Resources and Links
Resources & Links: Parents and Caregivers
General Information
Child Safety
Help with Challenging Behaviours
Transition Planning
Children with ASDs
Siblings
Spouses
Children of People with ASDs
Grandparents of People with ASDs
At the Dentist
Financial and Government
Forums, Blogs and Online Support Groups
ASD Camps
See other Resources & Links
Understanding ASDs
Professional Resources
Treatment and Education
General Information
ABA Resources: Website designed by mother of a child on the spectrum for parents/service providers where free downloads for home-based ABA can be obtained.
ABACUS: A listing of Autism ABA providers serving Ontario.
aboutkidshealth: An online information resource provided by the Hospital for Sick Children, which includes a section dedicated to ASDs.
The Access 2 Entertainment Card: The Access 2 Entertainment Card provides persons with a disability to receive either free admission or a significant discount for their support person at member movie theatres and attractions across Canada. This program was developed by an advisory group of nine national disability organizations, in conjunction with Famous Players and Cineplex Galaxy.
ACT – Autism Community Training: ACT is an active BC provincial-wide organization that provides information and support to families, professionals and para-professionals in BC on autism-related issues.
Adams Publications: Books and resources on autism and PDD issues for families.
ASD 101, Robert Parish [DVD]: The father of a young man with ASD and an independent filmmaker has created and produced a number of nationally broadcast public television programs about ASD, most notably Come Back Jack and Come Back Jack 2002. ASD 101 is a resource for families new to the diagnosis, and educational and medical professionals wanting to learn more about ASD. Contact; Robert Parish [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ], P.O. Box 44, Terrace Park, Ohio 45174.
The Asperger Couple's Workbook: Practical Advice and Activities for Couples and Counsellors, Maxine Aston, (Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2008) [Book]. Whilst acknowledging that all relationships are different and each needs to be viewed as a unique case, the author identifies specific issues that can be problematic in an Asperger relationship, such as verbal and non-verbal communication, sexual issues, socializing and parenting, and comes up with simple and effective ways of addressing these issues.
ASPIRES: A mixed international community of parents, partners, spouses and adults with AS.
Attwood, Tony: This website is a guide for parents, professionals, people with Asperger's Syndrome and their partners. It contains resources, information on Attwood's presentation schedule, messages and issues related to Asperger's Syndrome, and papers he has written on related topics.
Autism Awareness: Autism Puzzle Merchandise.
Autism and Architecture, an article by Simon Humphreys, Autism London Bulletin, 2005.
Autism Asperger's Digest: Magazine focused on providing information for parents and professionals.
Autism in the Family: Caring and Coping Together, Robert A. Naseef (Brookes Publishing 2013). How can parents provide the best support for their child with autism—andensure that the whole family's needs are met? It's a question faced by every parent of a child on the autism spectrum, and this book answers it with keen insight, reassuring honesty, and practical guidance. A psychologist and father of an adult son with autism, Dr. Robert Naseef has both personal and professional expertise to share with overwhelmed families.
Autism Pro: Software tool for supporting services for children with autism.
Autism: On the Spectrum. 1.800.Wheelchair.com News. A broad overview with links to learn more about ASD.
Autism One Radio: Radio program that you can listen to via the Internet. Covers all aspects of raising a child with autism - behavioural and educational therapies, biomedical and alternative therapies, parent counselling and advocacy.
Autism on the Seas: Travel agents dedicated to servicing the cruising needs of families and individuals faced with Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Financial assistance is also available to qualifying families.
Awe in Autism: Through original works of art, music, literature, poetry, photography and video, as well as many other resources, aweinautism.org seeks to provide inspiration and encouragement to those impacted by autism.
Best Buddies/Vrais Copains Canada: Best Buddies – Vrais Copains Canada is a national charitable organization dedicated to enhancing our communities through one-to-one friendships between individuals with intellectual disabilities and students.
Canadian Adult Care: Organization helps families find caregivers across Canada.
CANGRANDS: A national internet support group for kinship families raising ‘other people’s children’. "Kinship care" is defined as the placement of a child in the home of the child's relative or in the home of another adult with whom the child or the child's parent already has a close emotional attachment. 58% of Kinship families consist of a single grandmother, raising one or two special needs grandchildren. Many of the kinship children show signs of: FASD, ADHD and RAD, and have a variety of special needs from the neglect and abuses they endured before coming to their kinship families. Host KINSHIP conference and camp for 5 days in July 15 to July 20, 2007, at the Salvation Army camp in Sutton, ON.
