LISTED here are resources of two kinds: those that have been repeatedly mentioned in this book and merit being grouped here for easy access, and those that have not been mentioned but that are good additional resources. Other excellent resources appear throughout the book.
ASD-Specific National Organizations
There are many great nonprofit local and national organizations now active in the United States. Below are listed the ones with major national outreach.
Autism National Committee (AutCom)
autcom.org
AutCom is dedicated to social justice for all citizens with autism through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches, and encourages its individual members and organizational partners toward self-direction and self-empowerment.
Autism One
autismone.org
Autism One is a parent-driven organization that provides education and supports advocacy efforts for children and families touched by autism.
Autism Research Institute (ARI)
autism.com
ARI is a support network providing online and in-person educational events for parents and caretakers and continuing education credit for physicians, teachers, dietitians, and occupational therapists.
Autism Society of America (ASA)
autism-society.org
ASA exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the life span, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research, and advocacy. There are local chapters.
Autism Women’s Network (AWN)
autismwomensnetwork.org
AWN is an online community of autistic girls and women, their families, friends, and supporters, and provides a place where all can share their experiences among a diverse, inclusive, supportive, and positive environment.
Autistic Global Initiative (AGI)
autism.com/index.php/tests
AGI, a project of the Autism Research Institute, is comprised of a committee of adults diagnosed with autism spectrum conditions and exists to foster the development of adults on the autism spectrum and those who work with and for them.
Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN)
autisticadvocacy.org
ASAN is run by and for autistic people, and activities include public policy advocacy, community engagement to encourage inclusion and respect for neurodiversity, quality of life–oriented research, and the development of autistic cultural activities. There are local chapters.
Autism Speaks
autismspeaks.org
Autism Speaks has grown into the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorder; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. There are local chapters.
First Signs
firstsigns.org
First Signs aims to educate parents, healthcare providers, early childhood educators, and other professionals to ensure the best developmental outcome for every child. Goals include improving the screening and referral practices and lowering the age at which young children are identified with developmental delays and disorders.
Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP)
grasp.org
GRASP’s mission is to improve the lives of adults and teens on the autism spectrum through peer supports, education, and advocacy with an emphasis on community outreach and individuals advocating for their own needs. There are local chapters.
National Autism Association (NAA)
nationalautismassociation.org
The mission of the NAA is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential. There are local chapters.
Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
autism.com
OAR uses applied science to answer questions that parents, families, individuals with autism, teachers, and caregivers confront daily. Free downloadable resource guides on numerous autism topics are available.
Profectum
profectum.org
Profectum aims to create a community of caring families, clients, multidisciplinary professionals, and leaders in the field, and is committed to promoting treatment approaches that address the unique needs of the individual at any stage of development from early childhood to adulthood, integrating the best treatment models across disciplines and intervention approaches.
Talk About Curing Autism (TACA)
tacanow.com
TACA is dedicated to educating, empowering, and supporting families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. There are local chapters.
Other Related Nonprofit Organizations—Not Autism Specific
FRED
FREDconference.org
The FRED Conference is a national coalition of special needs professionals and families. Through collaborations, FRED advances adult living options for people with disabilities to live with meaning and purpose, which includes housing, employment, and recreation for current and future generations. FRED is an annual event organized by Golden Heart Ranch (goldenheartranch .org).
National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
ncil.org
NCIL advocates for civil rights and independence for people with disabilities worldwide.
Safe Minds
safeminds.org
Safe Minds exists to eliminate mercury from all medical products, including vaccines, and substantially reduce other environmental exposures to mercury.
Government Agencies
Administration of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD)
acl.gov/Programs/AIDD
Social Security Administration (SSA)
ssa.gov
State Council on Developmental Disabilities
acl.gov/Programs/AIDD/Programs/DDC/index.aspx
State protection and advocacy agencies. Find the one in your state on the Administration of Developmental Disabilities website.
U.S. Department of Education
ed.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
hhs.gov
BOOKS
Although I am a big fan of the Internet, books are often recommended over websites because:
There are many excellent books currently available. Some classics are listed below, as well as some newer ones.
