Erica Grindinger
Special Education Intensive Resource
UNIQUE LEARNERS
Special Education Professional Portfolio
Resources
Disclaimer:
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It is important to note that autism is a passionate topic to many individuals. There are multiple opinions regarding the same topics. There are going to be websites and information with opposing sides and sometimes opposite information.
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It is also important to note that there are certain groups and organizations that have been mixed up in controversy that you can read about. It does not always mean that the information they give you is wrong but they might not conduct their organization in the most sought after fashion. It is always important to fact check and to make your own informed decisions.
It is always important to consult with medical personnel and trained professionals regarding treatment and interventions.
Autism Society
The Autism Society, over the last five decades, have gathered a nationwide network of affiliates. Their mission is to connect people to the resources they need through education, advocacy, support, information and referral, and community programming. They are a great resource for families wanting more information!
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Advantage: Their website is easy to navigate and can even help you locate resources nationally and even in your local area. Have not found to be on any "do not recommend" lists for misleading organizations.
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Disadvantage: There are a lot of topics for information. Without having something specific in mind, the multitude of informational links can seem like a lot at one time.
Thinking in Pictures:
My Life with Autism
by Dr. Temple Grandin
Dr. Temple Grandin, animal scientist and professor, wrote this dual perspective book. The perspective of both a scientist and an individual living with autism. Dr. Grandin tells about the country and how she managed to break through boundaries to function in the outside world. Gives a look into the way she (and so many others may) sees the world around her.
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Advantage: Shows a view of the world that an individual without autism might not be able to imagine. Can give you a new way of looking at situations.
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Disadvantage: Only Dr. Grandin's viewpoint. Not every individual living with autism, with it being a spectrum disorder, will experience the same symptoms or severity of symptoms.
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AUTISTIC SELF
ADVOCACY NETWORK
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is a nonprofit organization run by and for autistic individuals. Part of their mission statement say that they, "seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities." They believe that in order to have the best information about autism, you must have people with autism. Their slogan is, "Nothing about us, without us!"
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Advantage: Not many sites are directed towards or by the individual living with autism. While you can find information about autism safety, this site is directed for the individual and families of older individuals with autism. It has a lot of information for the individual transitioning into adulthood. Very highly reputable.
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Disadvantage: The website is not the most eye appealing. There are a lot of links to direct you to other places. Directed to a more narrow demographic of individuals within the autism community.
NIMH
The National Institute of Mental Health is a website that offers families information on the foundation of autism, possible causes, things to watch for, and steps to take if you suspect that your child might have autism. There are also links for additional websites and resources for families.
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Advantage: It gives a full overview of ASD. It is all on one page and is easy to read. Can download a free PDF brochure or request a free hardcopy of the ADS brochure. The website is sponsored by federal government agencies and is an accurate source of information.
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Disadvantage: The website is not dedicated entirely to autism. If you venture off of the autism page you will end up on pages with resources different mental health disorders.
National Autism Association
The National Autism Association says its mission, "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."
The website has great resources for families with individuals living with autism of all ages. They have sections of information for caregivers, educators, first responders, and more. They cover topics such as safety and how to get set up with an emergency profile sheet.
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Advantages: A place where everyone can go for information. There are tools and resources for everyone. They also provide trainings and tools to families and schools in all 50 states.
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Disadvantage: The website lists autism as "a bio-neurological developmental disability" and on their autism facts sheet, there are no references for the statements in which they make. Website appears on different "do not" recommend lists from individuals living with autism.
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is a non-profit autism awareness organization. Their website offers a multitude of resources for familes on different topics surrounding individuals with autism ages birth through adulthood (Ex. haircuts, sleeping habits, & challenging behaviors). There are resources for parents, grandparents, sibilings, and even school professionals.
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Advantage: It is a great place for parents to get initial information. Autism Speaks has a toolkit for "A Parent's Guide to Autism". The website can also help you find resources in your area.
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Disadvantage: The website is often said to speak with a fear-based, burden messaging. Until recent years they had no input from individuals with autism but only families. Appears on many "do not" recommend lists from individuals living with autism as they feel it speaks over them and not for them.