Links

The following lists are by no means all-inclusive. Please feel free to email me your suggestions for organizations or people who should be added to these lists, or let me know if a link no longer works.

Some useful organization links

ani.autistics.org - website of Autism Network International
ANI is an autistic-run self-help and advocacy organization for autistic people.

www.archrespite.org - website of ARCH national respite network
This site includes the National Respite Locator Service and the National Respite Coalition, a service that advocates for preserving and promoting respite in policy and programs at the national, state, and local levels.

www.asperger.net - website of Autism Asperger Publishing Company
We are an independent publisher specializing in books on autism spectrum disorders based on the latest research. We take pride in offering books that provide practical solutions for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder as well as parents, teachers or others working or living with an individual with an autism spectrum disorder. In addition to autism books we offer videos and other interactive products.

www.autcom.org -website for the Autism National Committee.
The only autism advocacy organization dedicated to "Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism" through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches. Founded in 1990 to protect and advance the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism, PDD, and related differences of communication and behavior.

www.beachcenter.org - website for the Beach Center on Disability
Founded in 1988, the Beach Center (a) conducts research, (b) carries out training and technical assistance, and (c) provides international, national, state, regional, and local service in collaboration with families who have members with disabilities, individuals with disabilities, the professionals and policy leaders who serve families and individuals, and members of the communities in which the families and individuals live, all in order to enhance the quality of life of families and individuals affected by disability.

www.cvision.org - website of Community Vision
Community Vision is the largest nonprofit organization providing individualized housing, supported living, employment and homeownership services to people with disabilities and their families in Oregon. Assisting one person at a time to live in their own home provides the stability needed to work, live and thrive in the communities of their choice.

www.dontlaugh.org - Website of Operation Respect
Operation Respect is a non-profit organization working to assure each child a respectful, safe and compassionate climate of learning where their academic, social and emotional development can take place free of bullying, ridicule and violence. Founded by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary, the organization disseminates educational resources designed to establish a climate that reduces the emotional and physical cruelty some children inflict upon each other…

www.thefci.syr.edu - website for Facilitated Communication Institute, Syracuse Univ.
The Facilitated Communication Institute conducts research, training, and public education designed to expand opportunities for people with disabilities to be heard and to participate fully in society.

www.iod.unh.edu - website for University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability
Established in 1987 to provide a coherent university-based focus for the improvement of knowledge, policies, and practices related to the lives of persons with disabilities and their families. The IOD envisions a future where all persons, including those living with disabilities, are fully engaged members of communities and where culturally appropriate supports are available across the life span to individuals and families that lead to independence, productivity, and a satisfying quality of life.

www.jfcs-portland.org/task.php - website for Jewish Family & Child Services TASK, i.e., Treasuring, Accepting and Supporting Kehilah (Hebrew for community). The mission of TASK is to promote acceptance and inclusion in the Jewish community of people with disabilities, so that everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in the richness of Jewish educational, religious, cultural, and social life.

www.self-determination.com - website for Center for Self-Determination
The Center for Self-Determination is a highly interactive working collaboration of individuals and organizations committed to the principles of self-determination to help all persons create the lives they want, connected to and with their communities and pursuing long term relationships and economic futures

www.stand.org - website for Stand for Children
Stand for Children seeks to make children and their needs a higher political priority. Our members believe we need to invest in our children now - in their education and enrichment from pre-school through high school, their health, and their safety - to ensure they have a fair chance in life and to create a better future for our communities. We build effective local and statewide networks of grassroots advocates capable of convincing elected officials to invest in and reform children's programs.

www.taaproject.com - website of The Autism Acceptance Project
The Autism Acceptance Project works to promote acceptance of and accommodations for autistic people in society.

www.tash.org - website for TASH: Equity, Opportunity and Inclusion for People with Disabilities since 1975. An international membership association leading the way to inclusive communities through research, education, and advocacy. TASH members are people with disabilities, family members, fellow citizens, advocates, and professionals working together to create change and build capacity so that all people, no matter their perceived level of disability, are included in all aspects of society.

