Autism

Symptoms, FAQs, issues, overviews of autism

Autism - What Is It? - Essay, with references, on the history and current knowledge of autism.

Autism Conferences - A free searchable listing service for autism conferences worldwide.

Autism Conferences - Updated list from Future Horizons.

Autism in Children - Essay by Jabeen Obaray of Bryn Mawr College provides an overview of spectrum related disorders, including co-morbid conditions.

Autism Primer: Twenty Questions and Answers - Frequently asked questions from TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children).

Autism Resources - Links, frequently asked questions, advice from parents, book lists, and articles.

Autism: Steps Toward a Cure - A discussion of neurodevelopmental and metabolic issues in autism, by Kay Ness.

Autism/PDD - A comprehensive site dealing with various issues in autism including research, coping, parenting techniques, early intervention and preparing for adulthood. Provides an active forum, chats, reviewed links, and articles.

Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Sorting It All Out - Explains the shared symptoms of the Autistic Spectrum Disorders, and then describes each syndrome along with its defining features.

[CDC] Autism Information Center - Information, projects at the Centers for Disease Control and other agencies, state activities, resources, and information for children.

Childbrain.com - PDD - Pervasive developmental disorder guide written by Dr. Rami Grossmann.

Children's Hospital Publication on PDDs - Parent information booklet on Pervasive Developmental Disorders such as: PDD-NOS, Asperger's Disorder, and Autsim.

eMedicine Health - Autism - Overview of autism and its causes, symptoms and treatment.

Information Headquarters: Autism - Facts and information on Autism.

Institute for the Study of the Neurologically Typical - Humorous site on the study of Neurologically Typical (NT)people, characterized by oversocialization, dulled senses, lack of 3D visualization, and delusions of emotional understanding.

[NeurologyChannel.com] Autism - Information on diagnosis and treatment of Autism from board certified Neurologists.

A New View of Autism - A new, feeling-based theory of Autism.

[NIMH] Autism - National Institutes of Mental Health publication on the definition, diagnosis and treatment of autism.

[NINDS] Autism Information Page - Brief description with some resources and links, compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

[NINDS] Pervasive Developmental Disorders Information Page - Brief description with some resources and links, compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders - Facts about autism, characteristics, and history.

Professional Development Certificate in Autism - Six-course certificate program in Autism offered by Pennsylvania State University. Description of program and courses, registration and contact information.

Reducing Computer Monitor Flicker - Article discusses how people on the autism spectrum are affected by computer monitor flicker. Includes an explanation of how to reduce flicker.

[Suite 101] Autistic Spectrum Disorder - Articles and reviewed links.

Survey of Autism - Autism surveys and statistical database.

Autism - therapies and treatments

ABA4autism - Applied behavioral analysis programs and case history illustrations for children with behavioral programs.

Aba4autism - Online course for caregivers of children with autism or other neuropsychological disorders.

Alternative Therapies for Children with Brain Injury and Developmental Disorders - In conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona, this site includes overviews, reviews, explanations of the newest treatments for brain injury and developmental disorders. Extensive links to other resources and an interactive WebForum for discussion of topics with other parents and physicians in the field.

Applied behavior analysis resources - A collection of resources for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders.

Autism - Alternative Remedies - Find suitable remedies from the characteristic symptoms and the modalities of patient.

Autism and Developmental Disorders: A Developmental Approach - A developmental, individual-difference, relationship-based approach (D.I.R.) to intervention--also known as "floor-time." Based on the work of Stanley Greenspan and James McDonald.

Autism and Emotional Development - Treating autism by promoting emotional development up to the stage of emotion for relaxation.

Autism: Education and Treatment - Highlights some of the more common approaches parents and educators take when dealing with an autistic child. Provides an extensive list of organizations devoted to Autistic support and research.

Autism Outreach, Inc - Providing ABA programs for children in the Northern Virginia, Maryland and District of Columbia. Includes details about Applied Behavior Analysis, the program and links.

Autism Spectrum Alternative Program - Non-profit organization providing specialized equine and expressive arts program for children with autism and related disorders.

Autism Spectrum Disorders - Information and resources for parents and professionals. A discussion of occupational therapy as it might be used with children who are within the broad diagnostic category of pervasive developmental disorders.

Autism Treatment Info - Teaching and in-house treatment tips for children with Autism, PDD & Asperger's Syndrome and their parents.

Autism Web - A Parents' Resource Guide - A guide to the diagnosis, treatment and education of children with autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Information on diet, teaching methods, links, a message board, and book guide.

Cambridge Center Autism Section - The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies offers a section of their web site to educating parents and other interested persons about the ABA approach.

Developmental Concepts - Workshops and materials on the Ready Approach of treating developmental delay with sensory integration therapy.

Dr. Amy Holmes, MD - Offering mercury chelation as a treatment for autism.

EIBI Program - Early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) program funded by Sun Country Child and Family Services of Alberta, Canada. Features information on the program and links to articles describing the efficacy of early intervention.

Floor Time: A Developmental Intervention for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders - Program based on developmental individual-difference relationship-based model - details and assistance in creating one.

Kathy and Calvin's Home Page - Information on Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA, Verbal Behavior, and Oregon Autism resources.

MFTSource Treatment: Autism and PDD - Provides annotated links to treatment resources for Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). Sections include DSM IV diagnostics, archived PBS radio broadcasts, journals, as well as an extensive listing of related sites.

Not Just Talking - Sioban Boyce, working in the field of speech and language therapy in the UK, helps children develop communication strategies to gain control over their behaviour.

Sensory Integration Resource Center - Provides resources and research about Sensory Integration Dysfunction and other learning disabilities for parents, educators, Occupational Therapists and Physicians.

Tole Institute - Alternative Autistic Medical Centre in Malaysia using herbal medicine and acupuncture.

Video Futures - Video Self Modeling uses carefully planned and edited positive self-images on video to change the frequency or quality of a person's behavior.

Autism - forums and chat

AC - Autism Support Chatroom - A support channel for those with autism or Asperger's.

Asperger on Starlink-IRC - IRC Channel only for those with autism, Asperger's or a similar condition. Java chat available.

Aspie Hangout - A forum for those on the autism spectrum to get together and talk about their issues and lives.

