Autism is a developmental disability which interferes with the normal development of reasoning, social interactions, and communication skills. It occurs in approximately 1 in 500 individuals (Center for Disease Control & Prevention, 2001). It is four times more common in boys than girls. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties with both verbal and nonverbal communication, appropriate participation in leisure and play activities, and relating to the outside world. The symptoms and characteristics of autism affect an individual in unique ways and this is reflected in it being referred to as a spectrum disorder.
While current research links autism to biological and neurological differences in the brain, the specific cause of autism is unknown, and there is no known medical cure for the disorder. There are a variety of therapies and educational approaches available for individuals with autism. However, because of the diverse nature of the affects of autism, no one approach will be effective with all individuals with autism. Web Links Autism Action Partnership - To improve the quality of life of persons on the Autism Spectrum and their families through education, advocay and support, thereby enabling them to be an integral part of the community. The Partnership has 5 initiatives: awareness, information resource, education, key service partnerships and new services. Autism Family Network - is a volunteer, non-profit organization located in Lincoln, NE founded in 2006 with a passion, love and desire to help families who have children with autism. Division TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children) -- This page features various articles and information from TEACCH faculty and staff, materials from the Autistic Society of North Carolina, and other items of interest on autism. Autism Society of America --A national source of information for advocacy, education, public awareness information, and research related to autism can be found here. Information is helpful to introduce concepts about autism as well as provide details on specific topics. Easter Seals -Easter Seals is a nonprofit, community-based health agency dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities and special needs attain greater independence. Easter Seals supports services for family members responsible for individuals who are unable to function independently, as well as the individual themselves. Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) of Nebraska was founded by parents and famillies of children with autism. They believe that tnewly dianosed children with autism shoould receive intensive, quality, effective treatment that is based in research. They Pprovide educationn to families and communities on effective autism treatments and provide support to families seeking effective treatment for their children. Do 2 Learn-This web site provides learning activities. Many items can be downloaded. Picture cards and other items useful to setup visual schedules and calendars are also available. A great resource. Difflearn Homepage -This is an invaluable web site for any parent or professional working with students with autism and other related developmental disabilities. This site was developed to present affordable materials to assist in learning programs for these students. Many of the products compiled within this site were developed by the parents and professionals working with students with autism related disorders. This online catalog features products that will address areas such as social skills, communication, scheduling difficulties, adaptive materials, supportive software, handwriting issues, and much more. The Nebraska Department of Education and UNL Autism Spectrum Disorders Network. This is a statewide network of five regions throughout the state. Visual Recipes A Cookbook for Non-readers-This is an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and other professionals working with students with autism or autism related disorders. This unique book was written to foster and encourage independent living skills in the kitchen for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. This book provides 35 clear step-by-step directions that can be easily followed by visual learners. The cookbook calls for basic ingredients or brand name products to create simple meals, snacks, desserts and drinks. The photographs and color-coded examples teach to the student's strengths while providing detailed visual instructions to support their deficits and difficulties. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. Pro-Ed, Inc. 8700 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin, TX 78757-6857. (512) 451-3246. This journal provides practical elements of management, treatment, planning and education for persons with autism and pervasive developmental disorders. It includes articles on assessment, vocational training, curriculum, educational strategies, treatments, integration methods and parent/family involvement. Issues in Vol. 12, 2 & 3, 1997, addressed students with severe to profound disabilities. This newsletter is a quarterly publication of the Autism Research Institute. Primary emphasis is on review of biomedical and educational research in the field of autism and related disorders. The editor is Bernard Rimland, Ph.D. Information on cost and subscriptions can be located at this web address--http://www.autism.com/ari The Advocate. Autism Society of America. 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 650, Bethesda, MD 20814. The Advocate presents a variety of information that will increase our understanding of autism or show ways in which the challenges generated by autism can be met. Such information might come from experience or research. Special consideration will be given to material that can benefit persons with autism and those who work directly with people with autism--as do parents, houseparents, teachers, aides, and others. Each issue contains the latest developments in the field, from research to Capitol Hill updates. Articles written by respected autism professionals sit side by side with stories by parents sharing the triumphs and challenges of life with autism. Publication of material in the Advocate does NOT indicate ASA endorsement. The web site for the Autism Society of America, including information on The Advocate is provided via the WWW Links listed above. This newsletter is published by the Indiana Resource Center for Autism. It provides practical information related to education across the life span, and focuses primarily on issues related to teachers and other educational staff. More information is provided via the WWW Links listed on the above. Electronic Library Library of the Autism Society of Nebraska (ASN) -- Part of ASN's library is housed at Creighton. This is a computerized catalog of the books, journals, and audiovisual materials found in the three Creighton University Libraries. |