Memoirs by Those on the Autism Spectrum
Asperger Syndrome in the Family: Redefining Normal and Pretending to Be Normal: Living with Asperger’s Syndrome by Liane Holliday Willey
Atypical: Life with Asperger’s in 201/3 Chapters by Jesse A. Saperstein
Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome by Stephen Shore
Elijah’s Cup: A Family’s Journey into the Community and Culture of High-Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome by Valerie Paradiz
Episodes: My Life as I See It by Blaze Ginsberg
Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome by Luke Jackson
Learning the Hidden Curriculum: The Odyssey of One Autistic Adult by Judy Endow
Thinking in Pictures: And Other Reports from My Life with Autism by Temple Grandin
Your Life Is Not a Label by Jerry Newport
Books Written by or Contributed to by Those Who Communicate by Typing
Autism and the Myth of the Person Alone edited by Douglas Bilken
Carly’s Voice: Breaking Through Autism by Arthur Fleischmann and Carly Fleischmann
A Full Life with Autism: From Learning to Forming Relationships to Achieving Independence by Chantal Sicile-Kira and Jeremy Sicile-Kira
How Can I Talk If My Lips Don’t Move? Inside My Autistic Mind and The Mind Tree by Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay
I Am Intelligent: From Heartbreak to Healing—A Mother and Daughter’s Journey Through Healing by Peyton Goddard and Dianne Goddard with Carol Cujec, PhD
Ido in Autismland: Climbing Out of Autism’s Silent Prison by Ido Kedar
The Purple Tree and Other Poems by Sydney Edmond
Reasonable People: A Memoir of Autism and Adoption by Ralph James Savarese and DJ Savarese
Memoirs by Parents
All I Can Handle: I’m No Mother Teresa by Kim Stagliano
Let Me Hear Your Voice: A Family’s Triumph Over Autism by Catherine Maurice
Raising Blaze: A Mother and Son’s Long, Strange Journey into Autism by Debra Ginsberg
The Siege and Exiting Nirvana by Clara Claiborne Park
Strange Son: Two Mothers, Two Sons, and the Quest to Unlock the Hidden World of Autism by Portia Iversen
Parent and Family Support
F.A.M.I.L.Y. Autism Guide: Your Financial Blueprint for Autism by Greg Zibricky, CFP, ChFC, CLU, CASL
Grandparent’s Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders: Making the Most of the Time at Nana’s House by Nancy Mucklow
One on One by Marilyn Chassman
Sharing Information About Your Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Do Respite and Alternated Caregivers Need to Know? by Beverly Vicker, MS
Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child with a Disability by Robert A. Naseef
The Special Needs Planning Guide: How to Prepare for Every Stage in Your Child’s Life by John Nadworny, CFP, and Cynthia Haddad, CFP
Steps to Independence by Bruce Baker and Alan Brightman
A Stranger Among Us: Hiring In-Home Support for a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorders or Other Neurological Differences by Lisa Ackerson Lieberman
Understanding Death and Illness and What They Teach About Life by Catherine Faherty
For Siblings
Everybody Is Different: A Book for Young People Who Have Brothers or Sisters with Autism by Fiona Bleach
Siblings: The Autism Spectrum Through Our Eyes by Jane Johnson
Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families (Topics in Autism) by Sandra L. Harris and Beth A. Glasberg
Sibshops: Workshops for Siblings of Children with Special Needs by Donald J. Meyer and Patricia F. Vadasy
For Children on the Spectrum to Read
All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome by Kathy Hoopman
Asperger’s Huh? A Child’s Perspective by Rosina G. Schnurr and John Strachan
Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes by Jennifer Elder and Marc Thomas
I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism by Elaine Marie Larson and Vivian Strand
The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents) by Elizabeth Verdick and Elizabeth Reeve, MD
What It Is to Be Me! An Asperger Kid Book by Angela Wine
Bullying and Risk Reduction re Abuse
Perfect Targets: Asperger Syndrome and Bullying—Practical Solutions for Surviving the Social World by Rebekah Heinrichs
The Risk Reduction Workbook for Parents and Service Providers: Policies and Practices to Reduce the Risk of Abuse, Including Sexual Violence, Against People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities by Nora J. Baladerian, PhD
The Risk Reduction Workbook for People with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: How to Reduce the Risk of Abuse Including Sexual Abuse by Nora J. Baladerian, PhD
Educational Advocacy
The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism or Other Special Needs by Areva Martin, Esq.