Aspiechat IRC channel - An IRC channel for those who have autism, Asperger's, or a similar condition.

AspieTALK (UK) - Online community for teens and adults in the UK with Asperger's Syndrome.

AutFriends - For persons with autism, their friends, families, and caregivers. For anyone who has an interest in autism, Asperger's Syndrome, or related conditions.

Autinet Forum - A free, open, unmoderated electronic list discussing all aspects of Autism and developmental disorders, but especially High-Function Autism (HFA) and Asperger's Syndrome (AS).

Autism and Jesus Message Board - To connect Christian parents whose children have autism spectrum disorders.

Autism Awareness Campaign - Raising awareness of autism in the United Kingdom and securing added resources to tackle the disorders and their aftermath.

The #Autism Channel - Starlink-IRC channel for the discussion of Autism and related disorders such as PDD and Asperger's Syndrome.

Autism Educators - This group is open to practitioners involved in the education of children with ASD. The aim is to exchange practical teaching ideas and experiences.

Autism Forum and Chat - Autism spectrum disorders in the author's own words, with links to other relevant sites, a chat room, and message board.

Autism Message Board - From Healthboards.com

Autismtalk.net - User friendly environment to learn, network and talk with other people about Autism and its related disorders.

Talk Autism Chat - Scheduled chats with guests. Transcripts posted on site.

Autism - Asperger's syndrome

AS - IF (Asperger Information) - Information and resources incl. sections on diagnosis, treatment, causes, discrimination, history, education, employment, social skills, links, and a Pen Pal list.

AS Partners - A support group for spouses or partners of people with Asperger Syndrome. Learn about the characteristics which affect personal relationships and family dynamics.

AS Teens - A teen with Asperger's Syndrome helps other teens with the same disease to cope with their everyday problems and concerns.

The Asperger Marriage Web Site - A site for adults with Asperger Syndrome and their partners

Asperger Norfolk - Help, support, care and information relating to Asperger Syndrome for individuals and their families.

Asperger Planet - Support and information for parents and educators.

Asperger Syndrome Support Forum - This moderated messageboard/chatroom support forum is open to parents of children with AS, adults with AS and professionals who work with them. This is a sign up page for delphi.

AsperGerl's Realm - A site dedicated to educating others about Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD. Maintained by an adult with Asperger's.

The Asperger's Connection Campaign - Campaign to highlight Asperger's Syndrome as a set of traits that makes people unique, rather than a condition.

Asperger's Disorder - How this disorder affects children, adolescents and adults and treatment options. Authored by Carol E. Watkins, M.D.

Asperger's Family Forum - Information and support regarding Asperger's Syndrome.

Asperger's Page at Family Village - Links to resources.

Asperger's Syndrome - Brief introduction to this condition on the high functioning edge of the autistic spectrum and links to other resources.

Asperger's Syndrome - Description, reviewed links, and recommended books.

Asperger's Syndrome - Article describing the syndrome.

Aspergers Syndrome in Our Family - Information about AS, our 11 year old daughter, and a personal testimony about how AS affects our entire family.

Asperger's Syndrome Info - Information and resources about Asperger's Syndrome.

Asperger's Syndrome Information Pages - From the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic.

Asperger's Syndrome Internet Support Network - A virtual bulletin board for parents of children with AS to network.

Asperger's Syndrome Support Network - Volunteer-run organisation organizes social and educational activities for families, children, siblings, adults with Asperger's Syndrome, carers and professionals.

Aspergia.com - Offers advice centered on the idea that Asperger's Syndrome is a special state of mind rather than a disease. Features information, discussion boards, mailing list, and contact details.

Aspie.com - A resource site for Asperger's Syndrome by AS author Liane Holliday Willey.

Autism Spectrum Pages - Discusses relationships for people with Autism/Asperger's.

Ben's Asperger Room - Contains information, news, message board and more from Ben a 22 year old UK male with Asperger's Syndrome.

CARING - Cincinnati Asperger Resource Information and Networking Group - Support group for families in Cincinnati dealing with Asperger Syndrome, HFA, PDD/NOS and other Autism spectrum disorders.

Center for the Study of Autism - Often individuals with Asperger's syndrome have many of the behaviors listed below:...

David Charles Gratiot - Personal page of person with Asperger's Syndrome.

Directory for Asperger Syndrome - Resources for Asperger Syndrome, including support groups, articles, personal accounts, books and videos.

FAAAS - Families of Adults Afflicted with Asperger's Syndrome - A support group that is aimed at the families of those afflicted with Asperger's Syndrome. Especially those whose relative has not been correctly diagnosed until they are well into adulthood.

GAIA - Gifted Adult's Inventory of Aspergerisms - Questionnaire to research and detect features of Asperger's Syndrome and related disorders in gifted adults.

KeepKidsHealthy - An article about Asperger syndrome, including a reading list and web resources.

KJP's Asperger's Syndrome Site - A personal story of Kevin Phillips, who has this disorder.

Living with Asperger's - The story of one person's experience growing up with Asperger's syndrome.

MAAP - A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information and advice to families of More advanced individuals with Autism, Asperger's syndrome, and Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD).

Methods and Technicques for Educators of Asperger's or Autistic Spectrum Disorder - Conferences that offer methods and techniques to empower educators to effectively reach and teach the Asperger's or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) student.

MFTSource Treatment: Aspergers - Features DSM IV diagnostics, links to audio broadcasts, screening tools, classroom aids, and related resources.

NINDS Asperger Syndrome Information Page - Asperger Syndrome information sheet compiled by NINDS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

OASIS: Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support - Includes research papers, support groups, clinicians, research projects, educational resources, message board/chatroom, and contributions from individuals and families.

Rose Garden Children's Foundation - Promotes ethical and responsible psychosocial interventions for children with Asperger's Syndrome. Offers articles, advice and links to related resources.

Social communication research programme for those with AS - Ongoing research into a variety of multimedia social skills training initiatives for adolescents and young adults with Asperger syndrome.

[Suite 101] Asperger's Syndrome - Articles and reviewed links.

Tony Attwood - Resources, information on Dr. Attwood's presentation schedule, messages and issues related to Asperger's Syndrome, and papers he has written on related topics.

Personal pages and stories

About Autism - By the parents of Zoe, a little girl diagnosed with autism.

