Resources

Causes of Autism

Genetic Studies of Autism at Vanderbilt University — Vanderbilt University investigators are involved in research to identify the genes that cause this complex genetic disorder.
Immunization Safety Review: Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine and Autism — A report from the Institute of Medicine Immunization Safety Review Committee. It presents an assessment of the evidence regarding a hypothesized causal link between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism.

The Autism Web site of The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is part of the National Institutes of Health, the biomedical research arm of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They conduct research into various aspects of autism, including its causes, prevalence, and treatments.
The Autism Research Center conducts research and disseminates results on the causes of autism and on methods of preventing, diagnosing and treating the disorder. They are affiliated with The Center for the Study of Autismwhich provides a number of Internet resources.
Autism Birth Cohort — Details of an upcoming joint study between ColumbiaUniversity and the Norwegian government.
The Center for Autism Research is dedicated to uncovering the causes of autism through MRI studies to identify the brain structures that are abnormal and describe their atypical growth from late infancy through adulthood.
The Center for Cognitive Brain Imaging investigates high-level cognition through the use of MRI. They conduct a specialized Cognitive Studies in Autism project.

Early Detection and Intervention

The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities is a CDC initiative. Their “Learn the Signs. Act Early” campaign provides milestones for child development and ways to measure your child’s growth.
The Center for Disease Control Autism Page features general autism resources including an Information Center, an overview on Developmental Screening and links on specific CDC programs related to autism spectrum disorders. CDC en Español.
First Signs is dedicated to identification and intervention of children with developmental disorders bycreating a national model for disseminating information about early warning signs, the need for routine screening, and the treatment options.
The New York State Department of Health Early Intervention Program’s Clinical Practice Guideline Report of Recommendations on Autism.

Media and Education

Movie: A dramatic tale of Lyme, medicine, and politics.
             Clay Marzo's Just Add Water

Government Resources

Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee coordinates autism research and other efforts within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
National Institute of Mental Health Web site on Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders).
Created by the U.S. Congress in 1950, The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke conducts and supports research on brain and nervous system disorders. En Español.
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorder’s Autism and Communication Web page. En Español.

Books and Publications

"Children with Autism: A Parent’s Guide"
By Michael D., Powers, Temple Grandin

“Teaching Children With Autism: Strategies for Initiating Positive Interactions and Improving Learning Opportunities”
By Robert L. Koegel, Lynn Kern Koegel