The autism spectrum has a variety of distinct features, some of them are manageable and good, whereas other times symptoms can be difficult or require special considerations. Here’s a list of websites that are helpful for developmental disorders and to find individualized help:

Top Recommendations for Autism by Parents

• www.autismspeaks.org -One of the leading autism science and advocacy organizations. Autism Speaks provides a comprehensive resource guide for all states. The site also boasts an impressive list of apps that parents may find useful, including games that focus on communication and social skills.
• Autism Society-Another great site that includes helpful resources for those with autism,  family members, as well as professionals. Autism Society also gives updates on the latest autism news and press releases.
• Disability Scope– Sign up for Disability Scoop’s e-mail news to receive the most current updates on developmental disabilities. Disability Scoop’s experts have been cited by multiple online news sites, including USA Today and People.com.
• www.autismnj.org -Run by a network of professionals and parents, Autism New Jersey strives to provide New Jersey residents affected by autism with the most up-to-date information, including info on Health Care and insurance mandates in New Jersey.
• www.autism.com– The Autism Research Institute focuses on researching the causes of autism, as well as developing safe and effective treatments for those currently affected by the disorder.
• www.autismweb.com – Managed by parents, AutismWeb includes great insights on different autism teaching methods. The site also provides a forum where parents can go to share their stories, give updates on their children’s progress, and share recipes that may be useful for picky eaters.
• www.autismhwy.com -Started by a woman whose son was diagnosed with autism, Autism Highway is both informative and fun. Easy to navigate, Autism Highway provides an extensive list of Autism related events and specialists. In addition, Autism Highway includes many fun games that children are sure to enjoy!
• Autism Beacon – Also started by the parent of a child with autism, Autism Beacon strives to supply the best resources for autism treatments. Autism Beacon presents a lengthy range of articles on autism, including sensitive topics such as bullying and sexuality.
• Potty Training a Child with Autism using ABA – Potty training an Autistic child can be daunting for parents and caregivers because of the unique challenges the child faces. For this reason, traditional approaches to toilet training may not always be effective. This is where applied behavioral analysis (ABA) comes into your potty training program.

Additional Websites for Families

Autisable.com: a blogging community focused on Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD NOS, and other Pervasive Development Disorders. Autisable’s Mission is to be of service to the Autism Community by providing an open platform where anything Autism Related can be shared and discussed.

AutismAsperger.net: serves to build greater awareness of the autism spectrum and in particular, Asperger Syndrome. It joins other websites with this same focus and will work together with them toward strengthening our community of people on the autism spectrum.

Autism Action Partnership: to improve the quality of life of persons on the Autism Spectrum and their families through education, advocacy, and support, thereby enabling them to be an integral part of the community.

Autism After 16: this website arose out of the desire to help adults with ASD and their families make sense of the morass of information and misinformation out there. Autism After 16 is dedicated to providing information and analysis of adult autism issues, with an emphasis on analysis. Anyone can Google “autism + adults” and discover a vast array of programs, documents, and products. Our intention here is to try to help adults with ASD and their families make sense of what’s out there.

Autism Atlas: increase understanding and acceptance for people with autism through education, advocacy, and the development of community programs. Currently, we have two unique educational programs that focus on why people with autism act the way they do. Participants perform simulation exercises to let them experience the sensory processing issues that lead to many of the typical behaviors.

Autism Blogs Directory: a diverse directory of autism blogs with a variety of viewpoints!

Autism and Boyscouts: give information to parents of autistic children considering if Scouting is right for their child and for Scout Leaders and Volunteers (Scouters) who have autistic children in their unit.

APEX PROaupair: the first and only U.S. Department of State designated au pair agency in the United States specializing in providing special needs childcare. We place experienced au pairs with degrees in such varied backgrounds as occupational therapy, physical therapy, special needs education, nursing, etc with families who have one or more children with special needs. The cost to families is only 12$/h for 45 hrs/week of care, including healthcare, visa, and pay to the candidates.

Autism Calendar: check out a list of events in your area related to autism awareness and the autism community. Posting your own local events to the calendar is free!

Autism Family Online: a group of family members and educators dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This site will give you valuable information, provide an opportunity to get your questions answered, and much, much more.

Autism Internet Modules: comprehensive, up-to-date, and usable information on autism accessible and applicable to educators, other professionals, and families who support individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Written by experts from across the U.S., all online modules are free and are designed to promote understanding of, respect for, and equality of persons with ASD.

