Useful internet links - Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Asperger's Syndrome

An Evaluation of the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale

http://www.ingentaconnect.com
The Gilliam Autism Rating Scale was developed to identify individuals with autism in research and clinical settings. It has benefited from wide use and acceptance but has received little empirical attention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the construct and diagnostic validity, interrater reliability, and effects of participant characteristics of the GARS in a large and heterogeneous sample of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders.

ARC: Autism Research Centre

www.autismresearchcentre.com
The mission of the ARC is to understand the biomedical causes of autism spectrum conditions, and develop new and validated methods for assessment and intervention. The ARC fosters collaboration between scientists in Cambridge University and outside, to accelerate this mission.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Database

asd.life.nzl.org
The ASDD was designed to provide easy access to information about Midland-based services and professionals for people with ASD and their families/whanau. Whilst the ASDD is a Midland resource, some national and out of region services are included, and we hope that the database can expand to cover New Zealand as a whole.

ASDIN: Autistic Spectrum Disorder Information Network

www.asdin.org.nz
ASDIN is a web portal for families, professionals, service providers who live with, advocate for and provide services to people with ASD. ASDIN is a NZ based site that links to a variety of international resources.

Donna Williams

www.donnawilliams.net
I've been a consultant in the field of autism spectrum conditions for over eight years as a consult worked with around 600 people on the autistic spectrum through schools, welfare and health services as well as directly with families and adults themselves.

Autism Today

www.autismtoday.com
Autism Today is the leading source of objective information about Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, Rett's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder & other Pervasive Developmental Disorders Not Otherwise Specified.

Autism New Zealand Inc

www.autismnz.org.nz
Autism New Zealand Inc. provides support, training, advocacy, resources and information on autism spectrum disorders including Asperger syndrome. Our members include those who have these conditions, their family/whanau, caregivers and professionals working with them.

Christopher Gillberg

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Gillberg
Gillberg is known for his research of autism in children, Asperger syndrome. ADHD and anorexia nervosa. He is the founding editor of the journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and is the author and editor of many scientific and educational books and he has more than 300 scientific papers listed in Medline.

Courchesne Autism Lab

www.courchesneautismlab.org
The Courchesne Autism Lab is dedicated to uncovering the brain bases and causes of autism. MRI studies of autism aim to identify the brain structures that are abnormal and to describe their atypical growth trajectories from late infancy through adulthood. Our laboratory is funded through grants from the National Institutes of Health, private foundations and private donations.

		The Gray Center www.thegraycenter.org The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding is a non-profit, organization dedicated to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and those who work alongside them to improve mutual understanding. We approach the social impairment in ASD as a shared impairment. We work to improve social understanding on both sides of the social equation, helping individuals with ASD to communicate and interact more successfully with the people with whom they live and work.
		Michael Conner: Children on the autistic spectrum http://www.mugsy.org Gradually, pupils with autism or Asperger syndrome are being included in mainstream situations. Michael Connor presents a set of guidelines for practitioners unfamiliar with these conditions. The detailed strategies are not intended as a blueprint but provide a useful body of information for constructing school-based strategies.
		NAS: The National Autistic Society www.nas.org.uk The National Autistic Society exists to champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs. The website includes information about autism and Asperger syndrome, the NAS and its services and activities.
		Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc http://www.pecs.com/ Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc offers a wide range of consulting services and products for educators and parents of children and adults with autism and related disabilities. Pyramid is a consortium of highly trained professionals in the field of autism dedicated to providing the highest quality care.
		Dr. Temple Grandin PhD www.templegrandin.com Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is inarguably the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. She has been featured on major television programs, and written up in national publications. Among numerous other recognitions by media, Bravo Cable did a half-hour show on her life, and she was one of the "challenged" people featured in the best-selling book, Anthropologist from Mars.
		The Adult Asperger Assessment (AAA): A Diagnostic Method http://www.ingentaconnect.com At the present time there are a large number of adults who have suspected Asperger syndrome (AS). In this paper we describe a new instrument, the Adult Asperger Assessment (AAA), developed in our clinic for adults with AS. The need for a new instrument relevant to the diagnosis of AS in adulthood arises because existing instruments are designed for use with children.
		Tony Attwood www.tonyattwood.com.au This web site is a guide for parents, professionals, people with Asperger's Syndrome, and their partners. You will find resources, information on his presentation schedule, messages and issues related to Asperger's Syndrome, and papers he has written on related topics.
		Use Visual Strategies www.usevisualstrategies.com Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and lots of other students with behavior or communication challenges tend to be visual learners. They understand what they see better than what they hear. Therefore, they benefit significantly from the use of Visual Strategies.
		World Autism 2006 Congress www.autismcongress.com The World Autism Organisation (WAO) with local host Autism South Africa are to present and share information and experiences.The aim being to enable delegates to leave Cape Town with the latest up–to–date knowledge and tools to improve the quality of life of individuals with ASD worldwide, thus promoting happiness, fulfilment and dignity.