Thanks for the link for bacb, there is actually one 25 miles from me right around where my dh works
I thought I'd consolidate my list of autism expert search services in the US. I don't have experience with any of them, since I live in Norway, but since this is a frequently asked question, I thought it would be good for people to be able to find the links when they need them.
Various - Searchable:
Below is a link to the database at the Autism Society of America, the most comprehensive of its kind. You can do a search by word or by the following categories: ASA Chapters, Assistive Technology, Camps and Recreation, Consultants, Community Supports for Adults, Crime Victime Services, Dentists, Early Intervention, Government Agencies, Information and Support, Legal/Advocacy, Medical and Diagnostic, Physicians, Private/Non-Public Schools, Psychologists, Public School Systems, Related Services, Research, Respite Services, Service Providers and, last but not least, Training.
Below is another search service, with almost 10,000 entries. They're based out of Pennsylvania, so the PA listings are particularly comprehensive:
Here's another search service. ExpertFind by TalkAutism.
http://www.talkautism.com/Sponsors/CN/ExpertFind.aspx?Page=S earch
And another state-by-state, categorical guide by Autism Speaks:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/fsdb/search.php?chgst= true
And here's the Association of Retarded Citizen's information on various sources of assistance. They also serve people with autism. See separate post for more information on this service:
http://www.thearclink.org/news/article.asp?ID=624
Various - Alphabetical lists organized by state
Through Wright's Law's "Yellow Pages for Kids," you can find educational consultants, psychologists, educational diagnosticians, health care providers, academic therapists, tutors, speech language therapists, occupational therapists, coaches, advocates, and attorneys for children with disabilities on the Yellow Pages for Kids for your state.
You will also find special education schools, learning centers, treatment programs, parent groups, respite care, community centers, grassroots organizations, and government programs for children with disabilities.
http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/
Various: Also organized by state
NICHCY compiles disability-related resources in each state, and creates State Resource Sheets. This handy resource sheet will help you locate organizations and agencies within your state that address disability-related issues, including:
State agencies serving children and youth with disabilities
State chapters of disability organizations and parent groups
Parent training and information projects
http://www.nichcy.org/states.htm - as described above
http://www.autismtoday.com/classifieds/classifieds.htm - This database seems pretty small at this point (ranging from 1 entry for professionals in Iowa to 62 for professionals in Pennsylvania), but it has some unique categories such as recreational activities. See separate post.
Free parent education:
Each state is mandated by the IDEA to have a non-profit agency that provides parent education and training regarding the IDEA and IEPs at no cost to the parents. Here's a list of Parent Training and Information Centers for all 50 states:
http://www.angelfire.com/ny/Debsimms/pti.html
http://www.taalliance.org/ptidirectory/index.asp
Parent support group:
In addition to checking the searchable databases listed above, you can look here:
http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/autism-support-group s.html - includes tips on starting your own group.
http://specialchildren.about.com/od/respite/a/support.htm - pros and cons of in-person vs. internet-based support groups
Developmental Pediatrician:
https://www.nfaap.org/netforum/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?site=nf .aap.org&webcode=aapmbr_prsSearch - This is a link to the American Academy of Pediatrics search/referral service. To find a developmental pediatrician, enter the desired location and choose the specialty "Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (SODBP)"
Certified Behavior Analyst:
http://www.bacb.com/consum_frame.html - click on "Certificant Registry"
Looking to hire a shadow/aide?
http://www.abaconnections.com/
Speech therapist:
Assistive Technology:
"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. [...] States without lending libraries still have people trained to help with information and referrals for adaptive technology needs."
Here's the link to the list:
http://www.sandbox-learning.com/default.asp?page=29
Occupational Therapist:
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/The_SPD_Companion -finding-an-OT.html - This issue of the Sensory Processing Disorder Companion includes various links for finding an Occupational Therapist.
Attorneys and Advocates:
http://www.copaa.org/find/index.php
Schools using ABA as primary intervention:
http://rsaffran.tripod.com/schools.html - includes US, Canada and worldwide.
Help for Adults with Autism:
http://www.aspfi.org/documents/AspFI_Study_on_State_Policies .pdf - "Services Through the US for Adults on the Autism spectrum: A STudy by Asperger Foundation International." Two entries for each state -- a couple sentences and a link on developmental disabilities, and another couple sentences and a link on mental health.
Find a Pediatric Dentist:
Q: Are pediatric dentists prepared to care for special children?
A: Absolutely. Pediatric dentists have two or more years of advanced training beyond dental school. Their education as specialists focuses on care for children with special needs. In addition, pediatric dental offices are designed to be physically accessible for special patients. Pediatric dentists, because of their expertise, are often the clinicians of choice for the dental care of adults with special needs as well.
You can search for a pediatric dentist near you at this website:
http://www.aapd.org/finddentist/
Pediatric Opthamologist:
If your child can't cooperate well for an eye test, a pediatric opthamologist is your best bet. Enter your location plus select "pediatric ophth" in the subspecialty field at this website:
http://www.aao.org/aao/find_eyemd.cfm
Find a music therapist:
http://www.musictherapy.org/find.html
Canadian Autism Societies Directories:
http://www.geocities.com/autismandpdd/Autism_Dir.htm
http://www.autismcanada.org/providers.htm - service providers including DAN and ABA.
http://www.bbbautism.com/canada.htm - includes provincial links.