About Autism - Free opt in email newsletter about autism for parents and caregivers. Information, definitions, and links.

Advice for People with Autism or Related Conditions - Eric's story about autism and how it affects him, possible causes of autism, treatments and symptoms of autism or related disorder.

Amanda Baggs Non-Site - Personal non-site and FAQ by an autistic woman who used to have a more extensive website, and where to find her current writing on autism and related issues.

Amy Marr - Asperger's Syndrome and My Brother Timothy - Tim, despite his struggles with Asperger's, is amazing. Since he was three, he's had a fascination with anything electronic, such as hand-held video games, various appliances including the family VCR, and computers.

Angels with Autism - Information by a parent of a young man with autism. Pictures and links.

Apryl's Home Page - Autism links, gripes, pictures, and things not to say to a parent of an autistic child.

Ariel - Created to educate others about Autism and raising a child with special needs. Personal accounts, support group, and resources.

Asperger Curse Confessions - Daily thoughts and reminiscings of a man diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in middle age.

The Asperger's Express - Describes the effects of autism on our family. Chronicles our daughter's outstanding progress using Greenspan's Floor Time. Advocacy advice for parents, especially those in NJ. Includes section on Montessori education.

Autism, Aspergers & Related Topics - Polls, message board, books, poems, information, news, and resources.

Autism Awareness Campaign in Sri Lanka - Calling and lobbying for more public services for the Autistic Community in Sri Lanka.

Autism Family Circle - Informative and resourceful site for autism and related disabilities. Established by mother of four with autism.

Autism Help For you - Free book on one mother's story of her experiences with her autistic child, including what therapies worked and did not work. Detailed dietary info.

Autism Information - A guide written by the parents of an autistic child. Features information about diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Also offers links to related resources.

Autistic Advocacy - A repository of pro-autistic articles, editorials, and humor by Frank Klein.

Autistic Spectrum - Excerpts from the book Detours in My Mind: Reflections on the Paradoxes of High Functioning Autism. Describes experiences of Lars Perner and proposes general issues in high functioning autism.

Autistics.org - To connect autistic people with the services needed to live whole and happy lives. The immediate goal is to build a global database of information and resources by and for persons on the autistic spectrum.

Berthajane Vandegrift - Tiger By the Tail - The personal story of a "disturbed child", which raises questions about the psychology industry.

Bradley Olson-A Person With Autism - Personal profile of being autistic.

Bruuce Jones' A Guide to Autism - Links, a basic description of autism, the genetics of autism, and the joys and hardships of autism.

Castigating Assumptions About Mental Retardation - Essential reading for anyone interested in autism. How facilitated communication changed her world.

Cecilia's Pet Gallery - Autistic young woman loves to photograph her pets and show them on the web for others to share.

Charlotte Proctor's Let Me Tell You About My Grandchildren... - Successful early intervention for a child diagnosed with first pervasive developmental disorder, then Asperger's Syndrome.

Dancing in Cornmeal - Life With Autism - A parent's story, educational manual and inspirational essays.

Dave Spicer - Links, articles, and information on Asperger's syndrome.

David Nicholas Andrews - AspergerArtforms - Helping people to understand a little more about autism and what it is like to be autistic.

David Miedzianik - Poetry - The poems of loneliness and despair of an autistic adult after his parents have passed away.

David's Autism: Asperger Syndrome Page - About Asperger Syndrome, autism and ADHD. Links and contact pages. IRC-chat for autistic people only. Swedish mailing list.

Delp's Hope Page - An educational Autism site based on one family's personal experiences.

Donna Williams - The author of "Nobody Nowhere" and "Somebody Somewhere" discusses her life and work.

Eileen - Autism and Aspergers Syndrome~A Mother's Personal Experience - Timmy, 7, has Asperger's Syndrome, is very high functioning. Jordan, who is two years old "non-verbal" diagnosed at Children's Hospital in Boston with Autism and Mental Retardation is the most precious thing in the world.

Georges Huard - Living with Aspergers Syndrome - Personal account and art work. [English, French]

Gunilla Gerland's Articles - Ad articles about treatment and views on autism and Aspergers syndrome, written by a person with the disorder herself.

Hans T. - Autism 4-Um - Has an autistic sister named Jackie. Dedicated to people who have loved ones with this behavior disorder. Personal Journal.

Hugs Feel Good - Free downloadable books for and by autists.

Inside the Bubble - A mothers account of her son's progress including book reviews, resources, and details of the Applied Behavioural Analysis teaching method.

Janet Lawrence - Welcome to Holland - Becoming a parent of a child diagnosed with Autism is a lot like being prepared for a trip to Italy and ending up in Holland instead..

Jasmine's Marfans/CF/** AUTISM** - Story of a child who is premature, behind in development, and autisic.

Jay Goldwein MA - Personal page of a psychologist, discussing applied behavior analysis and inline skating.

Jayna Girl's Website - Information for anyone living with, or trying to understand, a child with PDD-NOS. Topics include a definition of autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and related resources.

Jesus and Autism Awareness - The testimony of Ivan and Charika Corea.

Jillene Haas - Disabilities Resource Page - Favorite and most useful links to help other teachers and parents find information easier on the Internet.

John Bald - A Maine Family's Early Intervention Program for Autism - The Balds' son was first diagnosed at age 2½. The site shares what has been learned over the past four years since then, especially about the behavioral intervention program run for him.

John Mark's Autism In The Philippines - It is our main objective that what had happened to our son will be a source of encouragement and resource to parents dealing with the same challenge--Autism.

Jonathon's World - Dedicated to Jonathan who was diagnosed Autistic at age 2 in 1995. Definition of autism and Jonathon's story.

Joshua's Autism Support Task Force - Dedicated to bringing information on autism and the effect it has on us all.

Joshua's Garden-A Mother's meditation - This is one meditation written by a mother about her son Joshua. Joshua is now a teen with autism. We hope that it will bless you.

Julie Allen - Autism and Zach - My story and feelings about my son's diagnosis.

Just This Side of Normal - Weblog of a family's struggles with autism.

Kathleen Deyer Bouldec - Christian author and mother reveals her book about the journey with her son's disability. "His Name Is Joel". This site gives an introduction to the book that will strike a chord any mother/father on the same journey.

