Support Groups and Links

DISCLAIMER: Not all of these sites look at Autism the same way. Some classify it as a medical disease or disorder that must be cured. Others look at Autism as the way a person is. Please be mindful. We feel it’s best to have all of the information possible, and then make your own decision.

Note: like any address, their website links may change. If you notice this, please shoot us an email and we’ll fix it.

Each state’s website for their special education and mental health departments appears in their contact information in Appendix A of our book “Navigating Autism: The Essential How to by Parents for Parents”, by state. Some states are better at their websites than others – some have websites for each regional center and the counties they service. Something for the others to strive for, we feel. (Or if they are there, being able to actually locate them without a degree in computer science would be helpful. I spent a very long time looking them all up.)

Our website: NavAutism.com
We will provide updates and any new information you may need—and feedback if you have trouble with something. We will endeavor to never leave you high and dry. Believe us when we say, we’ve been there.

Best Mattress Reviews.  This great resource offers a mattress and bedding guide for people with disabilities.  Sleep is such an important component to good health and quality of life.  Because they cover a wide range of issues, we have listed the ones that are most relevant to Autism.
In addition, how many times have you had a question that doesn’t fall into an FAQ page or predefined question page? One of the reasons we really like these guys is that you can contact them via phone or email through there “about us page“. Thank you.

Mattress and Bedding guide for people with disabilities

The connection between Mental Health and Sleep

Autism and Sleep – what’s the connection?

The Sleep Help Institute. 
Dealing with behaviors is one of the hardest things for parents, kids with ASD and their siblings.  Sleep is one of the most important parts of life. Think about your own behavior when you don’t get enough sleep.   This is not a direct treatment for autism, instead it’s about reducing behaviors and improving quality of life for everyone in the family. This site has given us some insight in dealing with some current behaviors. The Sleep Help Institute

The Autism Self Advocacy Network. This is an important transitional movement in the Autism world. It is composed of individuals affected by Autism. Their motto is “Nothing about us with out us”, says it all. autisticadvocacy.org

The CDC’s website for milestones: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/

Autism on the Seas
Yes, a cruise for kids and adults with autism alike. There are respite workers, therapists, and autism-friendly activities. Starting October 2011, Disney partnered with one of the cruise lines to offer Disney cruises out of Los Angeles and Florida to children with autism. How cool is that? Autism on the Seas

Autism Speaks:
A nationwide organization with local chapters. This website is a good source of information and a way to connect with other parents. It also sponsors autism awareness and charity events nationwide.
www.autismspeaks.org

National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center:
This is the site where it lists the criteria for each state. If you are moving from one state to another, you need to check them out—definitions and criteria differ from state to state, so be sure what you’re going into.
www.nectac.org

US Department of Education Special Education Programs:
This is the site to find the IDEA Act and how it applies to your child. Always go straight to the source.
www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html

TACA (Talk About Curing Autism).
This is a parent-based support group with chapters nationwide. There may not be a chapter in your immediate area, but you can get the tools to start one, if you have the inclination and ability.
www.talkaboutcuringautism.org

Child Welfare Information Gateway:
This is a government website that defines child welfare and abuse laws. This is important because you do need to know the laws vary from state to state. Also, people working with children with autism are more likely to have to deal with Child and Family Services at least once.
www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/define.cfm

Schafer Autism Report:
This is a good newsletter to subscribe to. It provides updates on treatment and research information.
www.sarnet.org

Autism Society of America:
A nationwide group with local chapters. You can find your local support group by doing a search on their site.
www.autism-society.org

Lovaas Institute:
From Dr. Ivar Lovaas—one of the pioneers in ABA therapy. Another good source for ABA therapies. This clinic is out of UCLA, but trains people all over the world.
www.lovaas.com

Autism Research Institute:
This is, in fact, an autism resource site on research and seminars.
www.autism.com

US National Library of Medicine:
The public health department’s website will probably be much slower in information, but here ya go. If you need a government definition, this is a good place to start.
www.nlm.nih.gov

National Institute of Neurological Disorders:
Another government website for medical reference.
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm

Mayo Clinic:
Same thing—medical information and techniques.
www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/DS00348

Multivitamin Guide:
Have you wondered just how much of a vitamin your child should be getting? Table 2 at the bottom of this page has a great chart that breaks down the vitamins by age and how much your child should get.