About Autism

Websites and Programs

This page includes government and private organizations that offer information about autism.

Government

• Administration for Children and Families
  
  • Individualizing Instruction for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder The April 2022 edition of the Office of Head Start’s Disabilities Services Newsletter highlights resources on evidence-based practices to teach social-communication and play skills to young children with autism. These resources include suggestions on making environmental modifications, how to target a preschooler’s social-communication skills, an educators guide on ASD, informational videos, modules on teaching practices, and more. The newsletter also provides information for families on how to support positive behaviors.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)
  
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder The CDC is responsible for tracking the prevalence rate of autism and strives to identify autism as early as possible. This website includes a wide variety of information, such as screening and diagnosis and data and statistics.
• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
  
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder NICHD researches the causes of autism, how to recognize the early signs, and interventions. This page gives an overview of ASD.
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
  
  • Communication Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder NIDCD conducts research on the basic science of autism and tests behavioral interventions. This page explains how ASD can affect communication and describes interventions that help improve communication skills.
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
  
  • Autism NIEHS studies environmental factors that are thought to contribute to the development of autism. This page provides an overview of these factors and describes large-scale studies.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
  
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder NIMH supports research and clinical trials investigating the underlying basis of autism, new approaches to screening, effective interventions, and other topics related to ASD. This NIMH page describes signs of autism, underlying biology, diagnosis, and interventions.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
  
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder Information Page NINDS conducts research to better understand the neurological basis of autism and to improve early identification and interventions. This page provides an overview of autism.
• National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
  
  • About Autism NHGRI focuses on advances in genomics research. This page describes the role of genetics in autism.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
  
  • Autism Information The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services works to improve the health and well-being of all Americans. This page provides an overview of autism and links to additional information.
• U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) MedlinePlus
  
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder The NLM provides an overview of autism as well as resources such as health tools, statistics and research, and information on clinical trials.

Private and Non-Profit

• Autism/Asperger Network (AANE)
  
  • Asperger/Autism Spectrum Diagnosis in Adults AANE provides information, education, community, support for autistic individuals, families, and professionals. This page includes information about obtaining an autism diagnosis in adulthood.
• Autism Navigator
  
  • Virtual Community The Autism Navigator Virtual Community for Families provides an opportunity for families who are concerned about their child’s social communication or possible ASD diagnosis to connect with each other and professionals.
  • Webinars This webinar series provides information about features and early signs of autism in babies and toddlers. Registration is required.
• Autism Science Foundation
  
  • What is Autism? The Autism Science Foundation provides funding to autism researchers. This page includes an overview of autism, signs and characteristics, diagnosis, and intervention options.
• Autism Society
  
  • The Autism Experience: Understanding Autism The Autism Society works to improve the lives of people on the autism spectrum and their loved ones through their network of local affiliates. This page describes autism, including characteristics and early signs.
  • Screening and Diagnosis: Identifying Autism This page describes the differences between a medical diagnosis and a school evaluation. The page also describes screening and co-occurring medical conditions.
  • New Autism Diagnosis In this section, Autism Society provides a background on autism through the lifespan and prevalence. The page also provides links to services and support networks.
• Autism Speaks
  
  • What is Autism? Autism Speaks works to promote the awareness and acceptance of autism, provide resources for families, and fund research. This page gives an overview of autism and provides toolkits on how to get an evaluation if you believe your child may have autism.
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network
  
  • About Autism The Autistic Self Advocacy Network was created by autistic people and for autistic people. This page provides an overview of typical characteristics of autism.
• New Jersey Autism Center of Excellence (NJACE)
  
  • What is Autism? This page describes a strengths-based model of autism. This model redefines autism using a community-based platform that allows multidisciplinary collaboration that includes autistic people.
• Spectrum News
  
  • Autism 101 Spectrum provides news on advances in autism research. This section of their website includes a collection of articles answering common questions about autism, such as how autism is diagnosed, the role of genetics and the environment in causation, what co-occurring conditions accompany autism, and more.