Keddy's Korner On Autism - My son, Brandon, has autism and epilepsy.

Little Boy - Big Heart - Information about a son diagnosed with autism.

Little David's Autism Page - The story of my son's autism. Also pictures, sounds and weekly updates on our struggle with autism.

Living with Asperger's Syndrome - One family's story of the ups and downs when one of its members is affected by Asperger's Syndrome.

Madore Family's Resource Site About Autism - Story of their son Andrew, with links to information on autism, PDD, treatments, diet, sensory integration, conferences, ABA, resources and education.

Martha Kate Downey - Support and information about Asperger's Syndrome, Noonan Syndrome, autism, and other disorders.

Martin Courtney's A Parent's Perspective - An English site, put together by parents of an Autistic child.

Megans Progress - Weblog recording information about the author's daughter and her progression as a child with ASD.

Melissa and Cody - My son was diagnosed with autism, a severe developmental disability, when he was three years old. My son is now 9 years old and the greatest challenge of my life. His sister, Melissa, is 12 years old. She is a bright, fun, enthusiastic girl.

Microgalaxy - Inside my head: What it's like to have Asperger's/Autism. - This is a page about Asperger's Syndrome (also known as Asperger's Disorder), though at times may also include HFA, PDD, and PDDNOS.

Misha's Marching to the Beat of a Different Drum - Information on Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, PDD's, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and how these affect 4 out of 5 of our children.

Mom's Autism Page for T.J. - Information on Autism and similar diagnoses, along with personal experience of parenting a child with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD).

Montague Family's Our Asperger Page - All three of my children - my oldest son Barry, my middle son, Devon and my daughter Anastasia have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

Neral's Autism Website - How it is being autistic different.

Nick Fusco - A is for Autism - Our daughter, Leslie, was first diagnosed around three and a half with PDD/Autism.

Nielson Family - Anders does not speak very well, and it is very important for him, that his world is structured. He is interested in computers and at home he uses the computer for games. His family would like to communicate with families in a similar situation.

Ooops...Wrong Planet Syndrome - Links, articles, and information on Asperger's Syndrome.

Overcoming Autism Art - Living with, understanding and overcoming Autism, Asperger Syndrome and Savant Brain seen in digital art opens inner worlds of incurable conditions.

Pamela Glaser - My Favorite Things - Pamela is our Pooh and she even says 'Oh, bother!' occasionally. This page covers the autism therapies we have pursued and covers Pamela's interests and academic work.

A Parent's Understanding of Autism and Asperger Syndrome - An interpretation of Autism and Asperger Syndrome based on the personal experience of a parent of a special son.

Phil's World - A personal perspective of a sufferer of Asperger's Syndrome

Quartz - Autism - Personal account from an 18 years old with high functioning autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, and hyperlexia.

Rainmama's Page - Devoted to my eldest child Matthew who has autism syndrome. The purpose is to share our experiences with others and to share my inclusion classroom.

Raynmom2's Home Page - Personal account of raising a child with autism, hyperlexia, ODD and musical savant characteristics. Spans twenty years.

Ray's Autism Pages - I have been in the Autism world you might say for 15 years. I have come to have a certain perspective on Autism and how it relates to parents, professionals and the common world.

Richard Hudson 's Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Disability Rights, Dating, Friendship & Advocasy Home Page - Twenty three year old with a form of High Functioning Autism called Asperger Syndrome. Personal account and resource links.

Richard Wawro, Artist - Remarkable autistic savant artist from Scotland. A real rainman.

Richy's personal web site - Personal web site of Rich Allen, an Asperger's sufferer from the United Kingdom.

Robbie's Autism Site - Son who has autism spectrum disorder: pictures of Robbie, links and articles concerning Autism.

Samantha's Autism - The invisible disorder - These web pages will introduce our seven year old Autistic daughter Samantha, the disorder of Autism in general, and what she (and everyone around her) has gone through in the last six years.

Segaran Ramodran - Autism Support Borneo - We are in Sabah, Malaysia,(in Borneo),our son, 4 yr 8 months,Jishen Varma is an adorable lad with autism.We do have some help here,and we have also learn quite a lot from the net. We have a group of parents with similar children,we hope to hear from parents all over.Please write to us...

Shannon's Story - Home schooling your child with an autistic spectrum disorder. Personal story and resources.

Shelley's Account With Asperger's Syndrome - Personal account of Asperger's Syndrome. The daughter was dx'ed when she was five. A lot of links to other AS sites. Includes information on support group in Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

Spencer's Story - Personal story about battling Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder.

Stan and Becky Rodrigues' Autistic Hope - A true account of our daughter's remarkable recovery from Autism. Mis-diagnosed as Childhood Schizophrenia, PDD, and ADHD, nearly Psychotic a year ago, drugs are no longer necessary, behavior is normalized.

Stephen and Tanya Peace - Autism and Oliver - Oliver is 5 years old. He was officially diagnosed as a child with autism shortly after his 4th birthday.

Steve Nichol's Living with an Asperger Child - My son is 13 years old and has Asperger Syndrome.

Tabitha's World - Tabitha is our 12 year old daughter who was born with Turners Syndrome and at 18 months old was diagnosed with Autism and developmentally delayed.

Talk About Curing Autism - Family's story, introduction to autism, biomedical intervention, dietary intervention, and behavioral based therapy, resources for providers.

Tammy Dotson - Life With a PDD-NOS Child - Our son Zachary age 6 was diagnosed PDD-NOS, a mild autism spectrum disorder.

Terry's Autism Awareness - Links to autism sites, autism information, and intervention.

The Tim Nickson Realm - How I and my parents coped when I was diagnosed with autism as a child, with being bullied at a mainstream comprehensive school as a teenager.

Tiph's Autism Planet - My name is Tiphanie. I work with autistic students at my school. I help them with their work, and do group activities with them.

Tony's Home Page - Being autistic and gay.

Understanding Autism in Adults - Insights into what it is like to be a high functioning autistic, from the perspective of an adult autistic.

Wesley's Way - Wesley is a 6 year old boy with autism. He has RSP, OT and Speech Classes as well. This page will hopefully show how Wesley "does it" and how we his parents, teachers and friends help teach him, love him and accept him, and most importantly what he is teaching us as well.

