strategies

Autism Aging Resource Center provides resources, education, and support for aging adults with autism and their caregivers, offering webinars, articles, and a helpline to address the unique challenges of autism in later life.

The Autism Society’s Aging with Autism Initiative focuses on the needs of older adults with autism, offering resources, advocacy, and support for individuals and caregivers navigating the challenges of aging with autism.

AARP’s Autism and Aging Resources provides information and guidance for caregivers of older adults with autism, offering tips on healthcare, social support, and daily living assistance.

The Lurie Center for Autism at Massachusetts General Hospital offers specialized care for adults with autism throughout their lifespan, including geriatric services and support for aging-related issues.

The Center for Autism and the Aging at Drexel University conducts research and provides resources on aging with autism, offering insights and strategies for caregivers and healthcare providers.

The National Autism Center’s Aging with Autism Program offers guidance and resources for families and caregivers supporting older adults with autism, including information on healthcare, housing, and quality of life issues.

The Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) provides services and support for adults with autism throughout their lifespan, including programs tailored to the needs of older adults with autism and their caregivers.


Frequently Asked Questions about Autism

What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. It is called a spectrum disorder because the type and severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals.

What causes autism?
The exact causes of autism are not fully understood, but research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. There is no single known cause, and it is likely that multiple genes interact with environmental influences to affect brain development in ways that result in ASD.

How common is autism?
According to recent data, autism affects approximately 1 in 59 children in the United States. It is about four times more common in boys than in girls, although this ratio may be influenced by underdiagnosis in girls.

At what age can autism be diagnosed?
While autism can sometimes be reliably diagnosed as early as 18 months, many children are not diagnosed until they are 2 or 3 years old. Some individuals, particularly those with milder symptoms, may not receive a diagnosis until later in childhood or even adulthood.

Can autism be cured?
There is currently no cure for autism. However, early intervention and appropriate support can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with ASD. Various therapies and educational approaches can help manage symptoms and develop important skills.

Do vaccines cause autism?
No, vaccines do not cause autism. Extensive scientific research has found no link between vaccines and autism. The original study suggesting a connection has been thoroughly discredited and retracted.

Can adults be diagnosed with autism?
Yes, adults can be diagnosed with autism. Some individuals may not have received a diagnosis in childhood due to less awareness of ASD in the past or because their symptoms were less noticeable. Adult diagnosis can provide clarity and access to appropriate support services.

Is autism more common now than in the past?
The reported prevalence of autism has increased in recent decades. However, this is likely due to broader diagnostic criteria, increased awareness, and improved detection rather than an actual increase in the condition’s occurrence.

How does autism affect daily life?
The impact of autism on daily life varies greatly among individuals. Some people with ASD may need significant support in areas such as communication, social interaction, and self-care, while others may live independently and have successful careers. Many individuals with autism have unique strengths and abilities that can be valuable in various settings.

Can people with autism have relationships and families?
Yes, many people with autism have meaningful relationships, including friendships, romantic partnerships, and families. While social interaction may present challenges, individuals with ASD can and do form deep connections with others. Support and understanding from partners, family members, and friends can be crucial in navigating relationships.


Hope for the Future: Current Research and Potential Cures for Autism

Autism Science Foundation’s Research provides updates on cutting-edge autism research, including information on genetic studies, early detection methods, and potential interventions aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with autism.

Autism Speaks Science News offers the latest updates on autism research, including breakthroughs in understanding autism’s causes, developing new treatments, and improving quality of life for individuals on the spectrum.

Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) funds and conducts autism research, providing information on ongoing studies and potential future treatments, with a focus on understanding the underlying biology of autism.

UC Davis MIND Institute Research showcases ongoing autism research projects, including studies on early interventions, environmental factors, and potential biomarkers for autism, offering hope for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Autism Treatment Network Research conducts collaborative research across multiple sites to develop evidence-based interventions and treatments for autism, with a focus on medical and behavioral issues associated with the condition.

National Institute of Mental Health Autism Research provides information on federally funded autism research, including studies on early brain development, genetic factors, and potential new interventions for autism spectrum disorders.

Marcus Autism Center Research focuses on developing new technologies and interventions for early diagnosis and treatment of autism, with the goal of improving outcomes for children on the autism spectrum.


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