The Monkey Pliers

Asperger's / Autism Toolbox


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Website Listings

Online Resources for
General Information
from various countries, in English,
which you can sort through to see what there is to learn,
Non-English Language Sites
most of which were recommended to me by
members of the online autism community,
Diagnosis Specific Articles
in case you already know what you are trying to find out about,
Issues Articles
to help you understand various aspects of life
with regard to the autism spectrum, and
Novel Training and Theraputic Experience
designed to reach out to autistic people through unique opportunities.


(Please note that the content and activities of offsite resources and their creators and other participants are not the responsibility of this site. They are listed here so you can more easily find a range of options to choose from concerning your autism spectrum related needs. If you have any concerns or are not satisfied with what you find there, please contact them directly. Thank you.)



General Information, Various Countries, English Language:

Autism-Help.org

Find help and information regarding autism, Asperger's syndrome, and related conditions.

Developed by an Australian social worker to provide free, practical information and strategies, both for people with autism or Asperger syndrome and their families, carers, teachers, employers and the wider community.
Autism Help

A site designed to provide practical strategies, information and resources to parents, teachers, childcare workers and professionals in the field of autism.

An Australian Website brought to you by
Gateways Support Services
- a community organisation that assists children and adults who have a disability/additional need and their families.
Autism New Zealand Inc.

A resource connecting interested persons with information, services, personal stories, a newsletter, conference announcements, and more.

Autism New Zealand Inc. provides support, training, advocacy, resources and information for people of all ages on the Autism Spectrum, as well as those who care about and for them.
The Autism Society

A U.S. based site offering information about autism, including news and research; ways to get involved in advocacy and other activities; a directory of services and supports; and more.

The Autism Society's purpose is to increase public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocate for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and provide the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.
OASIS @ MAAP

Online resource for families, individuals, and medical professionals who deal with the challenges of Asperger Syndrome, Autism, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder / Not Otherwise Specified (PDD/NOS).

At theOASIS @ MAAP Website, you can learn more about autism; find help at local, national, and international levels; participate in discussion forums; and more.
Autism Network International

An autistic-run self-help and advocacy organization for autistic people.

ANI, run by and for autistic people, ANI provides a forum for autistic people to share information, peer support, and tips for coping and problem-solving; advocates for appropriate services and civil rights for ALL autistic people; provides a social outlet for autistic people to explore and participate in autistic social experiences; and helps autistic people who are unable to participate directly by providing information and referrals for parents and teachers, and by educating the public about autism.
ASAN

The official Website of Autistic Self Advocacy Network - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by and for Autistic people.

Founded in 2006 to provide support and services to individuals on the autism spectrum while working to educate communities and improve public perceptions of autism. ASAN’s supporters include Autistic adults and youth, cross-disability advocates, and non-autistic family members, professionals, educators and friends.
Aspie Web

A resource that exists to try and reverse the pre-judgement of people with Asperger's syndrome that ends up hindering people much more then the condition.

While many organizations promote that autism is a “disaster of epidemic proportions” and it “must be defeated or cured” Aspie Web was designed around the belief that more time needs to be spent on acceptance of Autism and Aspergers – rather then just talking about all the negatives.
Autism and Empathy

Featuring writing by autistic individuals, parents and family members, professionals, and others who understand that autistic people, all along the spectrum, can experience the world in highly empathetic and sensitive ways.

This site exists to undo the myths about autism and empathy that have stigmatized autistic people for so long.
rethinking
autism.com


Rethinking Autism wants to change minds, change the current media conversation and help give autistic people a more prominent voice in the conversation. Please join us. Share the videos, read the blog and sign up to be part of our emailing list.

Let's change the conversation one video at a time.
Autism National Committee

Go there to find their Newsletter, Public Policy Articles, Position Papers, and Past Conference Programs, as well as to check out their Upcoming Events, Bookstore, and Links sections.

AUTCOM is the only autism advocacy organization dedicated to "Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism" through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches. Our organization was founded in 1990 to protect and advance the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and related differences of communication and behavior.
Autscape

Both this site and the event it's about are designed to be very autistic friendly. You can even select your preferred color scheme for viewing the page by clicking on an option in the upper left corner of the page!

Autscape is a conference with a difference. Rather than talking to a primarily non-autistic audience about autism, this conference is specifically by and for autistic people. Some of it isn't even about autism at all! Non-autistic people are also welcome, but the environment and content of the event are centred around autistic peoples' needs, interests and sensitivities.
Empower Autism Now

The official Website of Arman Khodaei, where his efforts to reach and teach people through various methods can be found, as well as some other resources.

