A wealth of information is available on the Internet about child development and developmental disorders. Below is a list of select resources for parents who are looking for information regarding the development of young children. The list also includes reliable sources of information about identification and treatment of developmental disorders.
ZERO TO THREE
Zero to Three is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the healthy development of infants and toddlers via through professionals, educators, and parents of infants and toddlers. Parent resources may be found here.
SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY
The Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (SCCAP), a division of the American Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) provides a resource page for parents seeking evidence-based treatments for children and adolescents. You can search for evidence-based child and family clinicians in your area here.
AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
The American Psychological Association (APA) is the largest organization of psychologists. This website provides information about general topics like childhood and parenting, as well as specific topics related to developmental disorders.
THE EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development hosts an “A to Z Health and Human Development Topics” resource page that can be found here. Resources include descriptions of each of the following disorders including information regarding symptoms, causes, and treatments:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down syndrome
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Fragile X syndrome
- Rett syndrome
THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) information about autism spectrum disorder can be found here. Additionally, the CDC regularly updates a webpage that links to a multitude of online resources ranging from topics like special education to financial resources for healthcare to disaster planning. You can find that information here.
THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA, Austin Chapter
The Autism Society of Central Texas connects families and individuals to community resources and support throughout Central Texas. The provide support meetings in Austin and San Antonio, family activities and networking opportunities. They develop and publish a resource guides for the State of Texas.
NATIONAL AUTISM CENTER – NATIONAL STANDARDS PROJECT
The National Autism Center recently published the results of the National Standards Project, which provides information about which treatments have been effective treatments for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. You can download a copy of their free publication A Parent’s Guide to Evidence-Based Practice and Autism, by filling out a quick form here.
AUTISM SPEAKS
Autism Speaks is nonprofit autism science and advocacy organization. Information regarding diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders can be found here. Autism Speaks also provides links to community resources here.
OPERATION AUTISM
Operation Autism directly supports U.S. military families touched by autism and autism spectrum disorders. It serves as an introduction to autism, a guide for the life journey with autism, and a ready reference for available resources, services, and support.
SESAME STREET
Sesame Street also has developed some child-friendly resources on autism spectrum disorder. They can be found here.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
The American Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities promotes policies and research for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their website provides a wealth of information about identification of developmental and intellectual disabilities. They also provide an extensive list of nationally available resources.
CEREBRAL PALSY GUIDE
Cerebral Palsy Guide provides free educational materials, financial options and support to help those across the country affected by this disorder. Cerebral Palsy resources can be found here.
Please Contact the Lab if you are seeking specific online resource information and/or resource information for the greater Austin Metro area.