The IEP from A to Z: How to Create Meaningful and Measurable Goals and Objectives by Diane Twachtman-Cullen and Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett
Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide by Peter W.D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright
Explaining Autism to Young Peers, Family, and Friends
Can I Tell You About Asperger Syndrome?: A Guide for Friends and Family by Jude Welton
My Friend Has Autism by Amanda Doering Tourville and Kristin Sorra
My Friend with Autism by Beverly Bishop
Since We’re Friends: An Autism Picture Book by Celeste Shally and David Harrington
What Is Autism?: Understanding Life with Autism or Asperger’s by Chantal Sicile-Kira
Books Specific to Girls and Women on the Spectrum
Asperger’s and Girls by Tony Attwood and Temple Grandin, et al.
Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome by Rudy Simone
Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know About the Preteen and Teenage by Shana Nichols
Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Practical Solutions for Addressing Everyday Challenges by Lori Ernsperger and Danielle Wendel
Parenting Girls on the Autism Spectrum: Overcoming the Challenges and Celebrating the Gifts by Eileen Riley-Hall
Safety Skills for Asperger Women: How to Save a Perfectly Good Female Life by Liane Holliday Willey
Puberty/Sexuality
Asperger’s Syndrome and Sexuality: From Adolescence Through Adulthood by Isabelle Henault
Autism-Asperger’s and Sexuality: Puberty and Beyond by Jerry and Mary Newport
The Boys’ Guide to Growing Up: Choices and Changes During Puberty by Terri Couwenhoven, MS
The Girl’s Guide to Growing Up: Choices and Changes in the Tween Years by Terri Couwenhoven, MS
Intimate Relationships and Sexual Health: A Curriculum for Teaching Adolescents/Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Social Challenges by Catherine Davies and Melissa Dubie
Taking Care of Myself: A Hygiene, Puberty, and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism by Mary Wrobel
Health Related
Advice for Parents of Young Autistic Children (2012) by James B. Adams, PhD, et al.
The Autism Revolution: Whole Body Strategies for Making Life All It Can Be by Martha Herbert, MD, PhD, with Karen Weintraub
Autism Solutions: How to Create a Healthy and Meaningful Life for Your Child—Innovative Strategies for Developing the Right Treatment Plan by Ricki G. Robinson, MD, MPH
The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum by Temple Grandin and Richard Panek
Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet by Elaine Gottschall
Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion by Elizabeth Lipski
Just Take a Bite: Easy, Effective Answers to Food Aversions and Eating Challenges by Lori Ernsperger and Tania Stegen-Hanson
Ketogenic Diets by Eric H. Kossoff, MD, et al.
The Kid-Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook by Pamela Compart, MD, et al.
