Google is a useful tool. Like any tool, however, you have to know how to use it.
Parents of children with autism are already overwhelmed before they get a chance to sit down at their laptop. The last thing they need is to scroll through the tens of millions of hits that result from entering the word “autism.”
Among the first seven steps we have listed for parents of children with autism on the Alpha School web site are learn the lingo, seek educational programs and ask questions about your child. That should narrow down your search a bit but you might wish to explore other sites about autism. That occurred to us, so we assembled the following list of sites containing the most relevant information and resources:
Autism Speaks
You have probably already heard of Autism Speaks. It is one of the leading organizations when it comes to autism science and advocacy. They offer one of the most comprehensive resource guides covering the entire nation. There are games that focus on communication and social skills, not to mention a list of useful apps.
Autism Society
Any of these resources should feel inclusive, like a society. They should not feel like they were designed for experts only. A site like this one contains resources for those with autism, family members, as well as professionals. It also provides press releases and updates on the latest news related to autism.
Disability Scoop
This site primarily focuses on autism but you may wish to receive updates regarding developmental disabilities in general. USA Today and People.com have both praised the experts at Disability Scoop.
AHA
This link stands for The Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association. This site contains great resources for individuals with higher functioning autism. If you are interested in summer programs and day camps located in New York, it provides a great list, along with questions to ask when choosing one.
Autism Highway & Autism Beacon
These two sites were both started by parents of children with autism. Autism Highway focuses on being fun, as well as informative. There are fun games for children alongside an extensive list of Autism related events and specialists. Autism Beacon supplies fantastic resources for autism treatments. Its articles are extensive, featuring sensitive topics such as bullying and sexuality.
Healing Thresholds
Information pertaining to therapy treatments is the basis for a number of sites, including Healing Thresholds. This one has its own Top 12, recommended by parents. It goes on to list nearly 100 additional therapies, with useful information on each one.
Alpha School an private special education school in New Jersey
Our Mission at The Alpha School is to help all of our special needs students with the learning, social, language, and behavioral support they deserve. Our highly skilled staff are committed daily to helping each student to becoming the best they can while providing a safe and nurturing educational environment.
We would be more than happy to discuss your child’s specific needs and challenges, so please call us at 732.370.1150, or request a tour of Alpha School of Jackson, NJ located just minutes off of Route 9 and Route 195 in Ocean County.
— Monica DeTuro, Principal-Alpha School, Jackson, NJ