Arman Khodaei is an adult on the autism spectrum who helps empower autistic individuals to reach their fullest potential. Arman is working towards positively shifting the perception of what autism is on a worldwide level through his blog, YouTube videos, empowerment groups, memoir, and speaking engagements. His desire is for everyone involved in the autism community to accept, understand, and communicate effectively with each other.
Design for Autistics

Although this site labels itself a blog, it's not someone's personal account of life on the spectrum. Instead, it reports on items of all sorts, whether practical or just fun, that may be of interest to other autistics. Very cool to browse through!

A blog about designing and designs from an autistic person's view. I’m not a professional designer, just someone who likes what he sees as good design. My perspective as a design-minded autistic may be of interest to others (particularly autistics and those designing for them).
Temple Grandin, PhD.

Her official Website, where you can find her Books & DVDs, listings of conferences at which she is scheduled to appear, articles she's written, and more.

Dr. Grandin, an American Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, is an adult with autism who is world famous for her books and spken presentations on the subject. She is also a prominent and innovative authority oncattle handling, about which she also writes and speaks publicly.
Website of John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye.

His official Website, where you can learn about him and his books, find out when and where he'll be doing speaking engagements and workshops, discover his blog, and locate further resources.

John is widely known for his books and other articles, graduate courses and professional development programs, lectures and talks, and autism advocacy.
Jen Birch - Congratulations! It’s Asperger Syndrome

Basic information on Autistic Spectrum Disorder, with an emphasis on the higher-functioning types of Asperger’s Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism. A list of recommended readings, a page of useful links, and information on where to find her book are provided.

New Zealand Author Jen Birch was diagnosed with Asperger's at age 43 and has since been working dilligently to help and educate others with regard to the autism spectrum.
Tony Attwood

A site for parents, professionals and people with Asperger's Syndrome and their partners to find information about issues related to Asperger's Syndrome, resources, resource papers Tony has authored, related topics, and Tonys presentation schedule.

Tony Attwood, a Clinical Psychologist practicing in Australia, is a leading expert, recognized worldwide, in the field of Asperger's Syndrome.
Asperger Adults

A Canadian site, operated by a woman with Asperger's who is a life coach encouraging people on the spectrum to learn, challenge themselves, and grow. There's lots of information in both text and video formants.

Asperger Adults is a website that seeks to talk about not only A.J. Mahari’s own experience as an adult with Asperger’s and her insights and continued pushing her limits to help herself and to teach and help others, but also this website seeks to call attention to the differences in most females with Asperger’s from males with AS.
Autistic Voice Scotland

A Website that hopes to bring together a number of other organizations under certain core objectives, including the promotion and encouragement of the creation of new groups run by and for autistic people across Scotland.

Autistic Voice Scotland is a network of Autistic led organisations and Autistic self advocates across Scotland, joining many voices into one creating a network of autistic led groups and individuals that together can make a difference. We embrace 'Nothing About Us Without Us'; speaking for ourselves and being listened to as a valid voice, this is a civil and human rights issue.
Easter Seals

This organization provides various services for people with all kinds of disabilities. Looking to get assessed for an autism spectrum disorder? They evaluate both children and adults.

Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for nearly 90 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals.


Non-English Language Sites:

APLA

Czech Republic
Czech language based,
other languages also

They have an
"about us"
page in
English here
and another in
German here.

Recommended to me with these comments:
Most of the people who work for this organization speak English as well as Czech (and some speak other languages as well like German and Russian). They have been a big help with an autistic boy in my preschool. Good organization for sure with a strong focus on education and assistance, and they seem to have some good info on the site.
ASPERGER.FI

Finland
Finnish language

Recommended to me with these comments:
Within the site, especially these two subtitles, Aspergerin syndrooma and Oppimis-vaikeudet (Learning difficulties) contain detailed information. Both seem to have a popup menu which guides the visitor forward.
Asperger Aide France

France
French language

Recommended to me without comments.
Spazio Asperger

Italy
Italian language

Recommended to me without comments.
Asperger
een beetje anders dan anderen


Netherlands
Dutch language

Recommended to me with these comments:
A good and reliable site about Asperger in the Netherlands
Nederlandse Vereniging voor Autisme

Netherlands
Dutch language

Recommended to me with these comments:
Provides information and lobbies for better services for people with ASD and their families and partners. Diagnosed members can get an 'autipas', a creditcard sized information card about autism that can be used to show others if the autistic person has a shutdown / meltdown in public. Organizes courses about autism and meetups.
Vereniging PAS

Netherlands
Dutch language

Recommended to me with these comments:
Provides information and organizes meetups and other activities for adults with HFA.
Autisme en ik

Netherlands
Dutch language

Recommended to me with these comments:
Organizes a regular autismcafé and other meetings. Features stories of how people are living with autism.
Easter Seals En Español

USA
Spanish language

This is a Spanish version of of their English language Website.
From the site:

Easter Seals brinda servicios excepcionales, programas educativos y de extensión y defensa de los derechos de las personas con autismo y otras discapacidades para que puedan vivir, aprender, trabajar y jugar en sus comunidades.