Autism Navigator: a unique collection of web-based tools and courses developed to bridge the gap between science and community practice. We have integrated the most current research into a highly interactive web platform with extensive video footage to illustrate effective evidence-based practices.

AutismNOW.org: a dynamic and interactive, highly visible, and effective central point of quality resources and information for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, their families, and other targeted key stakeholders.

Autism on the Seas: dedicated to providing vacation and travel options for individuals and families living with Special Needs, including, but not limited to, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and all Cognitive, Intellectual, and Developmental Disabilities. Featuring cruise and land resort options.

Autism Parenting Solutions: provides practical solutions to parents of children with autism from parents of children with autism.

Autism Spotlight: social network for families and children affected by autism.

Autism Support Groups: a helping hand on demand.

Autism Women’s Network: provide effective support to autistic women and girls of all ages through a sense of community, advocacy, and resources.

Architecture for Autism: tips and background information for anyone involved in designing, building, interior design, and furnishing homes, schools, treatment, and long-stay facilities. They include people on the spectrum, their parents, other relatives, teachers, caregivers, co-workers, and superiors. It’s a free, interactive service.

A Special Needs Plan: offers education, action, and support for families in order to secure and protect their loved one’s future. Whether the primary caregiver is here, or if they are not, A Special Needs Plan makes certain their loved one is going to be okay!

Awe in Autism: original works of art, music, literature, poetry, photography, and video, as well as many other resources, providing inspiration and encouragement to those impacted by autism.

Bridging Apps: provides access to educational and therapeutic tools—anywhere, anytime—allowing parents, teachers, and therapists to effectively use mobile devices and apps to target and improve individual skill development to help children and adults with disabilities reach their highest levels of physical and cognitive development.

The Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation: a first-of-its-kind nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and informing the public, patients, medical/research communities, the media, and policymakers about clinical research and the role each party plays in the process.

Cerebral Palsy Guide: an online resource for anyone who has been affected by birth injuries, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or other disabilities. The organization was created to provide answers and guidance to help families and children get all the assistance they need to help improve their overall quality of life.

Circle of Moms: a community of many mothers coming together as one and those caring for children on the autism spectrum.

Comforting Anxious Children: sharing information and resources to help children find peace for mind, body, and spirit. It’s an extensive list of products in each category, mind, body, and spirit, which will help comfort an anxious child.

Discover Autism Help: a parent’s source for ideas and techniques for teaching strategies, speech therapy, occupational therapy, reading, math, and writing, most of which can be implemented at home.  Based on the belief that children with autism can benefit from extra help at home, this site is devoted to giving parents the resources they need to help their children reach their potential.

EarlyInterventionSupport.com: assist parents and caregivers with questions about their child’s growth and development. Our website reaches out to all parents, providing them with easy-to-understand definitions, suggestions on dealing with common problems, resources, and links. EIS was created by the founders of Therapeutic Early Intervention Services (TEIS), and recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare as a designated Early Intervention provider in Western PA.

Exception-ALLY: an online resource giving parents personalized guidance through the IEP process. This guidance is delivered through the EA Action Plan. It provides 1) customized strategies to get the best outcomes in the IEP process, 2) development goals and accommodations personalized for your child, 3) custom reports and letters to help you collaborate with your school’s IEP team, and 4) year-round tracking of the IEP’s implementation to help you get visibility.

Find A Professional: Online Directory of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Programs
This online directory contains valuable information about thousands of programs that employ audiologists and speech-language pathologists who hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Global Behavior Education Alliance, Inc.: a network of licensed professionals to provide online services for children with autism. We pride ourselves on being an all-encompassing resource, providing online evaluations, therapies, counseling, and advocacy. Our mission is to empower families through a comprehensive selection of online services and therapy options. We employ researched-based methodologies and target behavioral and educational needs for optimal transformation. Call today!

Grant’s Eco-Art: Grant is autistic and his message of recycling and creating artwork is capturing national attention.   As he says, “It’s not what we can’t do. It’s what we can do!”

Institute for Behavioral Training (IBT): a variety of eLearning topics geared specifically towards parents and family members of children with ASD. Lessons are geared toward working in the home or community and focus on the day-to-day relationship with a child. Topics may include skills targeted in the home, parent support, introduction to ABA, and behavior management.

