Methodologies
Miller Method
A cognitive-developmental systems approach for working with children on the autism spectrum. The Miller Method believes that every child, no matter how disordered appearing, is still trying to make sense of a confusing environment. Also is the only method that uses elevated structures as a prosthesis for engendering body to environmental awareness as well as focusing attention.
TEACCH
Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children.
Boston Higashi School
The Higashi School provides systematic education through group dynamics, the intermingling of academics and technology, art, music and physical education resulting in the ordering of the physical, emotional, and intellectual capacities of the child. The goal of this educational approach is for individuals to achieve social independence and dignity, and to benefit from and contribute to society.
Organizations and Information
Asperger Syndrome
During conferences I can often be found at the Playaway Toys display reorganizing my senses. One of their hammocks continually stands at the ready, wedged between the door jams of my home.
Asperger’s Association of New England
As president emeritus of this premier organization for the Asperger community in the six Northeastern states, I continue to maintain my involvement where possible as a presenter at their regional conference and other events. In addition we have support groups for siblings and parents of children with Asperger Syndrome as well as providing information about this different order of being.
Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association (AHANY)
As a sort of "sister" organization to the Asperger's Association of New England, this group provides information and support from Montauk to Manhattan. Hosts 2 regional conferences a year, their Spring event focuses on issues faced by adults on the autism spectrum whereas the Fall conference emphasis research-based educational strategies for students with autism at grade school level. AHANY also runs support groups for individuals with Asperger syndrome and their parents.
MAAP Services
I serve on their board of directors and we host national conferences on high functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome as well as providing information.
I also serve on their board of directors. This organization focuses on building autism awareness and raising funds for research.
Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Service (O.A.S.I.S.)
One of the largest, a classic site on Asperger Syndrome. Some of everything for anyone.
A good friend of mine. Author of Pretending to be Normal and Asperger Syndrome in the Family.
Tony’s site is a helpful guide for parents, professionals, people with Asperger’s Syndrome, and their partners.
Veronica Bird Charitable Foundation
Dedicated to “promoting better understanding and awareness of autism around the world, funding projects that will enable parents and professionals to obtain information about autism…to fund autism research, destigmatize autism and related disorders worldwide and to bring together the Autism Community as one”.
The Asperger Marriage Web Site
Chris & Gisela Slater-Walker are a married couple where one of the partners has Asperger’s Syndrome. Their goal is to provide a positive message about Asperger’s Syndrome within marriage, and to show that it is possible to maintain a functional and successful relationship. Their book, An Asperger Marriage, examines a successful marriage from two perspectives: a husband who has been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and his wife coming to terms with a marriage in which there would never be an intuitive understanding despite her husband's good intentions.
Families of Adults Afflicted with Asperger Syndrome
Offers support to family members of adult individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome, bring awareness of, and educate the public to the existence of Asperger’s Syndrome in the ADULT population as well as its affect on the “whole” family.
Autism
Having served on their board of directors for 9 and a half years I now consider myself as a friend to the Autism Society. There is a lot of good introductory information on autism and Asperger Syndrome as well as contact information for the AS network of state and regional chapters.
Autism Research Institute (ARI) Founded by Dr. Bernard Rimland - after initiating the Autism Society - ARI is the oldest organization devoted to seeking medical causes of and interventions for individuals with autism as emphasized in their bi-annual Autism Research Institute conferences. Recently, ARI has expanded into new areas such as education, adult issues, and spearheading a global consortium of autism organizations. Check out their newsletter archive for a wealth of information!
Autism Speaks Founded in 2005, Autism Speaks is the "new kid" on the block and is devoted to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Although the issue of prevention and cure of autism remain controversial, their tool kits have helped many families through the initial stages of meeting the challenges when their child is diagnosed as on the autism spectrum.
US Autism and Asperger Alliance (USAAA) Run by Dr. Larry Kaplan, USAAA is a leading nonprofit organization for education, support, and solutions. An important goal of the organization is to "Provide the Opportunity" for individuals with autism spectrum differences to achieve their fullest potential.
Organizations By and For People on the Autism Spectrum
This has to be one of the most complete general site on autism in existence.
Autism Network International
Autism Network International (ANI) is a self-advocacy organization of, by, and for people on the autism spectrum. ANI was founded in 1992 by Donna Williams, Kathy Grant, and Jim Sinclair. ANI is a good resource for people with AS (and other forms of autism) to meet one another—adults as well as kids—and for families to network as well.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) Run by Ari Ne'eman and his team ASAN seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. Drawing on the principles of the cross-disability community, ASAN seeks to organize the community of Autistic adults and youth to have our voices heard in the national conversation about us. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which Autistic people enjoy the same access, rights, and opportunities as all other citizens. We hope to empower Autistic people across the world to take control of our own lives and the future of our common community. Nothing About Us, Without Us!
Writings and resources presented primarily for and by people with autism.
Dedicated to working with people on the autism spectrum by teaching them using their learning styles to make more sense of the world. Also dedicated to recognition of and celebration of autistic strengths and their contributions to the community at large.
Publishers
Autism Asperger Publishing Company
Publisher of my book, Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome. They have a number of books on understanding and working with children and young adults on the autism spectrum. In addition, they host numerous conferences around the United States.
A publishing house located in England. The largest publisher of books on the autism spectrum, they have texts on other disabilities as well.
Directed by Wayne Gilpin. The oldest publisher devoted to the autism spectrum. In addition, they host numerous conferences around the world.