Communicating with an Autistic Child: A list of resources maintained by wiseoldsayings.com.
The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome, Tony Atwood (Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2006 ) [Book]: The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger's syndrome (AS). It brings together a wealth of information on all aspects of the syndrome for children through to adults.
Documentary – Autism: The Road Back. This documentary features three families in BC and the different types of therapies each family has chosen.
Families of Early Autism Treatment (FEAT): U.S. FEAT is a non-profit organization of parents and professionals, designed to help families with children who have received the diagnosis of Autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD NOS).
FEAT (Families for Early Autism Treatment) BC.
FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) of Alberta.
FEAT (Families for Early Autism Treatment) of Ontario.
Friends like YOU. Friends like ME. An educational community outreach initiative of Children's Specialized Hospital (New Jersey), designed to help educate children about autism spectrum disorder and provide the tools necessary to facilitate friendships among children.
From Microscope to Stethoscope 2008 lectures: Autism demystified. Dr. E. Fombonn, McGill University Health Centre.
MFEAT (Manitoba Families for Effective Autism Treatment).
Inner Strength for Life: Professional Life Coaching: Providing parents with strategies to deal with the everyday issues of parenting a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Invest in Kids: Parenting Site
Jessica Kingsley Publishers (JKP): Jessica Kingsley Publishers are independent publishers of accessible professional and academic books in the social and behavioural sciences. [Read JKP Newsletters]
The KIT: Keeping it Together: An organizational tool for parents caring for children with disabilities, developed by CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, and the Hamilton Family Network. It is a way to organize information for your child, and to assist you when interacting with different service systems, for example health, education, and recreation. Included is a User's Guide that will help you through the initial process of how to use the KIT. It is useful for parents of children with a wide variety of special needs and all developmental ages from birth to 21 years. Cost: $29.95 plus GST and shipping.
McGill University Health Centre.
The New Brunswick Association for Community Living (NBACL): NBACL works to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities, with the support of their families, have the option to choose the supports they need to live meaningful lives and participate in their communities as valued and contributing members.
No Matter What by Sandy Howarth (Chipmunk Publishing, 2009): Sandy Howarth's book is written to assist and offer support to families, to create awareness of the subject of Autism and to demonstrate the complexities in brain development by comparing ‘typical’ development with ‘Autistic’ development.
No Myths PSA. Dan Marino Foundation, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Kent Creative. The "No Myths" PSA offers a refreshingly positive and optimistic view about life with autism. And it was written and performed by people who should know--individuals who are on the autism spectrum themselves. The purpose of the PSA is to tell society that, with the right supports, people with autism can do anything anybody else can do, even if it isn't in the same way.
Offord Centre for Child Studies.
Parentbooks (Canada): Resources for caregivers, counsellors, therapists, educators and clinicians serving the everyday and special needs of families.
2Learn.ca – Parents Want 2Learn Too
Popular books about autism and ASDs listed by Neurodiversity.com.
The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre.
Rich Rewards Child Development Centre (Montreal): Rich Rewards Child Development Center, LLC is a small, family-focused private practice comprised of a team of energetic and talented speech-language pathologists, play therapists, ABA/AVB therapists and sensory-music therapists.
Sarah Stup: An author with autism and an ASD advocate, Sarah Stup offers free downloads of her books, and links to other Autism resources on the web.
Schafer Autism Report: Includes research, treatment, advocacy, news and a monthly calendar of upcoming autism seminars, conferences and events.
Special Needs and Moving On: The Special Needs and Moving On Projects are sponsored by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers and the Union of Postal Communications Employees (Public Service Alliance of Canada). These innovative projects provide support and resources to the unions' members whose children or adult sons and daughters have disabilities.
TAP (The Autism Perspective): Magazine dedicated to supporting people whose lives have been touched by Autism Spectrum Disorders.
10 Best Tips for Developing Good Organizational Skills.
TVO Parents, The Early Days of Autism: Meet Parents Like you. Four families with children with ASD share their experiences in a roundtable audio discussion and through short documentary videos.