International Diagnostic Solutions provides international consultation and diagnostic services in the areas of autism, developmental delay, and special education. Whether on-site or off-site, our experts provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments, short and long-term training in the fields of ABA and special education, consultation for program and center development, and biotechnological tools and research opportunities.

LawHelp.org: helps low and moderate-income people find free legal aid programs in their communities, and answers questions about their legal rights.

Learning Differences World: provide the tools, support, and answers you need to enable a child to learn successfully. Whether you are concerned that your child has autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or all of the above, Learning Differences World provides answers and support for more than 20 different learning challenges that impact the way a child learns.

LegalShield: cover everything from the trivial to the traumatic. Education Law has been added to cover benefits specializing in the rights of children with special needs.

Living Well with Autism: an online resource that provides parents and caregivers with ideas, and free or inexpensive resources for living well with autism. Here, you will find social stories, visual helpers, tips, and recommended resources.

Magical Adventures Await: to provide services that will help you and your family have a successful vacation. For a family traveling with a child with special needs, preparation is essential.  There is no fee for these complimentary services. All you need to do is book your vacation, visit the website, or email here.

Making Voices Heard: a platform for you as parents and caregivers to share your story about the power of AAC. It is a space where we wish for many parents to come and draw inspiration to help their children communicate. It is a repository of inspiring stories and content, focusing on how AAC can be greatly instrumental in building a child’s communication and letting people try some of these solutions for themselves.

Medical Fitness Network: free national online resource directory to locate fitness, and wellness professionals who provide services for families with children with autism. An overall wellness plan of healthy living is critical for children and young adults, especially those with Autism, in unique ways. A growing list of studies shows over half of children with Autism are at risk of being overweight or overweight. It is important to have a strong support system for these families.

Moms Fighting Autism: a monthly webinar service dedicated to helping moms who have children with autism. Each month we bring our members new speakers that share their perspectives on various autism topics.

MyAutismTeam: a free social network for parents of kids with autism. You can think of it as a cross between Facebook and Yelp specifically designed for parents of kids on the spectrum so that they don’t have to “re-invent the wheel”. With over 30,000 parents registered on the site, you can find parents just like you based on where you live, the age of your child, your child’s sub-diagnosis and developmental needs, and gender. Parents share tips, support, and photos, as well as ask and answer each others’ questions. In addition, there is a searchable provider directory of over 35,000 autism specialists and autism-friendly providers constantly updated by parents on the site. MyAutismTeam is the official social network and resource guide for Autism Speaks.

MyManny, LLC: an online company that connects families with male sitters, mentors, tutors, coaches, big brothers, and role models.

National Center for Learning Disabilities: NCLD provides essential information and resources to individuals with learning disabilities, parents, and educators. LD can take many forms – including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia and LD.org addresses them all through expert articles, e-books, and videos.

The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass: this access pass is a free, lifetime pass – available to US citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability – that provides access to recreation areas managed by 5 federal agencies.

Nilsby.com: an online community for families of special needs children. Nilsby is a community where people can share information and emotional support with one another in a positive and safe environment

One Place for Special Needs: a place for disability products, resources, services, and support.

The ORP Library Community: offers articles, tools, and guides, for kids, parents, educators, pediatricians, and mental health professionals dealing with disabilities. From a chart to help a child identify his/her emotions, to stories and guides to help parents deal with their journey, these free tools can be found on the ORP Library community website.

PTEN World: an online community for families with PTEN conditions, and many of our members have children with a PTEN condition and an autism spectrum disorder. Members correspond within discussion forums and can personalize their profiles by uploading their stories, photos, and videos.

Provider Search: Connecting the Special Needs Community: search for quality professionals who can help with Developmental Disabilities, Autism, Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy & Cognitive Learning Disabilities.

RDI™Learning Community: a proven developmental model that addresses the core issues of ASD such as motivation, communication, emotional regulation, episodic memory, rapid attention-shifting, self-awareness, appraisal, executive functioning, flexible thinking, and creative problem-solving. RDI’s unique, parent-training program teaches parents to regain and maximize their role to guide their children to seek out and succeed in truly reciprocal relationships.

Relate to autism: provides support services for parents – giving you everything you need to begin and run an effective developmental program for your child at home.

Restoring Balance: The Autism Spectrum: guide parents through clear-cut practical information that they can readily utilize to help translate the information from the doctor to the dinner table.

