Dx: PDD: Autism, Rett's, Asperger's, Disintegrative, NOS
Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Autism, Rett's, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Asperger’s, PDD NOS
NIMH: The Numbers Count-Mental Disorders in America.
Autism is part of a group of disorders called autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), also known as pervasive developmental
disorders. ASDs range in severity, with autism being the most debilitating form while other disorders, such as Asperger
syndrome, produce milder symptoms.
Estimating the prevalence of autism is difficult and controversial due to differences in the ways that cases are identified and
defined, differences in study methods, and changes in diagnostic criteria. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) reported the prevalence of autism among 8 year-olds to be about 1 in 110.
Autism and other ASDs develop in childhood and generally are diagnosed by age three.
Autism is about four times more common in boys than girls. Girls with the disorder, however, tend to have more severe
symptoms and greater cognitive impairment.

Education:

Special Mention:
  • Do2Learn!-Website provides games, songs, communication cards, print resources and information for special needs.


Organizations/Groups:

Asperger Syndrome Education Network (ASPEN) provides families and individuals whose lives are affected by Autism
Spectrum Disorders (Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High Functioning Autism) and Nonverbal
Learning Disabilities with Education, Support and Advocacy.

Autism Education Network includes free information about special education rights as well as information about treatment
options and education methods.

Autism One is a nonprofit, charity organization started by a small group of parents of children with autism.

Autism Research Institute (ARI) (Listserv) is one of America’s oldest and most progressive autism research organizations.  It
is the hub of a worldwide network of parents and professionals concerned with autism. ARI also disseminates research
findings to parents and others worldwide seeking help. The ARI data bank, the world's largest, contains over 40,000 detailed
case histories of autistic children from over 60 countries.

Autism Society of America (ASA) is the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization and exists to improve the lives of all
affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum,
advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding
treatment, education, research and advocacy.

AutismSource-Searchable directory of services.

Autism Speaks (Network) goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. We are dedicated
to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public
awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the
hardships of this disorder. Contact 888-AUTISM2 or 888-288-4762.

Autism Today provides information and resources covering all aspects related to the autism and Asperger syndrome
community physically and online.

Children's Neurobiological Solutions (CNS) is a nonprofit research foundation improving the lives of children disabled by
neurological disorders through research focused on brain repair and regeneration.

Generation Rescue is an international movement of scientists, parents, and physicians researching the causes and
treatments for autism, ADHD, and chronic illness. Our
parent-volunteers are currently mentoring thousands of families going
through the recovery process with their children. Contact 877-98AUTISM or 877-982-8847.

Hands in Autism (Indiana), part of the Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center, provides a variety of services including
psychopharmacological management, behavioral consultation, counseling, parent training, educational consultation, and
social skills training.
Tools-Offers several examples of visual aids. E-Learning with online modules and animated "what is
autism".

Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) conducts outreach training and consultations, engage in research, and develop
and disseminate information focused on building the capacity of local communities, organizations, agencies, and families to
support children and adults across the autism spectrum in typical work, school, home, and community settings. Contact 812-
855-6508

International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) (Listserv/Forum) core mission is to fund research for treatments and a cure
for Rett syndrome while enhancing the overall quality of life for those living with Rett syndrome by providing information,
programs, and services.

National Autism Association mission is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and
hope so that all affected can reach their full potential.

Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is led by parents and grandparents of children and adults on the autism spectrum. It
is the only autism organization which focuses solely on applied research.

OASIS@MAAP (Blog/Forum) creates a single 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).
Provides articles, educational resources, links to support groups, sources of professional help, lists of camps and schools,
conference information, recommended reading, and moderated support message boards.
Pervasive Dev d/o
(Bright Futures) pdf
Pervasive Dev d/o
(NIMH) web file
Autism Spectrum
Disorders (NAMI)
Web Page