Some of my favorite "people links"

www.autismasperger.net - website of Stephen Shore
In addition to working with children and talking about life on the autism spectrum, Stephen presents and consults internationally on adult issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure as discussed in his books.

www.autismconsultingservice.com - website of Gail Gillingham Wiley
The main focus of the organization is the use of the words and experiences of those on the autism spectrum to understand autism and to develop effective methods of care. Our services are also based on the standard of "FIRST DO NO HARM". In addition to counseling, consulting and workshops, Gail has written several autism-related books.

www.autismdifferences.org - website of Linda Rammler
Autism Spectrum Differences Institute of New England

Consults on autism issues and state of the art educational practices to public and private agencies, school districts, communities, families and individuals with autism. Facilitating inclusive, brain based, age and culturally appropriate accommodations and supports in their schools, jobs, families and communities for individuals of all ages with labels reflecting Autism Spectrum Differences.

www.chantalsicile-kira.com - website of Chantal Sicile-Kira
Chantal provides consultation services on transition planning and adolescent issues through her company, Autism Making a Difference, and presents internationally on these topics. She hosts a radio show on Autism One Radio and is the author of a number of autism-related books.

www.copetohope.com - website of Ruth Schroeder
"helping special needs families move from just coping to hoping" - life coaching, seminars, workshops, etc.

www.dimagine.com - website of David Pitonyak
"Imagine is the name I give my consulting practice, which is dedicated to supporting people who experience disabilities and exhibit, what some have called, "difficult behaviors." In my view, what's most needed when supporting someone who engages in difficult behaviors is imagination."

www.disabilityisnatural.com - website of Kathie Snow
"Kathie is the wife of Mark, the mother of Emily and Benjamin, and a zealous promoter of new ways of thinking about disability. Her book, "Disability is Natural," is the culmination of 16 years of experience as a public speaker, trainer, and consultant on disability issues. Kathie believes it's time for new perspectives about disability…"

http://fa.ml.com/ROBIN_TOMPKINS - website of Robin Tompkins
Robin Tompkins is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch in Portland, Oregon. She is certified to provide financial advice to special needs families. As a "special needs" mom herself, she fully understands the unique financial issues such families face.

www.gettingthetruthout - website of Amanda Baggs
Amanda is an autistic woman who is a prolific and compelling writer. It is important to read all the way through the progression of pages on this website to get the true intent.
Great list of additional links at the end! She also has produced several compelling videos that can be viewed on You Tube.

www.lustbader.com - website of Wendy Lustbader
books, videos and trainings on elder care issues… Wendy is a clinical social worker who is also a wonderful speaker and author of several books and video tapes in the area of elder care.

www.paulakluth.com - website of Paula Kluth
This website is dedicated to promoting inclusive schooling and exploring positive ways of supporting students with autism and other disabilities. Most of her work involves collaborating with schools to create environments, lessons, and experiences that are inclusive, respectful, and accessible for all learners.

www.rogernmeyer.com - website of Roger Meyer
Rogernmeyer.com is a combined business and personal website dedicated to building greater awareness of adult autism, especially Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism

www.runningondreams.com - website of Herb Heiman
Herb Heiman has done just about everything! He has jumped out of airplanes (with a parachute, of course), managed a #1 Top Forty Rock and Roll radio station in Los Angeles, toured the country performing and teaching pantomime, been a middle school special education assistant for a dozen years and - oh yes - he is a writer.

www.shevin.org - website of Mayer Shevin
Mayer Shevin is a consultant in private practice, working with individuals with disabilities and the people, communities and organizations in their lives. He helps people who are establishing circles of support, and those organizations seeking to foster such circles. He consults directly with individuals seeking to progress toward personal goals despite their challenging behaviors, with their families, and with the schools and agencies which support these individuals.

www.socialthinking.com - website of Michelle Winner
International Speaker, Speech Language Pathologist and Author Specializing in Asperger Syndrome, ASD, NLD, ADHD and Persons without a diagnostic label who have Social Thinking Challenges

www.valerieparadiz.com - website of Valerie Paradiz
Valerie Paradiz, PhD, is a beautiful writer, and mom to Elijah Wapner, a wonderful teen with Asperger's who is also a stand-up comic. (See www.mrinevitable.com). She offers workshops, consulting, and professional development on Autism Spectrum Differences (ASDs) to universities, public and private schools, mental health and other service orgs.