TVO Special Edition, Autism Now: What Do We Know, What Do We Need? Aired November 18, 2007. If you missed it, watch the web version.
Valley Autism Support Team (VAST) - Nova Scotia: VAST aims to fulfill a number of purposes; key among these are: To provide support and networking to families and others involved with children with Autism and related disorders; to increase public awareness and understanding of Autism; to promote education for families,professionals and others; to support the siblings of children with Autism; and, to advocate on behalf of children with Autism and their families. Download the brochure: [PDF].
Woodbine House: Publishers specialising in books covering a range of special needs for children, adults and professionals.
Web Channel for Autism: The Dan Marino Foundation has launched Childnett.tv, the first 24-hour web channel dedicated to families living with autism and other neurological disorders. Childnett.tv is an internet access web channel that broadcasts interactive programming 24 hours a day, seven days week via the internet.
Who Cares? A Companion Guidebook for the Family Caregiver's Journey, Elizabeth Rawson (Self Published 2012). Aims to improve and help an individual caregiver's chance to thrive throughout the journey of caring for another. Through encouragement, heartfelt stories and visual images, Who Cares? offers practical suggestions for caregivers to begin to claim even small amounts of quality time for themselves.
www.caregiver-connect.ca provides access to information and resources that caregivers need to care for themselves and to provide quality care for their loved ones. The Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) Canada is proud to share their most trusted advice with all who need it.
Child Safety
Advice from a parent on protecting your children in private programs [PDF].
The Alliance to Prevent Restraint, Aversive Interventions, and Seclusion (A.P.R.A.I.S): Alliance to protect children from abuse in their schools, treatment programs, and residential facilities.
AmberAlert GPS: GPS tracking devices and applications.
Asperger Syndrome in your Classroom (Information for Classmates). The National Autistic Society.
Autism and Bullying in School [PDF]. Scottish Autism Services, 2006.
Autism Resources Miramichi Inc. Autism Registry: A New Brunswick-based, opt-in registry to inform first responders that an individual has an ASD. In the event of an emergency call, first responders will have advance notification enabling them to put into practice some of their training with regards to autism in order to minimize the safety and risk to everyone involved.
Autism Risk and Safety Management: Autism training and resources for law enforcement, emergency first responders, parents, educators, care providers, and the autism community.
Autism Safety Project: The Autism Safety Project provides First Responders with information and guidelines for communicating with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in emergency situations.
Bullies to Buddies: Bullying prevention program teaches how to end bullying at school and in the home. Free manual for adults available on website.
Bullying and Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Guide for School Staff [PDF]. The National Autistic Society, 2009.
Bullying: Awareness and Prevention. Department of Education, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. View self-help guide [PDF].
Canadian Public Health Agency: Healthy Environments for Children: Child Safety.
Child Safety Harnesses by Elaine, Inc.
Eyez-On: GPS location and security solutions.
Ion Wander Management System: Devise helps a parent track their child if they get out of a comfortable range of distance – similar to GPS but with different technology.
Loc8tor™ Don't Lose it, Locate it! The Loc8tor Plus is an award winning device that will help you keep tabs on your children, pets and possessions and is ideal for use at home, out and about or for business.
No Child Without® Program: A program offering free MedicAlert memberships to students (from age 4 to their 14th birthday) in selected schools.
Project Lifesaver Canada: A non-profit organization dedicated to assisting and responding to the challenge to caregivers of finding wandering or bolting loved ones who may suffer from Alzheimer's Disease, Autism or any other special needs requirements. [Link to Ontario Chapter]
RoadID: Offers various accessories with engraved emergency contact information including bracelets and shoe tags.
Safe Use Project: Building Awareness of Safe Use of Medicines Among Family Caregivers of Seniors and Chronically Ill Children: The Canadian Association for Community Care, the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and VON Canada project aims to promote awareness about the safe use of medicines and the prevention of medication misuse. This page deals with aspects of the Project aimed at caregivers of children with chronic illness. The Project goal is to raise awareness about safe medicine use among family members, friends and/or neighbours who provide care to seniors and children with chronic illness.
Schoolyard Rules – Adolescence and Asperger's, Autism Services [Streaming Video].
