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Health Care for Individuals with Autism

Autism is a chronic medial condition.  For diagnosis and treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders we greatly rely upon the diligence and expertise of the science and health care community-- those researchers, teachers, practitioners, clinicians, therapists and other health professionals dedicated to improving the lives of affected children and adults and their families.  As symptoms of autism appear in our children, we depend upon family and primary care physicians, pediatricians, and other related medical professionals to help us discern and respond in timely and appropriate ways, and to provide a medical home from which to nagivate the complex and sometimes confusing network of services we need to access for a child or loved one.  

Even with the promise of health care reform in the US, appropriate health care for both children and adults with autism is not always available or accessible.  Obstacles to care include insufficient provider capacity and cost.

Exploring Autism and Health Care Online

America Academy of Pediatrics Medical Home

American Academy of Family Physicians on Autism

American Occupational Therapists Association
Good information and resources on autism and related therapies

Autism Research Journal
This new journal is a publication of the International Society for Autism Research in collaboration with Wiley-Interscience. The Society exists to promote and disseminate high-quality research into autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and organizes the annual International Meeting for Autism Research.

National Institute of Mental Health
Focus on medical and biomedical research.
The NIH supports two major research networks dedicated to understanding and treating autism: The Collaborative Programs of Excellence in Autism (CPEA) Network and the Studies to Advance Autism Research and Treatment (STAART) Network.  This website provides a single source of information about these networks and the research they conduct.  http://www.autismresearchnetwork.org/AN/

Maternal and Child Health Library
Georgetown University
New knowledge path that includes resources on autism spectrum disorders ID and intervention, biomedical research into causes, challenges associated with the disorder and its impact on family life.

Yale Child Study Center
Offers comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluations for children with ASD; focus on diagnosis and intervention; ongoing research studies.

Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform
Working to improve the value and effectiveness of healthcare systems

Two University of Washington Studies (open for recruitment):   

Early Connections (a study for infant siblings of children with ASD) To read more, click here...

The Simons Simplex Collection (a study for children with ASD from age 4 and up).  To read more, click here...

For other research studies at the University of Washington click here

Washington State University Speech & Hearing Sciences

Children with Autism needed for research opportunity

What:  Video Modeling Imitation sessions for up to 10 weeks

When:  (session dates will vary)

Who:  Children with autism, ages 18 mos - 4 years

Fee:  There is no fee if your child qualifies!

Dr. Cardon is conducting a research study on gestural imitation and video modeling.  If your child likes to watch videos or television, they may qualify to participate in free intervention sessions! Contact:  509.358.7590.

Autism Speaks "speaks out" on Vaccinations and Autism...
Read more here...

"Well-Child" Visits Revisited
An article for parents and physicians both, and some startling statistics about failures in early diagnosis.  To read more, click here...

AUTISM A.L.A.R.M.
To download this screening and diagnostic checklist for physicians, click here...

Help For Physicians...
To download an info sheet for parents of newly diagnosed children with autism, click here...

Thirteen month delay...
New study identifies significant time lapse between evaluation and diagnosis of children on the spectrum. To read more, click here...