Librarian's Picks: Autism Spectrum Disorder.

'Quick Picks' from the Librarians at the National Rehabilitation Information Center

Since 2000, the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has increased from 1 in 150 children to about 1 in 88 children in 2008. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) And, ASDs are almost 5 times more common among boys than among girls. It is unclear exactly how much of this increase in the number of people with ASDs is due to a broader definition of ASDs and better diagnosis. On the other hand, a true increase in this number cannot be ruled out. Adults may also be diagnosed with ASDs.

The resources collected here are designed to help children and adults with ASDs, their parents, their families, and the health and education professionals who serve them to identify information, support, technology, education services, and community services that will be of help to them in school, at work, and throughout their lives. For more resources, visit the Disability Resources pages on Education, Employment, and Families; visit the Librarian's Picks on Children with Special Needs; or search the Knowledgebase. You may also download the brochure in PDF format. Disponible en español.

Information and Support

Autism Speaks
Provides advocacy, research, and family services that include a resource guide, resource library, apps, community connections, information on adult services and for military families.
Toll Free: 888/288-4762
Spanish: 888/772-9050
Email: familyservices@autismspeaks.org.
autismspeaks.org.
Resources in other languages: autismspeaks.org/family-services/non-english-resources.

Autism Society
Provides information regarding treatment, education, research, and advocacy. Raises awareness and advocates for the appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan.
Toll Free: 800/328-8476
autism-society.org.

Autism Spectrum Coalition also known as MAAP Services, Inc.
OASIS@ MAAP provides information about autism, Asperger syndrome, and other spectrum disorders. They also help find parent groups, clinics, schools, or therapists near you.
Email: info@aspergersyndrome.org.
aspergersyndrome.org.

Autism National Committee (AUTCOM)
AUTCOM is an advocacy organization that helps to protect and advance the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and related communication disabilities.
autcom.org.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
NIDCD performs research and provides information about autism and communication disorders related to autism.
Toll Free: 800/241-1044 (V); 800/241-1055 (TTY)
Email: nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov.
nidcd.nih.gov.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
NICHD provides information on their research, clinical trials at the Institute and other centers, and links to resources and publications.
Toll Free: 800/370-2943 (V); 888/320-6942 (TTY)
Email: NICHDInformationResourceCenter@mail.nih.gov.
www.nichd.nih.gov/Pages/index.aspx.

The Arc
The Arc provides information on ASDs and other developmental disabilities, public policy, civil rights, education, employment, housing, health care, and long term supports and services.
Toll Free: 800/433-5255
thearc.org.

VCU Autism Center for Excellence
VCU-ACE works to improve services to those with ASD through discovery and implementation of evidence-based practices in schools and the community through training, technical assistance, research, and colloboration.
vcuautismcenter.org.

Education

Council for Exceptional Children
Information center on disabilities and gifted education.
Toll Free: 888/232-7733 (V)
service@cec.sped.org.
cec.sped.org.

What Works Clearinghouse (WWC)
The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) collects, screens, and identifies studies of effectiveness of educational interventions (programs, products, practices, and policies).
Toll Free: 866/503-6114
Email: info@whatworks.ed.gov.
whatworks.ed.gov.

Parenting and Caregiving

Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR)
malizo@spannj.org.
parentcenterhub.org.
Serves as a central resource of information and products to the community of Parent Training Information (PTI) Centers and the Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs). The center is also the home of many of the products and webpages developed by the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY), which ceased funding in October 2013. To locate a Parent Training and Information Center that can provide information resources to parents of children with disabilities in a specific state visit: parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center.

Parent to Parent USA
membershipinfo@p2pusa.org.
www.p2pusa.org.
Parent to Parent of the United States (P2PUSA) programs offer information and emotional support to parents and families of children with special health care needs, disabilities, or mental health issues by matching individuals seeking support with an experienced or trained Support Parent. Find a Parent to Parent program in each state at www.p2pusa.org/parents.

Health and Wellness

Physical, occupational, and speech therapists can assist people with ASDs to mitigate communications and motor-neuro difficulties, sensory stimulation (such as sights, sounds, and sensations), school, play, and making friends.

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)-
AOTA provides tip sheets for consumers and educators on ASDs
aota.org.
Tip Sheets: www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/ChildrenAndYouth/Autism.aspx.

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
apta.org.
APTA is an individual membership professional organization representing physical therapists (PTs). APTA also has resources for the public and will help you find a PT in your area.
aptaapps.apta.org/findapt/default.aspx?UniqueKey=.

Americah Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
ASHA is a national professional, scientific, and credentialing association. ASHA helps to ensure that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively.
Toll Free: 800/638-8255 (V); 301/296-5650 (TTY)
asha.org.