Autism Spectrum Disorders: Online Resources for Parents

Autism Spectrum Disorder/Asperger Syndrome Information—

1. Articles on Asperger Syndrome
http://www.specialed.us/autism/asper/asper11.html

2. Asperger Syndrome Information for Teens
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=243&np=293&id=2320

3. Australian Autism Education & Training Consortium-Provides details about workshops and information sessions for parents/caregivers of school-aged children who have autism). www.autismtraining.com.au

4. Autism Advisory and Support Service
http://www.aass.org.au/

5. Autism Awareness
http://www.autismawareness.com.au

6. Autism Help Info-Webpage to help professionals, teachers, to understand and support the inclusion of people with ASD. Website funded by The Department of Human Services in Geelong, Victoria, Australia (Barwon South Western region).
http://www.autismhelp.info/main.htm

7. Autism Help-A wealth of information and on a range of topics relating to autism and Asperger syndrome)
http://www.autism-help.org/

8. Autism SA-Information sheets on topics such as challenging behaviors, communication skills, coping with change, strategies for supporting students with autism in the classroom) http://www.autismsa.org.au/html/strategies/infosheets.html

9. Autism Speaks
http://www.autismspeaks.org/

10. Autism Spectrum Australia
http://www.autismspectrum.org.au/a2i1i1l445l487/welcome.htm

11. Carol Gray’s website-Founder of Social Stories and educator in ASD
http://www.thegraycenter.org/

12. Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service, Parenting and Health, Child and Youth Health
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=306&id=1944

13. Information on Asperger Syndrome that is easier for kids to understand
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=287&id=2339

14. Mark LeMessurier
http://www.marklemessurier.com.au/

15. Monash University -Evidence-based research, as well as information sheets that provide strategies relating to various developmental areas, including communication, social skills and motor skills. http://www.med.monash.edu.au/spppm/research/devpsych/actnow/factsheet.html

16. OASIS: Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support
http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/

17. Positive Partnerships: online education about ASD for parents
http://www.autismtraining.com.au/public/index.cfm?returnTo=%2Findex.cfm

18. Printable handouts
http://www.superduperinc.com/Handouts/Handout.aspx?src=H# (great handouts that are easy for parents to read)

19. Rainbowland Autism Services
http://www.rainbowlandautismservices.com/

20. Raising Children Network-Specific support for parents raising a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
http://raisingchildren.net.au/children_with_autism/children_with_autism_landing.html

21. Simon Baron-Cohen-Leading UK expert on Autism Spectrum Disorder
http://www.autismresearchcentre.com/arc/staff_member.asp?id=33

22. Sue Larkey
http://www.suelarkey.com/

23. The Disability Information Resource Centre
http://www.dircsa.org.au/

24. Tony Attwood-Leading Australian expert in Asperger Syndrome
http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/

Counseling Services—

1. Department of Education and Children’s Services Helpline
Ph: 1800 222 696 or Disability Services Level 6 Education Centre 31 Flinders Street, Adelaide SA 5000 Email: candice.hargrave@sa.gov.au Ph: (08) 8226 0546

2. Kids Helpline
http://www.kidshelp.com.au/index.php
Ph: 1800 55 1800

3. Lifeline
http://www.lifeline.org.au/
Ph: 131114

4. Parent Helpline-A service of Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week providing telephone information, counselling and support. Available for parents of children and young people from birth to 25 years, also to those people working with children and young people.
http://www.parenting.sa.gov.au/helpline/
Ph: 1300 364 100

5. The Second Story Youth Health Centers-Counseling and support available for Youth
http://www.cyh.com/SubContent.aspx?p=190

6. Youth Healthline-The Youth Healthline is a 24-hour, 7-day telephone service for young people aged 12 to 25 years in South Australia
Ph: 1300 13 17 19
http://www.cyh.com/SubContent.aspx?p=187

Diagnosis and other Support Services—

1. Autism SA
http://www.autismsa.org.au/html/about/services.html#diagnostic
Autism SA Info Line on 1300 288 476
Autism SA Info Line can also provide you a list of Private Practitioners.
Medicare rebates are available for diagnostic assessments of children under 13 years. For more information contact the Autism SA Info Line on 1300 288 476 or Medicare 132 011.