Silver Lining Home: Silver Lining Jewels offers an impressive selection of medical ID alert jewellery including medical ID alert bracelets, medical ID alert pendants, and medical ID alert wristbands.
They Know: Classmates and Asperger Syndrome. Dan Coulter, Coultervideo. I’ve heard it too often. The teasing and rejection that many children with Asperger Syndrome face in school from classmates who don’t understand why they act different...
TRiLOC™ GPS Locator: GPS Tracking Devices for individuals with special needs including Autism and Alzheimer's.
Help with Challenging Behaviour
Jessica Kingsley Publishers (JKP): Jessica Kingsley Publishers are independent publishers of accessible professional and academic books in the social and behavioural sciences. [Read JKP Newsletters].
Look At Me Now!® offers a quick and easy system to create personalised self models of children attempting and succeeding at various activities. Using the system, the face of the actor from a movie is replaced by an image provided by the user. Movies about visiting the dentist, visiting the doctor, and taking a bath, among others, can be purchased from the website.
Mental Health Canada/Santé Mentale Canada Inc.: National bilingual internet directory of 12,000 Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Psychoanalysts, Counsellors, Psychotherapists, and Social Workers. Public information and education resource on mental health concerns.
Parenting Aspergers Blog: A blog which provides information products as well as free reports, newsletters, email tips and blog posts designed specifically to help parents cope with the day-day to challenges of raising a child with Aspergers.
See me go Potty! A visual learning, potty training app for iOS and Android devices.
Studio III Group. The Studio III group comprises three individual companies, all of which promote the ideals, philosophies and benefits of non-aversive behaviour management.
The Total Transformation Program: A program created by behavioral therapist James Lehman, which offers practical, real-world solutions for challenges parents face such as defiance, disrespect, lying and cursing, among others.
Toilet Training for children with Autism or Intellectual Disabilities, Sue Bettison (2011).
Transition Planning
Autism Speaks Transition Toolkit: The Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit was created to serve as a guide to assist families on the journey from adolescence to adulthood.
Been There. Done That. Finally Getting it Right. A Guide to Educational Planning for Students with Autism: Lessons from a Mother and Teacher, Jennifer Krumins, Autism Aspirations.
Lifespan Services: Life Span Services is a full service consulting company bringing decades of experience and nationally recognized consultants to help families, individuals with autism and related disabilities, as well as, schools and agencies at the local, state and federal level, to get what individuals with autism need and deserve throughout their lifespan.
The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities Transition Summary Series: U.S. Transition Summary series that helps families and students with disabilities focus on taking definite steps toward a successful transition.
OCALI resources on Transitioning to Adulthood. Includes modules on assessment, employment, IEP, and school-aged programming.
Special Needs and Moving On, projects of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers and the Union of Postal Communications Employees (Public Service Alliance of Canada). The Special Needs Project is geared to families with young children; the Moving On Project is for adult sons and daughters with special needs.
"Transition Planning From School To Work" - article in Focus, a newsletter of the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio, suggests four components of a transition plan.
Resources for Children with ASDs
Ability OnLine: Ability OnLine is a family friendly, bully-free safe Internet community where children/youth with disabilities/illness and their parents can meet others like themselves, make friends from all over the world, share their hopes and fears, find role-models and mentors and feel like they belong.
A Maze Your Mind - Labyrinth Solutions: Amaze Your Mind Labyrinth Solutions offers left and right handed finger walking boards which promote a sense of calm and the ability to focus.
Books and Resources for Children and Young Readers: Celebrating Diversity and Promoting Well-Being. Jessica Kingsley Publishers Catalogue [Flash Required].
CDC site for children with ASDs and siblings to learn about autism.
Differently Abled!: This web site is based on a guide that Amazon.com and Toys R' Us created. It is used to help people select toys for children with different abilities. Here you can search for toys that promote auditory, language, visual, tactile, gross motor, fine motor, social skills, self-esteem, creativity, and thinking skills.
Discovery Toys – Teach, Play, Inspire. "We believe children grow to their fullest potential when parents are involved in play. To forge this special bond each of our products is carefully conceived to deliver maximum interactivity and fun—building the foundation for future learning success and achievement."