Who Let the Dogs Out? - A family's story of their struggle to recover their child from Autism.

Yutaka Sato's Coming to the USA with an Autistic Child - American people have a lot of things for which they can be proud which are unique in the world. I believe the greatest one is the special education for disabled children.

Autism - products, videos, books

Autism Gifts and Fundraisers   - Links to awareness items from support groups and foundations.

All God's Children Living with Autism - A music CD for the parents, family, and friends of an autistic child.

ANCA Consulting - Naturally Autistic ANCA tapes, books, videos, and other products have been developed by autistic people.

Augmentative Resources - Augmentative and Alternative AAC Communication books and Velcro displays for use with picture symbols/objects. Products for Children/Adults with Autism, Cerebral Palsy or Dysarthria.

Autism & Developmental Disabilities Resource Catalog - Potty training, toys, books, videos, vitamins, and food substitutes.

Autism Academy Courseware CD-ROM - Interactive ABA course on CD-ROM for teaching educators and parents how to effectively educate children with autism.

Autism Recovery Network - Buttons, bumper stickers, pins, bookmarks, and books.

Autism Teaching Tools - Two videos, "Evy's Progress to Recovery" and "The Early Learner at Home". Site includes teaching tips and reviews of teaching materials for designing programs.

AutismOnline - Provides multi-language products for the education of children with autism. Books in Spanish, Korean, Arabic, and Turkish. Also software and photo schedule boards that speakers of any language can use with individuals with autism.

AutiToys - Specialized toys for autistic children, some designed by this company.

Bridges ABA Tapes - A series of videotapes developed to help parents, teachers, physicians and other professionals establish an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program for children with autism.

Call4aCure Phone Fundraising for Autism - Sells phone services to raise money for autism.

Care Trak, Inc. - Electronic tracking of seniors and special needs kids who wander off from familiar surroundings.

Continuing Education Programs of America - Autism videos.

Coulter Video - Asperger Syndrome videotapes, including "Asperger Syndrome: Success in the Mainstream Classroom", with practical tips from parents and hands-on professionals.

Donna Williams Music CD - Autistic author of several best-selling books about living within the world of autism, has now created a music CD.

Early Learning Images - Produces elliecards, a series of laminated photo cards intended as an augmentative communication system for young children with special needs.

EASe CD - For auditory hypersensitive, autistic, downs syndrome, pdd and add children.

Fanlight Productions - Offers informational and motivational videos.

Gaining Face - Software to help people with Asperger's syndrome, high-functioning autism, and similar issues learn to recognize facial expressions.

Gather Stars for Your Children - Songs that teach social skills to children with developmental difficulties. Sound samples available at the web site.

In Your Pocket Designs - Weighted vests for children who are easily distracted, hypersensitive and lacking in concentration. Ready-to-wear and multi-size patterns available.

Interactive Metronome - Provides a PC-based educational technology aimed at exercising a number of underlying central nervous system processing capacities involved in motor regulation and the ability to focus and attend.

KidAccess - Eyecons are a tool for organizing the worlds of non-readers and other visual learners. Concrete, visually engaging, and customizable, they can be used to develop and reinforce important cognitive and communication skills.

Kind Tree: Autism Services - Autism-themed T-shirts, greeting cards, and books.

Kirkman Labs - Nutritional supplements for autism.

Love and Learning Kits - Audio, video, and book learning kits to help autistic infants and toddlers with language and reading.

Made By Mom - Communication and scheduling solutions for people with disabilities.

OT Ideas, inc. - Pproducts designed by occupational therapists to help young children develop fine motor and visual motor skills.

Quiet Quilts - Weighted quilts to meet the sensory needs of children and adults with autism, ADHD, PDD, Sensory Integration Dysfunction and Insomnia.

Safespaces - Flexible alternative to room padding for people with special needs. Used for bedrooms, playrooms, and sensory areas. Also special needs equipment and soft play items.

Scientific Learning Corporation - Fast ForWord uses the Internet and adaptive training technology to significantly improve critical language skills including reading.

Sensory Corner - Multisensory furniture for relaxation and therapy of autism and other learning disorders. Developed by Sensco to combine the elements of a multi sensory room with a seating unit. [Requires Flash]

SerenAid - A United States patented, multi-enzyme nutritional aid for autistic children. Site features research information, test results, product specifications, and frequently asked questions.

Shoebox Tasks - Educational activities for young children with autism and/or severe cognitive delays.

Silver Lining Multimedia - Create photo flash cards quickly and easily using Picture This..., a CD-ROM produced by Silver Lining. The high-resolution photos are designed to be used in teaching language to special needs children or students of foreign languages.

South Paw Enterprises, Inc. - A manufacturer of Sensory Integration and Neuro- Developmental Products for the therapeutic professional and special needs person.

Stitches 4 Autism - Embroidered shirts, tote bags, holy bears and ribbons. Portion of profits to go to autism support group for therapies and grants.

Structured Autism Materials - Educational materials for autism, Asperger's, and Down syndrome.

Take a Swing - Sensory integration products for treatment of autism and other developmental disorders. Featuring the Homestand II swing stand.

Talking With Pictures - Books, resources, and supporting materials for non-verbal children with autism using the Picture Exchange Communications System. (PECS)

Velvasoft Products - Deep pressure sensory vest, weighted lap pad, weighted vest, weighted blanket, weighted collar, helping hand, and communication apron.

Your Autism Coach - Supplements, dietary products, and software for children in the autism spectrum.

Autism - teaching methods

The Autism Education Network - Information regarding autism interventions, resources, advocacy, special education law, and the special education system.

Autism How-to - Teaching programs addressing academic, behavioral, communication, readiness, self-care, and social skills needs of autistic people and their caregivers.

Autism: Interventions and Strategies for Success - Six articles by Susan Stokes on teaching methods and techniques, including assistive technology, structured teaching, communication, and learning styles in Asperger's Syndrome.

AutismWeb: A Parents' Resource Guide - A guide to the diagnosis, treatment and education of children with autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). A comparison of teaching methods, plus a message board.

Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies - A Massachusetts based provider of applied behavior analysis that gives detailed information about autism, ABA, and clients' rights. What to look for in a behavioral program and what to look out for.