2. Flinders Medical Centre
Ph: 8204 4433
http://www.flinders.sa.gov.au/womenandchildren/pages/paeds/AAL_PDAz_A

3. Inclusive Directions
http://www.directions.org.au/

4. Lyell McEwin Health Service
Ph: 8182 9379
http://www.lmh.sa.gov.au/public/content/home.asp?xcid=1

5. Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Ph: 8161 7287
http://www.wch.sa.gov.au/services/az/divisions/paedm/childdev/index.html

6. Commonwealth Carelink Centers-Established to assist people with disabilities to navigate through the services that are out there, acting as a single point to obtain current information. Free of charge and confidential:

* North & West Country SA Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre
33 McKay Street
PORT AUGUSTA 5700

* South & East Metropolitan SA Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre
290 Glen Osmond Road
FULLARTON 5063

* North & West Metropolitan SA Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre
77 Gibson Street
BOWDEN 5007

* South East Country SA Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre
4 Third Street
MURRAY BRIDGE 5253

Education—

Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centers
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/people/HelpingChildrenWithAutism/Pages/autism_specific_ccc.aspx

Educational Websites—

1. http://www.learn2bebuddies.com.au/

2. http://do2learn.com/games/learningames.htm (for interactive games, including feelings game, sequencing activity, activity teaching parts of the body, road safety song, matching game, picking the odd one out)

Education/Classroom Strategies and Protocols—

1. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/D9F44B55D7698467CA257280007
A98BD/$File/autbro.pdf

2. http://www.aspect.org.au/publications/ClassroomIdeasforChildren.pdf

3. http://www.specialed.us/autism/early/ear11.htm

4. http://www.specialed.us/autism/structure/str10.htm

5. http://www.specialed.us/autism/Autism.pdf

General Disability Information and Education—

1. Novita
http://www.novita.org.au/Default.aspx?p=1

2. Australian Association for Families
http://www.aafcd.org.au/

Government—

1. A-Z of Disability SA Fact Sheets
http://www.sa.gov.au

2. Helping Children with Autism Package-Federal funding and support packages available to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/people/HelpingChildrenWithAutism/Pages/default.aspx

Online Forums/Groups—

1. http://www.babycrowd.com/forums/autism/

2. http://www.autismhangout.com/forum/

3. http://www.autismforums.net/

4. http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/Forums.aspx

5. http://www.aspergersteenchat.com/2009/09/aspergers-teen-chat.html

6. http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.php?s=863a626181437c98c198ccb7c0752ea0&showtopic=5202&pid=236709&st=40&#entry236709

7. http://login.prospero.com/dir-login/index.asp?webtag=asfamily&lgnDST=http%3A%2F%2Fforums%2Edelphiforums%2Ecom%2Fasfamily%2Fstart

8. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AspergersAndOtherHalf/

9. http://annakennedyonline.com/forum/Default.aspx

Parent Support Groups—

1. The Flinders University Early Intervention Research Program
https://socsci.flinders.edu.au/psyc/research/autism/eirp.php

2. Playgroups and services for younger children and families with ASD http://www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/sa/go/playconnect-program

3. My Time groups-A chance to meet and talk with other families of children with a disability and find support and understanding. My Time groups in SA-
http://www.mytime.net.au/index.php/groups/south-australia My Time information-
http://www.mytime.net.au/~mytime/images/stories/PublicDocuments/the%20right%20time.pdf

4. List of Parent Groups from Parenting SA
http://www.parenting.sa.gov.au/parentgroups/search.asp

5. Early Development Program at Autism SA-Provides support for young children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder up until the child commences school or 6 years of age and are registered for services with Autism SA.
For further information, contact the Coordinator Early Development Program at Autism SA.
Ph: 8379 6976

6. A list of parent support groups can be located on the Austism SA Website
http://www.autismsa.org.au/

Recreation—

1. YMCA of SA: Sharing the Fun-'Sharing the Fun' provides a non-threatening and welcoming environment for children with a disability, in which they can have fun and enjoyment. However, it is not only enjoyable but also beneficial for the children. Whilst having fun, they are also developing the necessary movement skills for successful involvement in integrated physical activities, sports or recreational opportunities. Children who have a disability and are aged between 5 and 13 years can have fun and build on existing skills in Sharing the Fun, which is a non-competitive, recreational after school program which provides a comfortable environment where participants may improve their social and physical skills. http://sa.ymca.org.au/index3.php?O=directory&SID=298&action=View

2. SASRAPID-The South Australian Sport and Recreation Association for People with Integration Difficulties Incorporated (SASRAPID) is an organisation which assists people with integration difficulties to become involved in community activities. SASRAPID provides assistance and enables participation into valued community sport, recreation and leisure activities. All inclusion is based on the ability and individual choice of the person. http://www.sasrapid.com.au/

3. Recreation Link-Up-Recreation Link-up is a free service that provides recreation planning, information, education and introductory assistance for people with a disability. Recreation link-up can make it easier for people to become involved in recreation and leisure activities in their local community. Help people to become involved in an activity of their own choice, by developing a plan of action and identifying what needs to be put into place to achieve ongoing involvement. http://reclinkup.ymca.org.au/

4. Government of South Australia: Office for Recreation and Sport-Specific programs and support for people with disabilities
http://www.recsport.sa.gov.au/programs-services/people-with-disability.html

