Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

National Resources

• The Asperger/Autism Network (aane.org): Provides online support groups for individuals across age ranges, parents of young children and teens, parents of adults and more.
• ADDitude — Focus on ADHD, but also good information on ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders because they often present together.
•  Autistic Self Advocacy Network — ASAN works to empower autistic people across the world to take control of their own lives and the future of their common community, and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure their voices are heard in the national conversation about Autism.
• College Consensus — A resource for college options for students on the autism spectrum.
• How to Make Sensory-Friendly Homes with Autism in Mind

Utah Resources

• Namasté Center for Healing – Neurofeedback for Autistic, ADHD Individuals with Sensory Issues, Emotional Dysregulation, and more. Neurofeedback helps to rewire your brain. There is a lot of research that this amazing holistic treatment can reduce depression, anxiety, help with communication and sensory issues.
• Autism Council of Utah — Advocacy group in Utah. Their page outlines several resources for families and professionals. They also link to community events aligned with their mission.
• Brigham Young University Autism Connect — Provides ASD testing, resources for families, and conducts ongoing research. They have a current research participation opportunity for adolescents and women who may be on the spectrum. (https://education.byu.edu/autism/research-opportunity-for-girls-and-women)
• University of Utah Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic — Provide ASD assessment, social skill and recreational groups for kids, individual/family therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Behavior intervention, school consultations, Early Intervention, research participation, and parent training
• Spectrum Academy — Spectrum Academy is the premier charter school in Utah for students with high functioning autism and others who would benefit from our unique learning environment. They provide small class sizes, with individualized instruction and innovative social skills curriculum. They help students reach their fullest potential academically, socially, and emotionally, leading to productive and successful futures.
• Scenic View Academy — ScenicView Academy is a nonprofit transitional school for young adults (18-39) with autism or other forms of neurodiversity. We specialize in providing the educational, vocational, independent living, social and therapeutic support young adults need to live independent, productive, and fulfilling lives.
• Matt’s Place — Matt’s Place is a non-profit center focused on helping families and individuals with social and behavioral struggles, and those on the Autism Spectrum.
• The Adult Autism Center (adultautismcenter.org): Gives resources for socialization, recreation, development, and involvement. Provides supports for daily living skills and vocational training.
• Utah Parent Center (https://utahparentcenter.org/): Special education and advocacy service that provides information on how to access services for individuals with disabilities and can help families navigate the school system
• Autism Learning Partners (website) (brochure) — A national company with regional operations providing Center- and Home-Based ABA
 Therapy; Early 
Intervention; Diagnostic
 Services; Social Skills 
Program; Parent
 Collaboration; Speech, Occupational,
& Physical Therapy; Telehealth Services; Comprehensive
 ABA, and Focused
 ABA.

Books & Media

• Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price, Ph.D.
• But you don’t look autistic at all by Bianca Toeps
• Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome by Rudy Simone
• Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum by Jennifer Cook O’Toole
• Overcoming Autism: Finding Answers, Strategies, and Hope That Can Transform a Child’s Life, by Lynn Kern Koegel and Claire LaZebnik
• A Parent’s Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive, Edition 2 by Sally Ozonoff, Geraldine Dawson, and James McPartland
• Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults: Improving Diagnosis and Quality of Life by Theresa Rega
• Simone, R. (2010). Aspergirls: Empowering Females With Asperger Syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley.
• The Autism Show podcast: http://autismshow.org/
• Autism Quality of Life podcast: https://www.autismqualityoflife.com/
• Girls Growing Up on The Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know About the Pre-Teen and Teenage Years by Shana Nichols

Neurodiversity in the Workplace

UCEBT’s Assessment and Testing Program Director, Laura Rowley, Ph.D., recently presented this lecture on Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Strategies to Support Inclusivity. This presentation discusses ADHD and Autism, the strengths and barriers of each in the workplace, and how to facilitate enhanced inclusion and communication.

Resources & Trainings for Professionals

• Sunfield Center for Autism, ADHD, and Behavioral Health — Provides online workshops on ASD assessment tools like the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, as well as trainings on topics related to intervention, such as ASD and sexuality, and supporting adolescents with ASD transition to adulthood.
• Vanderbilt Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders — Provides online workshops on ASD assessment tools like the ADOS-2, as well as trainings/resources for educators, community professionals, and pediatric care providers. They have a series dedicated to delivering services via telemedicine for parents, educators, and clinical professionals (https://vkc.vumc.org/vkc/triad/covid19/)
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network — Engage with autistic voices to be effective allies.
• International Society for Autism Research (autism-insar.org): Scientific and professional organization devoted to advancing knowledge about autism
• ADDitude Provides free online webinars on topics related to ASD and neurodivergence. Professionals can register to attend live or receive links to the presentations.
• Autisminblack.org for information on autism in black communities and the intersection of autism and culture. Opportunities for professional talks.

Lived Experiences

• Hendrickx, S. (2015). Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding Life Experiences from Early Childhood to Old Age
• Attwood, T., Grandin, T., et al. (2006). Asperger’s and Girls: World-Renowned Experts Join Those with Asperger’s Syndrome to Resolve Issues That Girls and Women Face Every Day!
• Grandin, T. (2013). The Autistic Brain: Helping Different Kinds of Minds Succeed.
• Finding Mikey podcast (https://www.facebook.com/FindingMikeyPodcast/) Describes one family’s journey with autism, sensory processing disorder (SPD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Asperger’s syndrome. They share their experiences as a platform for inspiring others and providing helpful strategies for coping with these disorders. Episodes contain personal accounts and expert advice from doctors, lawyers, advocates, and other influential members of the community.

ASD and Intersectionality

• Twainbow (twainbow.org): education and peer support for autistic individuals who also identify as LGBTQA+
• Autism Speaks LGBTQ guide: https://www.autismspeaks.org/lgbtq-information-and-resources
• AANE information for gender diverse individuals and gender identity support groups https://www.aane.org/topics/adults/lgbtq/
• Autism in Black (autisminblack.org): Autism in Black aims to provide support to black parents who have a child on the spectrum, through educational and advocacy services. Also a podcast.
• Information for Spanish-speaking families: https://www.autism-society.org/en-espanol/
• Indian Health Service: Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives- autism resources https://www.ihs.gov/icp/autism/