Understanding Autism: Resources

• The Association of Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH) is an advocacy group that works toward school and community inclusion of children and adults with disabilities. The organization provides referrals for services and publishes a newsletter and journal.

• The Autism National Committee publishes The Communicator, provides referrals, and sponsors an annual conference. This organization has a particular focus on social justice for people with autism.

• Autism Research Institute publishes the quarterly journal, Autism Research Review International, which provides up-to-date information on current research. The organization partners with the Center for the Study of Autism (www.autism.org), which provides information on autism to parents and professionals.

• Autism Society of America Inc. – 800-3-AUTISM – provides a wide range of information and services to families and educators, including organizing a national conference and publishing The Advocate, with articles by both parents and autism experts. The organization offers information on educating children with autism, including a bibliography of instructional materials for and about children with special needs. Local chapters make referrals to regional programs and services, and sponsor parent support groups.

• First Signs is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating parents and physicians about the early warning signs of autism and other developmental disorders in early childhood. The Web site offers help for anyone who has concerns about a young child’s development.

• National Alliance for Autism Research is dedicated to advancing biomedical research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of the autism spectrum disorders, and sponsors research and conferences.

• National Institute of Mental Health –  – offers definitions, information, and summaries of research and current thinking about possible causes of autism.