5. Disability SA recreational services and opportunities
http://www.sa.gov.au/subject/community+support/Disability/Corporate+and+business+information/
Disability+SA/Disability+SA+social,+recreation+and+support+groups

Respite—

1. Anglicare
http://www.anglicare-sa.org.au/disability-services/

2. Autism SA
http://www.autismsa.org.au/html/about/services.html#program

3. Careers SA
http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/

4. Centacare
http://www.centacare.org.au/

5. Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre
http://www9.health.gov.au/ccsd/

6. Disability SA Information sheet about respite
http://www.sa.gov.au/upload/franchise/Community%20Support/Disability/Information%20sheets%20-%
20Disability%20SA/Respite%20care.pdf

7. Disability SA
http://www.sa.gov.au/subject/Community+Support/Disability/Corporate+and+business+information/
Disability+SA/Disability+SA+offices
For more information about who is eligible for respite through Disability SA, telephone 1300 786 117 (cost of a local call) or email disabilitysaintake@dfc.gov.sa.au

8. Southern Country Commonwealth Career Respite Centre (SCCCRC)-Carers SA manages trhe Southern Country Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre; providing services to caregivers living in the Adelaide Hills, south and east of and including Mt Barker, Southern Fleurieu, Kangaroo Island, Riverland, Murray Mallee and the South East areas. Working in partnership with other services to provide carers with access to respite.
http://www.carers-sa.asn.au/respite.htm

Sex Education—

1. http://www.childabusemd.com/juvenile/normal.shtml

2. http://www.fpq.com.au/pdf/Fs_Aspergers.pdf

3. http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/nd17.pdf

4. http://www.shinesa.org.au/index.cfm?objectid=BC190704-F5C8-7600-6735FCEDEA17E89D

5. Shine SA
http://www.shinesa.org.au/?objectid=508918BE-C74E-1C07-C0B06A022A738ED8&topicCategory=&topicKeyword=disability

Siblings—

1. Disability SA Information Sheet
http://www.sa.gov.au/upload/franchise/Community%20Support/Disability/Information%20sheets%20-%20Disability
%20SA/Children%20and%20young%20people%20-%20siblings%20%28PDF%20175kb%29.pdf

2. Siblings Australia
http://www.siblingsaustralia.org.au/

Social Skills—

Triple A Social Development Group-Social development group focused on expressive arts and exploring social issues through theatre, music, writing, and other art forms. There will also be a social element to the sessions for those who wish to meet others and form friendships.
http://www.autismsa.org.au/pdf/TripleA/Expressions_of_interest_info_mail.pdf

Online Resources—

1. http://www.region2library.org/SocialStories.htm (social story templates - check them out and see if you can modify some of the many social story templates for your own child. There are some that are PowerPoint files, which is a great idea, especially for children who are more motivated by activities and programs that are computer-based)http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/games/story_strips_flash.html

2. http://www.polyxo.com/socialstories/ (sample social stories and general information about why and how to use social stories to teach specific social skills)

Strategies—

1. http://www.polyxo.com/

2. http://www.gosh.nhs.uk/gosh_families/information_sheets/behaviour_problems_autism/behaviour_problems_
autism_families.html

3. http://www.brightfutures.org/mentalhealth/pdf/tools.html#families

Bullying—

1. http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/games/bullies_flash.html (game)

2. http://www.bullyingnoway.com.au/

3. http://www.domokos.com/freeebooks.html

4. http://www.kenrigby.net/

5. http://www.police.govt.nz/service/yes/nobully/

Clipart—

1. http://www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/static/cs/uk/11/clipart/home.html

2. http://www.inmagine.com/

3. http://www.pics4learning.com/

4. www.dkimages.com

Communication/language and play—

1. http://www.specialed.us/autism/verbal/verbal11.html (article)

2. http://www.specialed.us/autism/nonverbal/non11.htm (article)

Feelings and emotions—

1. http://www.do2learn.com/games/facialexpressions/face.htm (This website is an interactive one, where the user can create and manipulate a vast range of potential expressions. Specific expressions of being afraid, interested, sad, ashamed, disgusted, surprised, happy and angry are preset on clicking buttons at the top of screen)

2. http://urbanext.illinois.edu/conflict/emotions01.html

3. http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/index.html

Friendship—

http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/friends/

Mental Health/Social Anxiety/stress/depression—

1. http://kidshealth.org/ (a great website, has sections for parents, children and adolescents)

2. http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/consumers.cfm

Support Services—

1. Carers Australia
http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/
http://www.familyconnectionssa.net/

2. Community Support Inc-In-home and Community Support
http://www.csisa.org.au/

Visuals—

1. http://www.setbc.org/curriculumset/default.aspx