Eating for Autism: The 10-Step Nutrition Plan to Help Treat Your Child's Autism, Asperger's, or ADHD. Elizabeth Strickland (Lifelong Books 2011).
The Eating Game (Get Awesome Meals Everyday): Addressing the eating challenges of those with autism, these visual support structures enable children, adolescents and adults to actively participate in daily food planning making mealtime predictable and enjoyable with the bonus of developing healthy eating habits based on Canada’s Food Guide. MIY (Make it Yourself) Eating Game Kit now available.
Fat Brain Toys: Toys & Resources for Children with Special Needs.
fdmt: educational materials and sensory tools.
FPI Sensations: offers innovative, multi sensory rich products, equipment and environments (MSE) to meet the special needs of all ages and all abilities.
Grocery Pecs: Collection (over 2000) of realistic pictures designed to improve the shopping experience of families with children with communication difficulties. Cost to download.
InnovAid: Innovative Aids for People with Special Needs.
Iris the Dragon Charity: Iris the Dragon Charity produces a series of children’s illustrated books for children with special needs ranging from emotional, behavioral and developmental conditions. Some titles available for free download.
Kavita Kumar, mother of Benzy, a special (MR) 11 yr old girl has released Benzy's album.
KidScope Toys: A source for exciting autism toys, educational toys and therapeutic toys.
Learning Toys: Offers a number of toys specifically designed to promote learning.
Lekotek: U.S. central source on toys and play for children with special needs.
A Letter to my Teacher – 15 Things About Me: If you're a parent, you're anxious about the new school year and hoping the teacher will notice your child's strengths. If you're a teacher, this is a very busy time of year! And you're excited about getting to know your students. Here is a letter to your child's teacher. It will help your child adjust to a new classroom and make the teacher's life easy too.
MotorSkills™ Train and Activity Centers.
Musical potty training for kids with autism.
MyFriendQuest: A videogame designed to teach social skills, MyFriendQuest works with a number of conditions such as Asperger’s Syndrome, shyness, social phobia, and with any child who has difficulty socially integrating or managing their emotions.
Nepean Corona School of Gymnastics.
Roar: The brave and strong little dinosaur who knows it’s okay to do things differently. Picture books and resources to celebrate the fantastic qualities of children with High-functioning Autism/Asperger Syndrome.
Sensory-stimulation aids: Jiggler Fun Facial Massager | Chew Stixx
Sensory Store Canada: Offers a range of sensory clothing and accessories as well as other products and services to assist special needs children.
Sew Sensory: Specializes in custom-made sensory therapeutic tools: weighted vests, weighted blankets, compression/deep pressure vests, weighted lap pads, weighted shoulder wraps, and sensory exploration toys.
Shining Abilities: Toys for Autistic Children.
Soft (clothing for all children)®: Soft as can be. Many children are extra-sensitive to the texture and feel of clothing. Soft (clothing for all children)® is the first line of inclusive clothing designed with the needs of all children in mind, including those with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, Developmental Delays, and more. Blog | Download Soft: Look Book (PDF)
Smart Gifts from Home: Created by Charles Parker, author of "Tell it as it is!," Smart Gifts From Home sells a wide range of products for anyone who is affected by Autism.
SmartKnitKIDS: Seamless Sensitivity Socks.
Snugglebugs: A snug-fitting tube of stretch fabric that can stay pulled onto the body during activities or during quiet time.
Special Kidz: Alberta's Premier Special Needs Resource Guide. | View Blog
SpecialNeedsToys.com: Offers a range of Special Needs Toys, from mobile Multi-Sensory, to Swings, Trampolines and other Sensory Integration kit, Switches, Rewards and small Sensory toys.
Therapyware: An outlet offering equipment, material and books to assist with sensory integration, behaviour management, and motor skills development among other needs. Uniquely, products are sold by participtaing families at 'home parties,' allowing for hands-on experience with the different products in a comfortable environment.
Tips for Successful Haircutting, Autism Speaks: Haircuts can sometimes be difficult for people with autism. The challenges can range from sensory issues to anxiety about what will happen during the haircutting process. Autism Speaks partnered with children's haircut franchise Snip-its and Melmark New England to develop a haircutting training guide...
Toys for Autism: A parent's list of toys that have been useful during speech therapy sessions.
