Have you seen the latest report (highlighted in this New York Times article) that scientists have identified spontaneous gene mutations linked to autism? April is
Autism Awareness Month and there’s much to learn about this increasingly prevalent condition–not just for families affected by autism and ASD, but for everyone who wants to be well-educated on the subject. To help, New York Family magazine has researched some great sources for tips, advice and
information. —
But before
viewing our list of resources below, you may want to read about a special
school for autistic children—the Association for Metroarea Autistic Children,
Inc. (AMAC)—a National Association for the
Education of Young Children accredited school. So what’s a school day like when
every student has autism? Find out by reading Educating
The Autistic Child.
Plus, the AMAC has recently released a myth-busting list of fact vs. fiction. You’ll learn exactly how common autism is and how individuals who are autistic experience emotions differently.
EVENTS
*NYC EVENT: The Mets have partnered with Autism Speaks to
present the 6th Annual Autism Awareness Day at CitiField on Sunday, May
6. With the purchase of tickets
through this special link you and your family will enjoy early entry into the park and a pregame party in the Bullpen Plaza including
Equine Therapy & Art Therapy Projects. Autism Speaks will receive
a portion of the ticket proceeds. To buy tickets, click here.
*NYC EVENT: Be
sure to check out NYC’s Walk Now for Autism Speaks event on Sunday, June
3. To participate or to donate, to the cause click here.
LOCAL AUTISM RESOURCES
Autism
Speaks is a wonderful website providing parents with resources, studies,
support groups and blogs. The site also hosts an Autism Response Team, which
you can call or email with any questions and concerns you may have. The
organization is a great tool for advocacy, education and support. autismspeaks.org
The Autism Science Foundation supports research through funding organizations and scientists. Through events like Science & Sandwiches, the general public can learn more about autism from the experts. The foundation also provides information about autism on its website to increase awareness and knowledge. autismsciencefoundation.org
The Child
Mind Institute provides relatable stories from parents just like you, along
with symptom-checkers and an “Ask an Expert” tab. The Advice & Support link
features strategies and stories from doctors and clinicians, as well as
parents and teachers. Plus, a clinical care center for children with autism is coming soon. childmind.org
The NYU Child Study
Center has a great “For Families” section,
which offers tools like how to seek professional help and ways to keep
kids healthy.
Parents can also locate various Patient Care locations throughout the
city and
surrounding areas where treatments can be provided. The CSC even hosts
free workshops for parents of children with ASD. The next one takes
place on Tuesday, April 24 and covers sleep difficulties and
interventions. aboutourkids.org
The New York Center for Autism has its own charter school and is currently in collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian
Hospital and its affiliated medical schools to open the Center for Autism and the
Developing Brain in early 2013 in White Plains. The goal of the organization is to fill gaps in education and services to families affected by autism. nyc4a.org
Plus, Dr. Catherine Lord of the New York Center for Autism and the Developing Brain offers families guidance
and tips following a child’s diagnosis within the ASD in this article.
OTHER GREAT RESOURCES
Dr. Robert
Brooks and Dr. Sam Goldstein have co-authored Raising Resilient Children
with Autism Spectrum Disorders, filled with recently-found information and
tips on overcoming adversity. The doctors, who are both psychologists, also
explain their approach of positive psychology, and how to use that to form long-term
solutions on raising autistic children. Here is a video of Dr. Brooks on PBS New York/New Jersey’s “NJ Today” explaining why a team approach to working with autistic children is a good idea. amazon.com
The Autism
Society breaks down autism into categories such as Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis,
Treatments and Facts/Statistics. They also do an extensive coverage of
Asperger’s Syndrome. The “Get
Involved” section shows how you can help, whether via donations, attending
events or taking courses. Be sure to check out the Sensory Friendly Films
section, which provides a list of theaters that feature films shown in a
comfortable and accepting environment for children with autism. autism-society.org
The Center
for Disease Control and Prevention has their own autism resource link that
gives all the straight facts, studies and free materials that you may need.
They even provide various other links to relevant websites that can
also be of some guidance. A good starting point for further research. cdc.gov
The Autism
Research Institute is an organization that strives to show the world that
autism is a treatable disorder. They provide tools such as a monthly newsletter,
video clips, both English and Spanish support lines, and an autism phone app. You can find all of this, along with
information about their seminars, advocacy and treatments on their
easy-to-navigate website. autism.com
Kids Health
is a unique site that provides an useful explanation regarding autism directly to
children. With both kid- and teen-friendly pages, Kids Health explains autism to children in a language they can
understand and uses stories to explain how doctors help kids. kidshealth.org
The
National Autism Association is a great resource for autism information and
treatment. This group also sponsors the National Autism Conference, which will
be held in November in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Family support and safety tips can also be found on their website. nationalautismassociation.org