Nourishing Meals: Healthy Gluten-Free Recipes for the Whole Family by Alissa Segersten and Tom Malterre
Nutritional Supplement Use for Autistic Spectrum Disorder by Jon B. Pangborn, PhD
Special Diets for Special Kids by Lisa Lewis, PhD
“Summary of Dietary, Nutritional, and Medical Treatments for Autism—Based on Over 150 Published Research Studies” by James B. Adams, PhD
Treating Autism: Parent Stories of Hope and Success edited by Stephen M. Edelson, PhD, and Bernard Rimland, PhD
Why Your Child Is Hyperactive by Dr. Ben Feingold
Practical or Educational
Activity Schedules for Children with Autism: Teaching Independent Behavior by Lynn E. McClannahan and Patricia J. Krantz
Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent’s Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs of Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Chantal Sicile-Kira
An Early Start for Your Child with Autism Using Everyday Activities to Help Kids Connect, Communicate, and Learn by Sally J. Rogers, Geraldine Dawson, and Laurie A. Vismara
Apps for Autism: An Essential Guide to Over 200 Effective Apps for Improving Communication, Behavior, Social Skills, and More! by Lois Jean Brady
Asperger’s from the Inside Out: A Supportive and Practical Guide for Anyone with Asperger’s Syndrome by Michael John Carley
Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Tantrums, Rage, and Meltdowns by Brenda Smith Myles and Jack Southwick
Asperger Syndrome and the Elementary School Experience: Practical Solutions for Academic and Social Difficulties by Susan Thompson Moore, MEd
Autism: An Inside-Out Approach by Donna Williams
Autism Life Skills: From Communication and Safety to Self-Esteem and More—10 Essential Abilities Every Child Needs and Deserves to Learn by Chantal Sicile-Kira
The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome by Tony Attwood
Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?: 100 Ways to Improve Inclusive Schools by Kaula Kluth
The Hidden Curriculum: Practical Solutions for Understanding Unstated Rules in Social Situations by Brenda Smith Myles, Melissa L. Trautman, and Ronda L. Schelvan
How Your Child Is Smart: A Life-Changing Approach to Learning by Dawna Markova and Anne Powell
I Am Special: A Workbook to Help Children, Teens, and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders to Understand Their Diagnosis, Gain Confidence, and Thrive (2nd edition) by Peter Vermeulen
Outsmarting Explosive Behavior: A Visual System of Support and Intervention for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Judy Endow
Practical Solutions for Stabilizing Students with Classic Autism to Be Ready to Learn: Getting to Go! by Judy Endow
Seven Keys to Unlock Autism: Making Miracles in the Classroom by Elaine Hall and Diane Isaacs
“Understanding Autism: A Guide for Secondary School Teachers” (video) by Organization for Autism Research
You’re Going to Love this Kid!: A Professional Development Package for Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom by Paula Kluth
Sensory Processing Related
The Out-of-Sync Child and The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun by Carol Stock Kranowitz
Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Lindsey Biel, OTR/L, and Nancy Peske
Reading by the Colors by Helen Irlen
The Sound of a Miracle: The Inspiring True Story of a Mother’s Fight to Free Her Child from Autism by Annabel Stehli
Visual/Spatial Portals to Thinking, Feeling, and Movement by Serena Wieder, PhD, and Harry Wachs, OD
A Work in Progress: Behavior Management Strategies and a Curriculum for Intensive Behavioral Treatment of Autism by Ron Leaf, John McEachin, and Jaisom D. Harsh
Skills-Based Teaching Approaches
Engaging Autism: Using the Floortime Approach to Help Children Relate, Communicate, and Think by Stanley I. Greenspan and Serna Wieder
Feelings: Anxiety: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Manage Anxiety by Tony Attwood
Teaching Developmentally Disabled Children: The ME Book by O. Ivar Lovaas
Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis: An Introduction to ABA for Parents, Teachers, and Other Professionals by Albert J. Kearney
The Verbal Behavior Approach: How to Teach Children with Autism and Related Disorders by Mary Barbera, PhD, RN, BCBA-D
Communication/Relationships
An Asperger Dictionary of Everyday Expressions by Ian Stuart-Hamilton
The Autism Social Skills Picture Book by Jed E. Baker
Autistics’ Guide to Dating: A Book by Autistics, for Autistics and Those Who Love Them or Who Are in Love with Them by Emilia Murry Ramey and Jody John Ramey
Comic Strip Conversations: Colorful Illustrated Interactions with Students with Autism and Related Disorders by Carol Gray
Crafting Connections: Contemporary Applied Behavior Analysis for Enriching the Social Lives of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Mitchell Taubman, Ron Leaf, and John McEachin
Developing Communication for Autism Using Rapid Prompting Method: Guide for Effective Language by Soma Mukhopadhyay
Incorporating Social Goals in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers and Parents of Children with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome by Rebecca A. Moyes and Susan J. Moreno
The Incredible 5-Point Scale: Assisting Students in Understanding Social Interactions and Controlling Their Emotional Responses (2nd edition) by Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis
The New Social Story Book : Over 150 Social Stories That Teach Everyday Social Skills to Children with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome and their Peers by Carol Gray
Social Skills Training for Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome and Social-Communications Problems by Jed E. Baker
Strategies for Building Successful Relationships with People on the Autism Spectrum: Let’s Relate! by Brian R. King
Thinking About YOU Thinking About ME by Michelle Garcia Winner
Understanding Autism Through Rapid Prompting Method by Soma Mukhopadhyay
Transitioning to Adult Life
Autism and the Transition to Adulthood: Success Beyond the Classroom by Paul Wehman, et al.
