Resources For Parents

(Disclaimer: This information is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This information is not to be used to diagnose or treat any disease or disorder. Before starting any type of therapy or intervention, consult with a licensed psychologist, physician or practitioner. We do not fiscally endorse any company, individual, product, or website listed below. Please exercise discretion and sound judgment when viewing these sites. Any concerns regarding this compilation of weblinks should be directed to webmaster@cpcwecare.com.)

Defining the Disorders

All About Autism - Local Information:

http://www.autismlink.com/
What IS autism? Visit Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania's #1 resource for parents of autistic children to find this and many more answers. This comprehensive site features include how to "get started" once your child has a new diagnosis, journal and magazine articles, support group contacts, advocacy information, legislative updates, the latest news in the autism community, links to national organizations, and more.

http://www.aboard.org/
Advisory Board On Autism and Related Disorders: Maximizing potential, maximizing possibilities.

http://www.emotionsgofish.com/
This is a site with a specialized game for autistic children to identify emotions. It also discusses general treatment strategies. Designed by one of our staff, Heather Kunkle.

Aspiring to learn about Asperger's Syndrome?:

http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/
Hosted by the University of Delaware, the Online Asperger's Syndrome Information and Support (OASIS) educated the public about those afflicted with AS. OASIS offers support and information to families and professional.

http://www.isn.net/~jypsy/whataspe.htm
Among other links and valuable information, view the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for 299.80, Asperger's Disorder.

http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/
Home of the world-renowned psychologist Dr. Tony Atwood. His website is a guide for parents, professionals, people with Asperger's Syndrome, and their partners.

Let's focus on Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder:

http://www.adhd.com/
An online community for families with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). "Here you will find information, hope, support, and tips. This group listens -- to what works, what doesn't, and what particular challenges you have faced. Visit the Forums and share your thoughts and questions. There are many people listening...and helping!"

http://www.chadd.org/
A website for children and adults with ADHD. CHADD provides "science-based, evidence based information about ADHD to parents, educators, professional, the media, and the general public."

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides an in-depth look at ADHD. Spotlights symptoms and case studies, current research and funding opportunities.

Eating Disorders:

http://www.edap.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=291
"General Eating Disorders Information", provided by NEDA - the National Eating Disorders Association.

http://www.adha.org/CE_courses/course8/management.htm
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) presents "Medical Management and Prognosis of Eating Disorders".

http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Eating_Disorders/
concernedcounseling/treatment.htm
In their article entitled "Eating Disorders: Treatment for Anorexia, Bulimia", HealthyPlace.com stresses the importance of both the early diagnosis of and treatment for eating disorders.

Other disorders that may affect your child or adolescent:

http://www.sinetwork.org/
Can't make sense out of Sensory Integration Dysfunction? Click here!

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/HealthInformation/ocdmenu.cfm
Everything you need to know about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, hosted by NIMH.

http://www.attachmentdisorder.net/
Providing hope and support to families of children with a form of (Reactive) Attachment Disorder.

http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/72.htm
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry addresses Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

http://Child_and_Adolescent_Bipolar_Disorder.htm
Facts about Childhood-Onset Bipolar Disorder, presented by The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.

http://www.mental-health-matters.com/disorders/dis_details.php?disID=2
Mental Health Matters supplies information for consumers, professionals, students, and supporters. This site reviews Adjustment Disorders in children.

http://www.adhd.com.au/conduct.html
Visit this site if you would like to learn more about Conduct Disorders in children.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/index.cfm#disinfo
Don't see a link that pertains to your situation? Search the NIMH website for further information.

Information about eating disorders.

Behavioral Treatment Options Offered by CPC

What is wraparound?

http://www.autismlink.com/gettingstarted.shtml
Cindy Waeltermann of PACAS offers her thoughts on what the wraparound system provides.

http://www.pinofpa.org/resources/fact-18.html
The Parents Involved Network of PA gives families a guide to the wraparound system.

Some of the therapies we use are:

http://www.christinaburkaba.com/
Christina Burk, (M.A.) a New York consulting behavioral analyst, tackles Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) as well as Verbal Behavior (VB or AVB), Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Natural Environment Training (NET) and more.

http://www.polyxo.com/discretetrial/
Polyxo.com "is a resource driven by parents and professional who are teaching children with autism." Here, Jason M. Wallin, a special education paraeducator from Washington, approaches Discrete Trial Training (DTT).

http://www.sinetwork.org/
Many TSSs and BSCs at SWPS are familiar with sensory integration techniques. Jump back to the SI Network's webpage to learn more about treating one with a sensory integration approach.

Where can I find support on the Internet?

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pittsburgh_autism/
Join the AutismLink.com online support group -- connect with 190+ local parents and professionals about autism in our community. This forum is hosted by moderator Cindy Waeltermann (cindy@autismlink.com), PACAS representative, member of the Autism Task Force, and mother to two autistic children.

http://groups.yahoo.com/
There are hundreds of groups available through Yahoo.com that can suit you and your family's needs. Even if you do not have an autistic relative, several members of Pittsburgh Autism (groups.yahoo.com/group/pittsburgh_autism/) would be happy to guide you to other newsgroups and forums. Many listmates are knowledgeable about other disorders.

Where can I find local support groups?

http://www.aboard.org/
ABOARD connects families with ASD across Pennsylvania. If there is no support group close to your home, they can help you start one!

http://trfn.clpgh.org/autism/
The Autism Society of Pittsburgh "provides information, referrals, and advocacy services for autistic individuals, their parents, families, and professionals who work with them."

http://www.achieva.info/
Achieva: Celebrating abilities, exceeding expectation.

http://www.autismlink.com/support_orgs.shtml
Cindy Waeltermann's comprehensive listing of additional support organizations can be seen here.

What are Biomedical Interventions?

http://www.pittbiomed.com/
Pittsburgh Biomed is an autism support group for families and professionals that focuses on biomedical interventions for children with autism and related disorders.

http://www.consciouschoice.com/holisticmd/hmd094.html
New York's Dr. Ronald Hoffman's article published in Conscious Choice, 1996 describes autism from a nontraditional standpoint.

http://autism.com/ari/
The Autism Research Institute "is primarily devoted to conducting research, and to disseminating the results of research, on the causes of autism and on methods of preventing, diagnosing and treating autism and other severe behavioral disorders of childhood. (They) provide information based on research to parents and professionals throughout the world." ARI's site also introduces the audience to the "DAN" approach of "treating" autism.

What is this "diet" I keep hearing about?

http://www.autismndi.com/
The Autism Network for Dietary Intervention promotes the implementation of a gluten and casein free diet for autistics. Research suggests that this wheat free (among other grains) and dairy free diet may help children with other afflictions, such as SID and ADHD. The PASS system (located on the site left toolbar) connects visitors with parents across the country. Listings are sorted by one's zip code.

http://www.gfcfdiet.com/
A complete guide to the ins and outs of the "GFCF" diet.

http://www.loribakes.com/
Lori Karavolis' "Lori Bakes Gluten Free" website offers her personal experience with the Gluten Free Diet, along with cookbooks featuring her own gluten free recipes.

What are some other resources?

http://www.route2greatness.com/
Route 2 Greatness offers "Sound-Eaze" and "School-Eaze" CD's. Developed by an Occupational Therapist and a Music Therapist, these CD's were designed to be "a fun way for parents, teachers and therapists to help children with auditory sensitivity and fear of loud noises."

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