Even when a mother notices signs that lead her to find out why her child is not developing as expected, who loses skills or whose behavior changes, it is almost impossible to prepare herself for a diagnosis of autism.
A mother often puts her private inner struggles aside and asks, "What should I do to find best possible help and support for my child?"
Health care staff involved with her child, who are working hard to be the best possible support for the family, need reliable resources and information, too.
Through the efforts of parents and other advocates, information is now available on autism resources through links on webpages for the Dr. Phil and Oprah television shows and other media. Families are often able to find reliable and effective local resources through their Regional Children's Hospital.
Developed for Washington State families, health and educational professionals who care for children with autism spectrum disorders, the Center for Children with Special Needs newsletter, Linkages, connects families and professionals to early diagnostic and screening tools for infants and toddlers, 'red flags for atypical developent', family oriented fact sheets, best practices in eduction, advice and information for physicians, an autism 'safety toolkit' and a Puget Sound guide for dentists and hairstylists who are considerate of children with autism.
Links to reports include new CDC data on ASD, and the Kennedy Kreiger study that demonstrated how autism could be diagnosed in children 14 to 36 months old.
Linkages Newsletter, Volume 13, #3, is an outstanding collection of resources for families and professionals concerned with early diagnosis and treatment for autism spectrum disorders. We applaud and thank the editor, Beth Crispin, for putting forth an excellent effort for children with autism and their families.
Linkages is available via email and at the webpage for the Center for Children with Special Needs, a program through Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center, partially funded by the Washington State Department of Health, Children with Special Health Care Needs Program.
Medical professionals and family members will find up to date, reliable information on autism in children, related health care needs, educational support, and advocacy resources, through the Fall 2007 newsletter.
Recognizing Early Signs of Autism
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art55223.asp
Autism Video Glossary shows parents symptoms of early symptoms of autism through video clips
http://www.csunfamilyfocus.com/news.asp?ID=13994
Browse at your local bookstore, public library or online booksellers like Amazon.com for books like Positive Behavioral Support - Including People with Difficult Behavior in the Community
Mother Warriors by Jenny McCarthy
Dr. Phil Show
Parents Ultimate Test - Dealing with Autism
http://www.drphil.com/shows/show/974
Spanish language resources and translations are also listed, including http://www.manitasporautismo.com at http://www.manitasporautismo.com and the CDC's Learn the Signs, Act Early fact sheet at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/actearly/downloads_hcp.html
November 2007 an alert was sent out warning families of children who use weighted blankets that some need to be checked for possible lead contamination.
Regional Autism Consulting Cadre
Vancouver WA - ESD 112
7th Annual Focus on Autism Conference October 12 & 13, 2007
Autism 101 - six classes
http://www.esd112.k12.wa.us/sss/autism/classes.html
Twins and Autism Spectrum Disorders
by BellaOnline Twins Editor Kris Bigalk
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art22966.asp
Oprah, the Media and Celebrities on Autism by Bonnie Sayers, BellaOnline's Autism Spectrum Disorders Editor
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art50331.asp
Oprah - April 2007 - Faces of Autism
http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200704/tows_past_20070405.jhtml
Oprah - September 18, 2007
Jenny McCarthy and Holly Robinson Peetespeak out about autism and their sons
http://www2.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200709/tows_past_20070918.jhtml