Toys, Glorious Toys!: Great ideas and resources, particularly for children with visual impairments and/or multiple disabilities. This web site is provided by the See/Hear association.
Toys R Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids: This complimentary, one-of-a-kind toy Guide speaks to a child's individual needs and offers qualified toy recommendations based on research from the National Lekotek Center, nonprofit organization that evaluates all of the toys featured in the Guide.
The Transporters DVD: Designed by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, The Transporters DVD aims to help children with ASDs recognize key emotions.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? [PDF]: A short article by Heidi Vinois written to help her son through school and life experiences. The article provides many pithy responses to the question "what is ASD," appropriate for various social situations.
ZAC Browser – Zone for Autistic Children: ZAC is the first web browser developed specifically for children with autism, and autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and PDD-NOS.
Vancouver Aquarium: Prepare your child for an amazing visit at the Vancouver Aquarium with a printable “photographic preview.”
At the Dentist
Dental Care and Autism: Resource page from the National Autistic Society, United Kingdom. View Dental Care and Autism leaflet by Michelle Golding, Senior Dental Officer, East Elmbridge and Mid Surrey CDS/PDS.
Dental Toolkit, Autism Speaks Family Services.
D-Termined Program of Repetitive Tasking and Familiarization in Dentistry: A DVD produced by the NLM Family Foundation for dental professionals who provide care for people with ASDs. DVD available from Specialized Care Co., Inc.
Going to the Dentist [PDF]: Autism Portage (Manitoba) info. and review page.
Look At Me Now!® offers a quick and easy system to create personalised self models of children attempting and succeeding at various activities. Using the system, the face of the actor from a movie is replaced by an image provided by the user. Movies about visiting the dentist, visiting the doctor, and taking a bath, among others, can be purchased from the website.
Procedures for Reducing Dental Fear in Children with Autism. Deanna M. Luscre and David B. Center, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Volume 26, Number 5 / October, 1996.
Stonebrook Dental, Toronto, ON: Dr. Nathan Haas and hygienist Pilar Buckley are currently developing a free dental program for children with ASD. View the press release [PDF]
Resources for Siblings of People with ASDs
Autism's Effect on Siblings [Streaming Video]. CBS News Online, October 3, 2008: Siblings of autistic children can be left feeling lonely or left out of the picture. Now programs exist that teach siblings how to relate to their autistic brother or sister. Meg Oliver reports.
Autism New Jersey's Sibling Pen Pal Program: Matches siblings with pen pals around the U.S. as well as internationally. Online resources are also available. For example, a chat room for siblings of children with disabilities, called "SibChat," meets periodically.
Autism Society of America – Siblings Issues
Autism Speaks – resources for siblings of people with ASDs. Includes books, websites, and brochures.
Fact Sheet on Autism for Kids from Public Autism Awareness UK.
Film: Understanding Brothers and Sisters on the Autism Spectrum, Dan and Julie Coulter, Coulter Video, 2007. | Review on LibraryJournal.com
Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society: Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society is a non-profit charity located in BC. Friend 2 Friend has one mandate to foster understanding, acceptance, empathy and friendships between children with ASD and related social-communication disorders and their peers, siblings and classmates.
Helping Siblings Understand Autism and Encouraging Positive Relationships, Society for Treatment of Autism, 2002.
My Brother is Different: A Sibling's Guide to Coping with Autism by Barbara J. Morvay [Book]. A book which helps support families coping with the effect an Autistic child has on their siblings, who are often the "invisible children" in the house. My Brother is Different is a new book with insight and thoughtful text which has supportive illustrations to guide families dealing with this issue.
National Autistic Society – Information for Siblings
Practical Tips for Parents to Help Siblings Cope with the Behaviors of a Child with Aspergers, Aspergers-and-PDD.com.
Siblings of Autistic Children Get Chance to Express Concerns. Don Aucoin, The Boston Globe, June 7, 2008: Once the flurry had subsided, Loring asked the youngsters to pick up one snowball apiece at random from the floor or table and read it aloud. In their piping voices could be heard this truth: To be the brother or sister of an autistic child is to live in a bewildering present and face an uncertain future, to battle an undertow of anxieties that most youngsters don't have to think about, and to balance an array of conflicting - and often confusing - feelings...