Rethink: dynamic online solution includes an individualized assessment process, tracking tools that can be accessed through mobile devices, and a comprehensive video-based curriculum for training parents, teachers, and caregivers – all developed by nationally recognized experts in the field.  Trained clinicians are also available to provide support via phone, video conferencing, and online chat.

Sandbox Learning Lending Library Links: many states have non-profit foundations which support the lending of resources. These resources range from extensive libraries of sensory integration toys, augmentative communication devices, and games or puzzles designed for individuals with disabilities to simple software or low-tech devices. Professionals, and in many states parents, are able to ‘check out’ a device online and have it delivered to their home or visit designated centers to borrow items. Since many devices and toys for children with disabilities are very expensive, these programs are an excellent way for people to test augmentative communication devices or adaptive materials before purchasing them. This website lists resources from each state.

Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children: a nationwide initiative aimed at communities with children ages 2 to 5. Developed with input from parents, people who serve the autism community, and people with autism, See Amazing in All Children offers families ways to overcome common challenges and simplify everyday activities. At the same time, the project fosters an affirming narrative around autism for all families and kids.

Shared Abilities: an online community for sharing information about special needs & celebrating all we are able to accomplish!  With current news, more than 100 discussion groups where members can post questions and share information, and a provider directory, Shared Abilities is a place to go, get info, and connect.   Shared Abilities is for anyone touched by the special needs world:  people with special needs, their family & friends as well as therapists, educators, healthcare providers, and more.

Sharona Coaching and Consulting LLC: for parents that are looking for support and guidance as they navigate through the challenges and joys of raising a child with special needs. Sharona provides a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere in which parents can expect honesty, compassion, and useful tools to achieve the quality of life that they are looking for.

Sibling Support Project: visitors can learn about the unique joys and concerns experienced by siblings of people with autism and other disabilities; join listservs for young sibs, adult sibs, or parents who wish to talk about their “other” kids; learn where to find registered sibships in their community – and how they can start their own Sibshop; and see a list of sibling-related books for you and adult readers.

Simple Steps Autism: effective tools for coping with Autism Spectrum Disorder in children based on the science of ABA.

Social Security Disability Resource Center: Provides information on the federal disability benefit programs, SSD (social security disability, mandated under Title II of the social security act) and SSI (supplemental security income, mandated under title 16), in addition to answering questions about social security retirement benefits and providing resource links on topics such as Medicare.

Special Learning: The Comprehensive Autism Solutions Company: exists to offer every parent with a special child a genuine chance to help their son or daughter attain an abundant and fulfilling life. A journey of light and hope to children with autism and developmental disabilities around the globe.

Special Kids Photography of America: represent special children to professional photographers in an effort to expand exceptional photographic opportunities to these children on a national level. This unique focus is accomplished through training and education, awareness, funding development, and photographic industry support.

Special Learning, Inc.: the site provides extensive information, resources, and tools to help children with autism move up the skills spectrum intuitively, successfully, and affordably. The company’s ambitious mission is to become THE destination for autism information, resources, and tools worldwide.

SpecialNeedsKnowledge.org: designed to educate about specific special needs issues focused on finance, law, tax, government benefits, and more with written briefs, articles, educational videos, and mini and online seminars. You will leave the site empowered, with a new sense of confidence in assembling a plan that secures the future of your loved one with special needs, as well as the future of your entire family.

Stoller Parent Coaching: a warm relationship and customizing the pacing and the process itself to fit her client’s personal style and needs, Sheryl Stoller enables parents to trust what they already know, integrate pertinent knowledge, and try out new ways of parenting. Available via phone/internet/travel.

TherapyConnect.net: more, consistent communication between therapists and caregivers, the service is free to parents and caregivers and ninety dollars yearly for therapists and other professionals, because when we’re all communicating, we can see progress happen across all settings.

Tutoring Services: the only free portal that provides students with affordable tutors in the convenience of their own homes. Need to find a tutor, no worries there is a place to be. Online learning and homework help are just a few clicks away.

Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy: accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.

Your Special Education Rights: the only video-based special education rights resource available for parents!  As a member, you’ll have access to hundreds of videos that help you empower yourself with the information you need to secure appropriate special education services for your child. Passionate about helping all parents understand their rights. And membership is free!

ZocDoc: a free service that allows you to find a nearby doctor or dentist who accepts your insurance. You can search for doctors (of all specialties, in all cities), find all who are available on a given day and time, and schedule your appointment right then and there. Oh, and you can also write and read reviews!