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Featured in the film, this musical theater and video arts program, founded by Elaine Hall, brings
children with special needs together with their typically developing peers to write, rehearse, and
perform an original work in public. The mission of the program is "to provide a loving, accepting
nurturing environment which celebrates and honors the unique and often unrecognized talents of
these young people by guiding them through creative workshops and artistic programs."
This advocacy group seeks to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders (ASD); fund
research into the causes, prevention, and treatments for autism; and advocate for the needs of
individuals with autism and their families. On the site, you can find local resources in your state,
read the latest news on federal and state legislation, learn about research the group supports, and
browse through an autism video glossary designed to help identify some of the features associated
with autism spectrum disorders.
What is Autism?
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, "Autism is a complex
developmental disability that causes problems with social interaction and communication.
Symptoms usually start before age three and can cause delays or problems in many different skills
that develop from infancy to adulthood." To learn more about the characteristics, causes, diagnosis,
and treatment of the disease, click on the websites below.
This website features links to descriptions of recent clinical trials, news releases, and
publications available in both English and Spanish.
The comprehensive resource from the CDC includes information about the early warning signs,
an interactive chart detailing the milestones of childhood development, descriptions of CDC
sponsored projects around the US, and links to resources for families, educators, and
researchers.
This national organization of 60,000 pediatricians recently published two new reports describing
guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment Autism. The press release includes links to both
reports as well as the AAP 'Autism Health Topic page'. This resource includes among other
things a fact sheet for parents about the disease and a toolkit for clinicians called 'Caring for
Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.'
Family Resources
KidsHealth offers doctor-approved, age-appropriate health information for kids. The Autism topic
page includes descriptions of symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
This parent-run site is a resource and networking tool for caregivers affected by Autism. Special
features include a video sharing page, links to podcast interviews with physicians, educators, and
caregivers, and a search tool for finding others in your area affected by the disease.
Created by Michael Goldberg - a Boston-area father to a young child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- this blog offers links to recent news reports, court decisions, academic and government studies,
and resources for families. It includes information about schools in the US providing educational
services to children with autism spectrum disorders as well as recent state legislation.
Legislation
Created by the Sunlight Foundation and the Participatory Politics Foundation, Open Congress
features search tools that allow users to research and track bills pending before congress. This page
offers descriptions of current Autism related legislation.
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