Siblings of Children with Autism, Sandra L. Harris, Ph.D., a Professor at the Rutgers University and the Director of the Division of Research and Training at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center, explores the impact of raising a child with autism on the family, especially on brothers and sisters. She discusses ways to cope with the impacts of autism on family.
Sibling Support Project: A range of information on siblings of children with disabilities, including: reading lists for children and adults, information on facilitating sibling discussion groups, or online resources.
There Will Always Be Love, by Jocelyn Davis with illustration by Jessica Davis (Jocelyn Davis 2012). A young girl, Jocelyn, asks her mother about the many strange behaviors of her autistic twin sister, Jessica. There Will Always Be Love seeks to give voice to the siblings of those who are autistic, all while shedding light on the many questions, fears and feelings that both parents and siblings have at a young age. The questions and pictures within the book are based on real life experience, and no questions are off limits from the 9 year old Jocelyn!
Resources for Spouses of People with ASDs
22 Things a Woman Must Know If She Loves a Man with Asperger's Syndrome, Rudy Simone, Jessica (Kingsley Publishers 2009) [Book]. "This book will help women to understand the male Asperger's mind and, equally, it can help men with AS to see things from their partner's perspective. It will also be of interest to counsellors working with couples where the male partner has Asperger's Syndrome."
ASPIRES: A mixed international community of parents, partners, spouses, and adults with AS.
Connecting With Your Asperger Partner: Negotiating the Maze of Intimacy. Louise Weston (Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2010)
Married with Disabled Children. Marie Hartwell-Walker, ED.D. Published December 10, 2006: Can this marriage survive? It’s a question many of us ask as we try to juggle the care of a disabled child, the needs of our other children, and, oh yes, the relationship to that person I’m married to.
Relationships and Caring for a Disabled Child [PDF]. Contact a Family Resource (UK).
Resources for Children of Parents with ASDs
ASpar Stories: Support and Advocacy for people raised by parents with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder or Asperger's Syndrome.
My Parent has an Autism Spectrum Disorder, Barbara R. Lester (Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2011).
Resources for Grandparents of People with ASDs
Financial and Government
Autism and FInancial Planning. Fabio Campanella, Financial Post, March 21, 2012. Autism comes in many forms and can affect a person’s mental abilities to varying degrees. Parents with autistic children face a multitude of challenges and frustrations. Several of these challenges are financial ...
Bank of Montreal Registered Disability Savings Plan Essentials.
Canada Benefits Website: Government-wide information about benefit programs and services for individuals.
Canada Revenue Agency: Information on tax credits and deductions for persons with disabilities.
Canada Revenue Agency Family Caregiver Amount: Information on eligibility criteria and the application process for the Family Caregiver Amount.
Canada Revenue Agency Registered Disability Savings Plan.
Canada Study Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities.
Easter Seals Association Canada: Easter Seals Ontario is dedicated to helping children, youth and young adults with physical disabilities achieve their full individual potential and future independence. Easter Seals funds disability solutions through financial assistance, summer camp, the Recreational Choices Funding Program, research, advocacy, and public and consumer education.
Canadian Public Policy - Analyse de Politiques, Vol. XXVI, No. 1 2000: Refers to the Immigration Act, section 19a which states that immigration will not be allowed for families with a member who has a medical condition that may result in higher usage of the health care system than the average Canadian.
ODSP: Ontario Disability Support Plan: A Yahoo! Group that allows members to chat about ODSP issues.
Ontario Disability Support Information: Legal resource for ODSP claimants and recipients from Simon Shields, LLB.
Persons with Disabilities Online: Single access point for Government of Canada information on disability-related programs and services.
The President's Choice Children's Charity: Offers financial assistance to purchase equipment or services to families who have children born with disabilities.
Registered Disability Savings Plan Page by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Calculator: A downloadable Microsoft Excel worksheet which estimates the value of your RDSP based on answers to a short questionnaire.
Removing the Mystery: An Estate Planning Guide for Families of People With a Disability, Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, 2008.
Tax Measures for People with Disabilities: Do you qualify for the disability tax credit? Visit the Canada Revenue Agency's page for Persons With Disabilities. Learn more... [PDF Eng] [PDF Fre]
“Special Needs" Planning Group: Made up of parents of people with disabilities to assist families in preparing financial and estate plans that will ensure that their sons or daughters with a disability will enjoy a decent quality of life now and in the future.