Gentle Teaching International - A philosophy that facilitates self-determination by fostering loving trusting relationships between people with special needs and their caregivers.

IconTalk - Autism Resources - Structured teaching approach, consulting and product information for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other severe communication problems.

Intro to Basic Concepts of ABA - Learn about the basic concepts in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and how they can be applied to the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention - Behavioral intervention program developed in the Psychology Department of UCLA under the direction of Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas. It is based on extensive clinical experience and more than 35 years of scientific research.

PDD/Autism Successful Strategies - Parent and Behavior Consultant provides helpful strategies to use at home and school.

The PLAY Project - Offers information on the Floortime Model, early intervention, expanding play, and on becoming an effective play companion. Hosted by the University of Michigan Health System.

Pyramid Educational Systems (PECS) - Home site of the Pyramid Education Consultants, the inventors of the Picture Exchange Communication System, a method of using picture symbols to facilitate communication for children with no verbal language.

Relationships in the Spectrum - Exercises - A teaching method for helping autistic people understand the nuances of daily negotiated transactions.

Social Skill Builder - SSB offers a series of interactive CD-ROM software programs for children who have difficulty with social behaviors and interaction. Resources target skills such as peer relationships, emotions, classroom and socially appropriate behaviors.

Social Skills Training - Summary of a program designed for children with autism written by Scott C. Bellini for IRCA Articles, Access Autism. Features tips for developing a successful social skills class.

Special Tools for Learning - Detailed information on using visual aids and instruction for people with autism and learning disabilities.

Stages Learning Materials - Photographic flash cards and posters to teach basic language and communication skills to individuals with autism and related disorders.

Teaching Children with Autism - Encompasses a variety of instructional techniques and philosophies for teaching children with autism, plus applicable information for parents and professionals alike.

Teaching the Autistic Child - Strategies for engaging the autistic child in learning.

Tinsnips - A special education resource for teachers of students with autistic spectrum disorder which includes: printable activity sheets, folder games, and communication augments. The links are specific to special education and autism.

Treatment and Education of Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) - Structured teaching methods devised by Dr. Eric Schopler and Dr. Gary Mesibov of the University of North Carolina. This site has articles and how to sign up for training.

Wendy Hillier - ABA Consultant, Salt Lake City - Providing consultation and therapy to the Salt Lake Valley in the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis and Discrete Trail Teaching for children with Autism.

The West Virginia Autism Training Center - Program of education, socialization, training and treatment at the Marshall University College of Education. Features mission statement, program history, description of services, links to related sites, and contact details.

World of Class 5: See How they Learn - Concise definition of autism spectrum disorder as well as information about teaching methods like Applied Behavior Analysis and Picture Exchange Communication Systems. Included are great classroom/home ideas, real work by real kids, and a listing of manufacturers of educational supplies and curricula.

Autism - informational article

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in delays of "social interaction, language as used in social communication, or symbolic or imaginative play," with "onset prior to age 3 years," according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The ICD-10 also requires symptoms to be "manifest before the age of three years." Autism is often not physiologically obvious, in that outward appearance may not indicate a disorder, and diagnosis typically comes from a complete physical and neurological evaluation.

There have been large increases in diagnosed autism, for reasons that are heavily debated by researchers in psychology and related fields within the scientific community. Some believe this increase is largely due to changed diagnostic criteria and/or societal factors, while others think the reason is environmental. The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders to be between 2 and 6 per 1000 births (i.e., between 1 in 500 and 1 in 166 births). The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states the "best conservative estimate" as 1 in 1000.

Although the specific causes of autism are unknown, there is a large database of links between autism and genetic loci that span every chromosome. Further, observations such as autistic children having generally larger head circumferences are intriguing, but their roles in the disorder are unclear. Research continues, however; researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, for example, claim to have found a link between autism, abnormal blood vessel function, and oxidative stress (the result of higher levels of free radicals). This suggests that doors may be opened to new medical therapies if researchers can find more evidence linking decreased blood flow to the brain and oxidative stress with the pathology of autism.

With early intervention, intense therapies (most notably Applied Behavioral Analysis), practice, and schooling, some children diagnosed with autism may improve on their skills to the point of neurotypical children. Some autistic children and adults are opposed to attempts to cure autism, because they see autism as part of who they are.

History

The word "autism" was first used in the English language by Swiss psychiatrist Eugene Bleuler in a 1912 issue of the American Journal of Insanity. It comes from the Greek word for "self," (autos). Bleuler used it to describe the schizophrenic's seeming difficulty in connecting with other people.

However, the classification of autism did not occur until 1943 when psychiatrist Dr. Leo Kanner of the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore reported on 11 child patients with striking behavioral similarities and introduced the label "early infantile autism." He suggested the term "autism" to describe the fact that the children seemed to lack interest in other people. Kanner's first paper on the subject was published in a now defunct journal called The Nervous Child, and almost every characteristic he originally described is still regarded as typical of the autistic spectrum of disorders.

At the same time, an Austrian scientist named Dr. Hans Asperger made similar observations, although his name has since become attached to a different higher-functioning form of autism known as Asperger's syndrome. Widespread recognition of Asperger's work was delayed by World War II in Germany, and by his seminal paper not being translated into English for almost 50 years. The majority of his work wasn't widely read until 1997.

Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are today listed in the DSM-IV-TR as two of the five pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), which are also referred to as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). All of these conditions are characterized by varying degrees of deficiencies in communication skills and social interactions, along with restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior.

Characteristics

Individuals diagnosed with autism can vary greatly in skills and behaviors, and their sensory system is quite different from that of other people. Certain stimulations, such as sounds, lights, and touch, will often affect someone with autism differently than someone without, and the degree to which the sensory system is affected can vary greatly from one individual to another. On the surface, individuals who have autism are physically indistinguishable from those without. Sometimes autism co-occurs with other disorders, and in those cases outward differences may be apparent. Enlarged brain size appears to accompany autism, but the effects of this are still unknown.

In assessing developmental delays, different physicians may not always arrive at the same conclusions. Much of this is due to the somewhat vague diagnostic criteria for autism, paired with an absence of objective diagnostic tests. Nevertheless, professionals within pediatrics, child psychology, behavior analysis, and child development are always looking for early indicators of autism in order to initiate treatment as early as possible for the greatest benefit.