Diagnosis Specific Articles:

An Introduction:

greenturtle74’s Cartoon Guide to Asperger’s

These drawings and their accompanying text make it quick, easy, and fun to understand Asperger's at a basic level.
Proposed DSM Revision:

Autism Spectrum Disorder

American Psychiatric Association's
proposed definition
for DSM IV, to be
published in 2013
The most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders:

Overview of Autism

Coveing
causes, characteristics, speech development, and savants.
Distinguishing Types of Autism:

Dispelling the Autism Confusion

Article taken from
Rachel Evans'
Essential Guide to Autism
Spectrum Specifics:

What is Asperger's Syndrome?

Covering
the description and various aspects of Asperger's syndrome.
Spectrum Specifics:

HFA

Distinguishing
high-functioning autism Asperger's syndrome -
or not...
Spectrum Specifics:

PDD-NOS

Information concerning
Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified.
Spectrum Specifics:

Rett Syndrome

Information concerning
Rett Syndrome
(or Rett's disorder).
Spectrum Specifics:

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

A brief description of
childhood disintegrative disorder.
Spectrum Specifics:

BAP

Information concerning
Broader Autism Phenotype.
Spectrum Specifics:

Comorbid Disorders with Autism & Asperger's

Listing and explanation of
conditions that are common for people on the autism spectrum to also have.
Adult Resource:

Adults with autism, Aspergers & PDD-NOS

A short text
and a list of useful related articles.


Issues Articles:

Speaking for Ourselves:

10 Things an Autistic Adult Wishes You Knew

Written by
a group of autistic adults
- posted at xtvworld.
Speaking for Ourselves:

Ten Myths about Autism - Debunked

Written by
an autistic adult
- posted at Wrong Planet.
Speaking for Ourselves:

The Real Autism Epidemic

A self-advocacy article
- from the Autism at Home series.
Speaking for Ourselves:

The Empathy Issue is a Human Rights Issue

A self-advocacy article
-from the Autism and Empathy site.
Website Article:

Autism And Girls (and Women)

Asking the question:
"How is autism different for girls?"
- an Autism Help article.
News Report:

Girls With Autism or ADHD Symptoms Not Taken Seriously, Study Suggests

Why girls and women may not be getting the help or support they need
- a Science Daily article.
News Report:

People with Autism Fear Stigma after Newtown

Report on the impact of word that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooter had Asperger's and the inflammatory comments that followed
- a NY Times article.
News Report:

The Media's Post-Newtown Autism Fail

Story on the initially poor reporting associated with the December 14, 2012 incident in Newtown Connecticut and its impact on the autism community
- a Mother Jones article.
News Editorial:

Leave autism out of mass shootings

Written by an autistic adult
- a cnn.com article.
News Editorial:

Autism Does Not Create Killers

Written by the parent of an autistic child
- a huffington
post.com article.
Looking for more material related to the Sandy Hook incident?

Check out the Toolbox
listings in the ANSWERS
section.

Written by various authors
- community responses
by organizations and individual bloggers


Novel Training and Theraputic Experience:

Actors for Autism

This performing arts and digital film making organization has developed new and innovative programs for children, teenagers, and adults.

Founded by Executive Director Alisa Wolf, their programs include acting, film making, animation, claymation, dance, music, social skills, performing arts academy, and vocational training.
Surfers Healing

Free surfing day camps are provided as space allows. Waiting lists exist for already full camps.

Founded by Israel and Danielle Paskowitz, whose son, Isaiah, was diagnosed with autism at age three, the organization provides autistic children and their families with an opportunity to be exposed to the completely new experience of surfing. Most volunteers have a decade or more of ocean experience. Camps have been run at various locations. Check to see if there's one near you.
Horse Boy

Workshops and events designed to reach and help kids on the autism spectrum.

Rupert Isaacson, father of Rowan Isaacson (the Horse Boy), developed the techniques that are part of a six stage process designed to create the right environment, address sensory issues, and then use these to allow perspective taking and academics to be taught from the saddle by riding with the child, with the process finally culminating in self-advocacy. The point of the experience is not to teach riding, though some kids do learn. Instead, the focus is on gaining communication, using the horse as a collegue in the process.




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