Forums, Blogs and Online Support Groups
Abilities.ca: A community driven website for people with disabilities, which offers a venue for discussion on issues relating to social policy, health, social life, and more.
ASD Friendly: Online forum for parents and caregivers describing their experiences with their children with ASDs.
AspergerInfo: An online resource on AS written by Lisa Cohen, a parent of a child with AS. The site Includes personal stories, as well as a downloadable and open access powerpoint presentation on AS.
The Autism Acceptance Project now has a new online forum called "Autism for Parents" that covers all areas of autism issues. Simply log in to participate in an active discussion and touch base regularly with autistic people, professionals and parents around the world.
AutismSpot: The fastest growing FREE online resource for the global Autism Community. AutismSpot uses streaming video to provide the latest in education and information to the global Autism Community.
The Autism Connection: A non-profit website dedicated to providing information and resources about autism to the community.
The Autism Depot: Parent/caregiver resource site.
BBB Autism: BBB Autism offers an online support network, many printable articles, as well as almost 2,000 links pertaining to autism. There is a section of Ontario-based information affiliated with Autism Society Ontario - York Region Chapter.
caregiver-connect.ca: A site maintained by the Victorian Order of Nurses which provides information and various resources for caregivers.
Email Discussion: Autism email discussion list that includes all aspects of autism from St. John's University.
Father's Autism Network (FAN) Calgary, was created to bring fathers and male caregivers of children with ASD together for fellowship. The network will meet on the second Wednesday of every month. For more information and to join the network, visit FAN's Facebook page.
Jeff's Life: A parent-run blog which documents a family's day-to-day experiences raising a child with ASD.
Life with Autism: A Global Support Group for Families and Carers Affected by Autism.
ME-LIST:
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An e-mail discussion group of families using ABA .You can join by subscribing.
Midnight in Chicago by Elyse Bruce: An international culture and tourism initiative that raises awareness of, and funds for, Autism.
Mother Cub: All About Autism. A blog run by Susan Lynn Perry, a published freelance writer and best-selling author of fiction, nonfiction, short stories and inspirational articles. Perry also hosts the Mother Cub Show: All About Autism on WorldTalk Radio.
Research Bench: A blog which provides easy-to-read reviews of emerging academic and scientific research, with some coverage of ASDs.
The Retired Educator: By a parent of an adult son with autism - Sandy Crux, Ph.D (Educ).
Special Needs Parenting Blog – Today's Parent Magazine: As the parent of a teen with Autism, Amy Baskin writes about the joys, frustrations and practicalities of special needs parenting.
Wisteria Blue: An Italian blog dedicated to tourism for families of persons on the Autism spectrum.
ASD Camps
Alpha Camp and Retreat: Alpha camp and retreat is a non-competitive inclusive camp for ADHD, learning disabilities, behavioural needs and ASD, focusing on life and social skills for youth and young adults.
Balmy Beach Canoe Club: Based in Toronto, ON, the Balmy Beach Canoe Club offers canoe, kayak and dragonboat lessons for all ages.
Camp Kennebec: Located in Arden, Ontario, Camp Kennebec offers a range of individualised programs which cater to the special needs community. Emphasis is placed on social skills, friendships, accomplishments, setting personal goals and living within the camping community.
Camp Kirk: Established in 1993, Camp Kirk is a nurturing and friendly residential (overnight) summer camp that welcomes boys and girls age 6 to 13 with any of the following exceptionalities: learning disabilities, some Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorders, and incontinence/enuresis.
Extreme Sports Camp: An Athletic Experience for Autism.
MySummerCamps.com is a free online directory that assists parents and children in their search for summer camp programs. MySummerCamps.com lists nearly 500 Special Needs Camps including 40 specialized autism camps.
Ramapo for Children: A non-profit camp for children with special needs including those with autism and bi-polar disorders. PO Box 266 Rhinebeck, NY 12572 , (845) 876-8403 (845) 876-8414 fax).
Reach for the Rainbow: An Ontario-based non-profit dedicated to sending children with disabilities to regular camps.