Social development

Typically-developing infants are social beings—early in life they gaze at people, turn toward voices, grasp at fingers, and smile. In contrast, most autistic children do not show special interest in faces and seem to have tremendous difficulty learning to engage in everyday human interaction. Even in the first few months of life, many autistic children seem indifferent to other people, lacking the eye contact and interaction with others that non-autistic children are expected to exhibit. Some infants with autism may appear very calm; they may cry less often because they do not seek parental attention or ministration.

Autistic children often seem to prefer being alone and may passively accept such things as hugs and cuddling without reciprocating, or resist attention altogether. Later, they seldom seek comfort from others or respond to parents' displays of anger or affection in a typical way. Research has suggested that although autistic children are attached to their parents, their expression of this attachment may be unusual and difficult to interpret.

According to Simon Baron-Cohen et al, many autistic children appear to lack a "theory of mind," which is the ability to see things from another person's perspective. This is a behavior cited as being exclusive to human beings above the age of five and possibly, to a lesser degree, to other higher primates such as adult gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos. Typical 5-year-olds can usually develop insights into other people's knowledge, feelings, and intentions based on social cues (e.g., gestures and facial expressions). An autistic individual may lack these interpretation skills, leaving them unable to predict or understand other people's actions or intentions.

Children with autism often experience social alienation during their school-age years. As a response to this, or perhaps because their social surroundings simply do not "fit" them, many report inventing imaginary friends, worlds, or scenarios. Making friends in real life and maintaining those friendships often proves to be difficult for those with autism.

Although not universal, it is common for autistics to have difficulty regulating their behavior, resulting in crying, verbal outbursts, or self-injurious behaviors that seem inappropriate or without cause. Those who have autism generally prefer consistent routines and environments, and they may react negatively to changes in their surroundings. It is not uncommon for these individuals to exhibit aggression, increased levels of self-stimulatory behavior, self-injury, or extensive withdrawal in overwhelming situations. However, as the child matures and receives education/training, he or she can gradually learn to control such behaviors and cope with difficult changes in other ways.

Sensory system

Clinicians making a proper assessment for autism would look for symptoms much like those found in Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Children will exhibit problems coping with normal sensory input. Indicators of autism include oversensitivity or underreactivity to touch, movement, sights, or sounds; physical clumsiness or carelessness; poor body awareness; a tendency to be easily distracted; impulsive physical or verbal behavior; an activity level that is unusually high or low; not unwinding or calming oneself; difficulty learning new movements; difficulty in making transitions from one situation to another; social and/or emotional problems; delays in speech, language or motor skills; specific learning difficulties/delays in academic achievement. However, it is important to remember that while most people with autism have some degree of sensory integration difficulty, not every person who has sensory problems is autistic.

One common example is autistic hearing. An autistic person may have trouble hearing certain people while other people are perceived as speaking at a higher volume. Or the autistic may be unable to filter out sounds in certain situations, such as in a large crowd of people (see cocktail party effect). However, this is perhaps a part of autism that tends to vary widely from person to person, so these examples may not apply to every autistic person. Note that such auditory difficulties fall under auditory processing disorders, and like sensory integration dysfunction, are not necessarily experienced by all people with autism or indicative of a diagnosis of autism.

Communication difficulties

By age 3, typical children have passed predictable language learning milestones; one of the earliest is babbling. By the first birthday, a typical toddler says words, turns when he or she hears his or her name, points when he or she wants a toy, and when offered something distasteful, makes it clear that the answer is "no." It should be noted, however, that late language development does occur in a minority of neurotypical children.

Speech development in people with autism takes different paths than the majority of neurotypical children. Some remain mute throughout their lives with varying degrees of literacy; communication in other ways—images, visual clues, sign language, and typing may be far more natural to them. Contrary to the prevailing traditional stereotype of mute people with Kanner-type autism, around one third of people diagnosed with this type of autism will develop what is often viewed as dysfunctional verbal language, relying on rote learned stored phrases, songs, jingles and advertisements. Those with the autism spectrum condition of Semantic Pragmatic Disorder fall into this group.

Those who do speak sometimes use language in unusual ways, retaining features of earlier stages of language development for long periods or throughout their lives. Some speak only single words, while others repeat a mimicked phrase over and over. Some repeat what they hear, a condition called echolalia. Sing-song repetitions in particular are a calming, joyous activity that many autistic adults engage in. Many people with autism have a strong tonal sense, and can often understand at least some spoken language whilst others can understand language fluently.

Some children may exhibit only slight delays in language, or even seem to have precocious language and unusually large vocabularies, but have great difficulty in sustaining typical conversations. The "give and take" of non-autistic conversation is hard for them, although they often carry on a monologue on a favorite subject, giving no one else an opportunity to comment. When given the chance to converse with other autistics, they comfortably do so in "parallel monologue"—taking turns expressing views and information. [citation needed] Just as "neurotypicals" (people without autism) have trouble understanding autistic body languages, vocal tones, or phraseology, people with autism similarly have trouble with such things in people without autism. In particular, autistic language abilities tend to be highly literal; people without autism often inappropriately attribute hidden meaning to what people with autism say or expect the person with autism to sense such unstated meaning in their own words.

Some people with high-functioning Autism demonstrate advanced cognitive ability, but lack the skills or are not inclined to interact with others socially. An example of the this is the noted autistic Temple Grandin, who holds a PhD and is a successful developer of livestock handling technologies. She describes her inability to understand the social communication of neurotypicals as leaving her feeling "like an anthropologist on Mars." Grandin's case was described by neurologist Oliver Sacks in his 1995 book titled An Anthropologist on Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales.

Some infants who later show signs of autism coo and babble during the first few months of life, but stop soon afterwards. Others may be delayed, developing language as late as the teenage years. Still, inability to speak does not mean that people with autism are unintelligent or unaware. Once given appropriate accommodations, some will happily converse for hours, and can often be found in online chat rooms, discussion boards or websites and even using communication devices at autism-community social events such as Autreat.