A Full Life with Autism: From Learning to Forming Relationships to Achieving Independence by Chantal Sicile-Kira and Jeremy Sicile-Kira
Life and Love: Positive Strategies for Autistic Adults by Zosia Zaks
Living Independently on the Autism Spectrum: What You Need to Know to Move into a Place of Your Own, Succeed at Work, Start a Relationship, Stay Safe, and Enjoy Life as an Adult on the Autism Spectrum by Lynne Soraya
Self-Advocacy
Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum, edited by Stephen Shore
The Integrated Self-Advocacy ISA Curriculum: A Program for Emerging Self-Advocates with Autism Spectrum and Other Conditions by Valerie Paradiz, PhD
College
Aquamarine Blue 5: Personal Stories of College Students with Autism, edited by Dawn Prince-Hughes
Catching the Wave from High School to College: A Guide to Transition, edited by Carl Fielden, et al.
Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome: A Parent’s Guide to Student Success by Ann Palmer
Students with Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for College Personnel by Lorraine E. Wolf, PhD, et al.
Succeeding in College with Asperger Syndrome: A Student Guide by John Harpur, Maria Lawlor, and Michael Fitzgerald
Employment
Adult Autism and Employment: A Guide for Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals by Scott Standifer
Asperger’s on the Job: Must-Have Advice for People with Asperger’s or High-Functioning Autism and Their Employers, Educators, and Advocates by Rudy Simone
Asperger Syndrome Employment Workbook: An Employment Workbook for Adults with Asperger Syndrome by Roger Meyer
Business for Aspies: 42 Best Practices for Using Asperger Syndrome Traits at Work Successfully by Ashley Stanford
Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism by Temple Grandin and Kate Duffy
The Hidden Curriculum of Getting and Keeping a Job: Navigating the Social Landscape of Employment—A Guide for Individuals with Autism Spectrum and Other Social-Cognitive Challenges by Judy Endow, MSW, Malcolm Mayfield, and Brenda Smith Myles
For Partners of Those on the Spectrum
An Asperger Marriage by Gisela and Christopher Slater-Walker
The Other Half of Asperger Syndrome: A Guide to Living in an Intimate Relationship with a Partner Who Has Asperger Syndrome by Maxine C. Aston
22 Things a Woman Must Know If She Loves a Man with Asperger’s Syndrome by Rudy Simone
22 Things a Woman with Asperger’s Syndrome Wants Her Partner to Know by Rudy Simone
Other Media
Autism Media Channel
autismmediachannel.com
Autism One Radio
autismone.org/content/autismone-radio
Movies
Autism Is a World (written by Sue Rubin)
Autism the Musical
Temple Grandin
The United States of Autism
Wretches and Jabberers (about Larry Bissonette and Tracy Thresher)
Online Networks
Autism Brainstorm: autismbrainstorm.org
Interactive Autism Network: ianproject.org
Magazines/Newspapers
Age of Autism: ageofautism.com
Autism Asperger’s Digest: autismdigest.com
The Autism File: autismmediachannel.com
Autism Spectrum Quarterly: asquarterly.com
Autism World Magazine: autismoz.com
Schafer Autism Report: www.sarnet.org
Other Online Resources
Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum
autismcollege.com
AGI Residential/Daily Living Support Course
houltoninstitute.com/programs/agi-residential-daily-living-support-course
The Autism Calendar
sarnet.org/events