Free Digital Resources
Parents of children with ASD are bombarded with treatment choices—all of which claim to be effective. This manual is designed to support parents as they make treatment decisions. It discusses the complexity of diagnostic evaluations for children on the autism spectrum, and identifies and describes effective treatments.
Also Available: The National Autism Center (NAC) at May Institute has released the results of the largest systematic review to date of interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The report, Findings and Conclusions: National Standards Project, Phase 2, identifies effective, research-based interventions for individuals across the lifespan.
Supporting artists, musicians and creative writers on the autism spectrum: the-art-of-autism.com
A Guide to Autism Awareness Through Wristband
This information was submitted by Autumn McAdoo and her mom. They found the resources posted on our page helpful in their search to understand Autism and offered another link in an effort to help others. Go to https://www.wristbandexpress.com/content/a-guide-to-autism-awareness-through-wristbands.
Anyone who has organized a trip for the whole family knows how much time and effort it takes. But if you're the parent of a special needs child, you can pretty much double or triple that figure. This site has info on resorts with wheelchair access to the beach, zero entry swimming pools, adaptive or assisted kayaking, scuba diving, skiing and an ultra accessable family fun park with adaptive wheelchair swing, sensory village and music garden.
GO TO: http://www.familyvacationcritic.com/best-special-needs-vacation-spots/art/
FInd articles which help parents of kids with special needs including Screen Time, Cell Phone Parenting, Cyber Bullying, Facebook, Instagram and Social Media, Technology Addiction and Special Needs and Learning Disabilities.
Check out this website with many articles and resources for parents, including The Top 10 Best Gifts for Kids with Autism at THEMIGHTY.Com
Define your interests and receive a newsfeed specifically focused on one of these topics: Autism, Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Fibromyalgia, Depression and Epilepsy.
http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/
We all could use a little help during the holidays! This is one of the reasons AbilityPath.org created a Holiday Survival Guide for Families with Special Needs to provide parents helpful tips and resources during this busy and stressful time of year. It will help you navigate the change in schedules to finding a sensory safe Santa to how to explain to the grandparents why your child may not eat grandma's stuffing.
GO TO: http://www.abilitypath.org/tools-resources/links--resources/holiday-survival-guide.html
Puberty can be a time of mixed feelings for parents and pre-teens. It may be a time of pride and celebration, as well as a time of worry and confusion. It is hard for pre-teens to understand the many changes that come along with puberty. Also, parents may feel unsure of how to explain these changes to their child.
The newest tool kit from the ATN/AIR-P partnership provides guidance on the subject of puberty that can be directly applied to pre-teens with autism. Topics include body changes, self-care and hygiene, public versus private rules, internet safety and more!
All parents eventually face the challenge of teaching their children about the natural changes of puberty. However, parents of pre-teens with ASD may need the help of additional strategies to ease the transition. Our aim in developing this tool is to provide guidance on the subject of puberty that can be directly applied to pre-teens with ASD. In doing so, we hope to increase families' understanding of puberty and their ability to adapt to these changes with confidence.
12 Things I’d Like Teachers to Understand about Autism
**Some helpful information to help get ready for traveling with students with autistic spectrum disorder. **
Touchautism: A comprehensive list of apps for people with special needs broken up into categories & with links to online videos & reviews
Here’s a list of 15 great resources that parents of children with autism should be aware of:
Taken from the Friendship Circle website (friendshipcircle.org) For parents, finding ways to help with everything from diagnosis to coping is vital.
1. Autism Support Groups
It is very important for families dealing with autism to have an outlet, such as other parents who are going through the same thing. This site connects them to groups both online and in their area that can offer that type of support.
2. AutismNOW
AutismNOW should be the first place you look for the latest news, research and information on autism.
3. MyAutismTeam
MyAutismTeam is a social network for parents of kids with autism.
4. Care.com
Care.com is a great place to find a caregiver.
5. Dads 4 Special Kids
This is a group for fathers of special-needs children, who can share their stories with others who understand the challenges they’re facing.
6. Autism…Learn
This site allows people, including children, with autism to complete online activities geared toward helping them develop vital skills.
7. Autism on the Seas
Parents of special-needs children know how difficult it can be to plan a vacation. This site is dedicated to helping parents of children with autism map out their getaways, whether they’re cruises or camping trips.
8. Parent Coaching for Autism
Parents of both newly diagnosed children with autism and those who were diagnosed years ago can benefit from this site, sharing ideas for therapies, coping mechanisms and medical benefits through e-courses and newsletters.
9. Autism Blogs Directory
This site offers a comprehensive list of blogs that are written by and for families dealing with autism. It’s easy to get lost in reading their stories when you’re supposed to be working, so be careful!