Sometimes, the body language of people with autism can be difficult for other people to understand. Facial expressions, movements, and gestures may be easily understood by some other people with autism, but do not match those used by other people. Also, their tone of voice has a much more subtle inflection in reflecting their feelings, and the auditory system of a person without autism often cannot sense the fluctuations. What seems to non-autistic people like odd prosody; things like a high-pitched, sing-song, or flat, robot-like voice may be common in autistic children and some will have combinations of these prosody issues. Some autistic children with relatively good language skills speak like little adults, rather than communicating at their current age level, which is one of the things that can lead to problems.

Since non-autistic people are often unfamiliar with the autistic body language, and since autistic natural language may not tend towards speech, autistic people often struggle to let other people know what they need. As anybody might do in such a situation, they may scream in frustration or resort to grabbing what they want. While waiting for non-autistic people to learn to communicate with them, people with autism do whatever they can to get through to them. Communication difficulties may contribute to autistic people becoming socially anxious or depressed or prone to self-injurious behaviours. Recently, with the awareness that those with autism can have more than one condition, a significant percentage of people with autism are being diagnosed with co-morbid mood, anxiety and compulsive disorders which may also contribute to behavioural and functioning challenges.

Repetitive behaviors

Although people with autism usually appear physically normal and have good muscle control, unusual repetitive motions, known as self-stimulation or "stimming," may set them apart. These behaviors might be extreme and highly apparent or more subtle. Some children and older individuals spend a lot of time repeatedly flapping their arms or wiggling their toes, others suddenly freeze in position. As children, they might spend hours lining up their cars and trains in a certain way, not using them for the type of pretend play expected of a non-autistic child. If someone accidentally moves one of these toys, the child may be tremendously upset. Autistic children often need, and demand, absolute consistency in their environment. A slight change in any routine—in mealtimes, dressing, taking a bath, or going to school at a certain time and by the same route—can be extremely disturbing to them. Autistics sometimes have persistent, intense preoccupations. For example, the child might be obsessed with learning all about computers, TV programs and movie schedules or lighthouses. Often they show great interest in different languages, numbers, symbols or science topics. Repetitive behaviors can also extend into the spoken word as well. Perseveration of a single word or phrase, even for a specific number of times can also become a part of the child's daily routine.

Effects in education

Children with autism are affected by their symptoms every day, which set them apart from unaffected students. Because of problems with receptive language and theory of mind, they can have difficulty understanding some classroom directions and instruction, along with subtle vocal and facial cues of teachers. This inability to fully decipher the world around them often makes education stressful. Teachers need to be aware of a student's disorder, and ideally should have specific training in autism education, so that they are able to help the student get the best out of his or her classroom experiences.

Some students learn more effectively with visual aids as they are better able to understand material presented visually. Because of this, many teachers create “visual schedules” for their autistic students. This allows students to concretely see what is going on throughout the day, so they know what to prepare for and what activity they will be doing next. Some autistic children have trouble going from one activity to the next, so this visual schedule can help to reduce stress.

Research has shown that working in pairs may be beneficial to autistic children. Autistic students have problems not only with language and communication, but with socialization as well. By facilitating peer interaction, teachers can help their students with autism make friends, which in turn can help them cope with problems. This can help them to become more integrated into the mainstream environment of the classroom.

A teacher's aide can also be useful to the student. The aide is able to give more elaborate directions that the teacher may not have time to explain to the autistic child and can help the child to stay at a equivalent level to the rest of the class through the special one-on-one instruction. However, some argue that students with one-on-one aides may become overly dependent on the help, thus leading to difficulty with independence later on.

There are many different techniques that teachers can use to assist their students. A teacher needs to become familiar with the child’s disorder to know what will work best with that particular child. Every child is going to be different and teachers have to be able to adjust with every one of them.

Students with autism spectrum disorders sometimes have high levels of anxiety and stress, particularly in social environments like school. If a student exhibits aggressive or explosive behavior, it is important for educational teams to recognize the impact of stress and anxiety. Preparing students for new situations, such as through writing social stories, can lower anxiety. Teaching social and emotional concepts using systematic teaching approaches such as The Incredible 5-Point Scale or other cognitive behavioral strategies can increase a student's ability to control excessive behavioral reactions.

DSM definition

1. A total of six (or more) items from (1), (2) and (3), with at least two from (1), and one each from (2) and (3):
   1. qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
      1. marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
      2. failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
      3. a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest)
      4. lack of social or emotional reciprocity
   2. qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following:
      1. delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime)
      2. in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others
      3. stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language
      4. lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level
   3. restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
      1. encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
      2. apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
      3. stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
      4. persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
2. Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years:
   1. social interaction
   2. language as used in social communication
   3. symbolic or imaginative play.
3. The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett's Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

These are rules of thumb and may not necessarily apply to all diagnosed autistics.

Types of autism

Autism presents in a wide degree, from those who are nearly dysfunctional and apparently mentally disabled to those whose symptoms are mild or remedied enough to appear unexceptional ("normal") to others. Although not used or accepted by professionals or within the literature, autistic individuals are often divided into those with an IQ<80 referred to as having "low-functioning autism" (LFA), while those with IQ>80 are referred to as having "high-functioning autism" (HFA). Low and high functioning are more generally applied to how well an individual can accomplish activities of daily living, rather than to IQ. The terms low and high functioning are controversial and not all autistics accept these labels.

This discrepancy can lead to confusion among service providers who equate IQ with functioning and may refuse to serve high-IQ autistic people who are severely compromised in their ability to perform daily living tasks, or may fail to recognize the intellectual potential of many autistic people who are considered LFA. For example, some professionals refuse to recognize autistics who can speak or write as being autistic at all, because they still think of autism as a communication disorder so severe that no speech or writing is possible.

As a consequence, many "high-functioning" autistic persons, and autistic people with a relatively high IQ, are under diagnosed, thus making the claim that "autism implies retardation" self-fulfilling. The number of people diagnosed with LFA is not rising quite as sharply as HFA, indicating that at least part of the explanation for the apparent rise is probably better diagnostics. Many also think that ASD's are being over diagnosed: (1) because the growth in the number and complexity of symptoms associated with autism has increased the chances professionals will erroneously diagnose autism and (2) because the growth in services and therapies for autism has increased the number who falsely qualify for those often free services and therapies.

Asperger's and Kanner's syndrome

In the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), the most significant difference between Autistic Disorder (Kanner's) and Asperger's syndrome is that a diagnosis of the former includes