Information and Research about Autism Spectrum Disorder
Research and Advocacy Groups
The Asperger/Autism Network (aane.org): helps people with autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles build meaningful, connected lives by providing individuals, families, and professionals with information, education, community, support, and advocacy
Spectrum (Spectrumnews.org): provides news about the latest autism research
Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org): Helps individuals with autism and families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (autisticadvocacy.org): 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.
Autism Council of Utah (autismcouncilofutah.org): Advocacy group in Utah. Their page outlines several resources for families and professionals. They also link to community events aligned with their mission.
International Society for Autism Research (autism-insar.org): Scientific and professional organization devoted to advancing knowledge about autism. Their website includes past posters and presentations from events outlining the latest research
Organization for Autism Research (researchautism.org): organization founded and led by parents and grandparents of children with autism with a focus on awareness and advocacy
Synapse (autism-help.org): A website with fact sheets complied by mental health professionals about life skills, education, parent support, and resources for adults
SPARK (sparkforautism.org): landmark autism research project connecting researchers with autistic individuals and creating a community for autistic individuals and their families.
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/
Services and Resources for Autistic Individuals and Families
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 -- A non-profit school in Provo for people with Autism
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.
Recent Q&A from one of our psychologists
This is the full presentation from Dr. Laura Rowley regarding the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