Autism services in the UK:
List of autism organizations through the world:
http://www.autism-india.org/worldorgs.htmlHow to get genetic testing:
In principle, your primary physician can order genetic testing, but s/hemay not be qualified to interpret the results for you. Here's what you should think about when deciding who should order the genetic testing:
http://www.genetichealth.com/GT_Genetic_Testing_Who_Should_O rder_Your_Genetic_Test.shtml
Here's how to find a genetic counselor or regional genetics network:
http://www.genetichealth.com/Resources_How_to_Find_a_Genetic _Counselor.shtml#Anchor1
Project Lifesaver:
Project Lifesaver is a program for search and rescue of elopement prone individuals such as autistic children and elderly with Alzheimers. To find if your local police is involved in the program, go to the Project Lifesaver website, click on resources, then map, then click on your state (or Canada, although only Ontario has it at this point).
Interactive Metronome provider:
http://www.interactivemetronome.com/im/cli_add.asp?dsp=10 - This link helps you find a provider, but if you don't know what this is, watch the demo video at their website. I have no experience with it, but Greenspan endorses it.
DAN practitioners:
http://www.autism.com/dan/danusdis.htm - this list is organized into 3 sections: licensed healthcare providers (such as MD and RN), naturopaths and homeopaths, and finally nutritionists (only for 2 states).
Find an intervention:
"Research Autism" has a huge database of information on interventions, including whether or not they are scientifically valid based on current research and expert opinion.
Here's direct link to their search service. You can enter an age range, a specific autism diagnosis, and a symptom (from a list of forty-one symptoms/problems that range from bladder problems to obsessions to Theory of Mind). I did notice, though, that there were no interventions listed under Eating and Drinking yet.
http://www.researchautism.net/advancedresults.ikml?n
FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatments)
ShelleyR had good luck finding therapists through her local FEAT chapter. Here's a listing of FEAT chapters, although I don't know how complete and up-to-date it is. If you don't find your state on this list, try googling.
http://gigli.tripod.com/links/featchapters.htm
Civil rights help for disabled people:
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/regmail.html - Office of Civil Rights, US Dept. of Health and Human Services, list of regional offices.
http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPag e.do?parentFolderId=241 - This US government website has a list of state/local resources (offices) connected with civil rights for disabled citizens.
Sports programs:
http://www.autism-pdd.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=28690&am p;am p;am p;am p;am p;am p;am p;am p;PN=1&TPN=1 - links for Special Olympics, various leagues, hippotherapy, etc.
Medicaid waivers by state
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidStWaivProgDemoPGI/08_WavMap.a sp - see also separate post under this topic.
Does anyone have any more to add? Does anyone have any experience to share about the above websites?
|
Professionals |
Submit | |
| Organizations | Search | Submit |
| Educational Resources | Search | Submit |
| Recreational Activities | Search | Submit |
| Community Resources | Search | Submit |
| Events | Search | Submit |
| Employment | Search | Submit |
http://www.autismtoday.com/classifieds/classifieds.htm
I think this topic should be moved to the Resources or State/Country Resources section.This site is also somewhat new, but has a directory of various services and websites.
Nicole
Positively Autism
~A Free, Online Magazine for Parents, Teachers, and Individuals with Autism!~
http://www.PositivelyAutism.com
Thanks for the tip, Nicole.
Boonzee has many resource categories and is intended to be a list where real people enter professionals and services that they've been satisfied with. Great concept. I'm not sure if it allows you to enter comments/ ratings/reviews, though (I didn't see any comments when I browsed around).
It looks like it's based out of Texas, so the resource collection will probably be best for people in that state in the initial stages.
This address will get people directly to the resource categories:
http://www.boonzee.com/component/option,com_jreviews/Itemid, 11/
Today I found the following website. Below you'll find a quote from the website which summarizes what kind of information you can find there:
http://www.thearclink.org/news/article.asp?ID=624
<quote>
TheArcLink is the first web site to provide customized, specific information on the various sources of assistance available to individuals with disabilities and their families on a state-by-state basis as well as information on almost 30,000 providers. Some of the resources available on the site include:
· Find out about national and state service systems and funding available for people with disabilities.
· Learn who is eligible for various services and where the closest office is for them to apply.
· Find out how and where to apply for federally funded services like Social Security, Medicaid and Vocational Rehabilitation.
· Discover how to be an advocate and have an impact on their state and at the national level.
· Get a better picture of their unique situation and the services available.
· Enter specific information about their situation, describe what they are looking for and TheArcLink.org will help them find similar services that are available close to their home.
· Locate specific service providers for the service you want.
· Search by location, type of service or provider’s name.
· Find services that are not in the provider database.
· Connect with others who are solving the same problems you face each day.
· Find others who are struggling with a problem you have already faced.
· Ask for advice on specific services, learn about new developments or share your viewpoints on various issues.
· Information on The Arc of the United States. Go to a specific state to find state and local chapters of The Arc.
· Read the latest news stories, opinion and commentary on issues including disability, quality care, best practices, community challenges, policy mandates, legislation, prevention and research.
· Find out about other useful Web sites.
· Find complete, easy-to-understand explanations of terms and acronyms pertaining to disabilities. Go to a specific state for the glossary in that state,
<end quote>
This link is not exactly about finding an expert, but about coordinating your helpers, since some of you may have family and other volunteers helping you do therapy.
Thanks so much for directing me here, NorwayMom! What great information. [QUOTE=NorwayMom]
I thought I'd consolidate my list of autism expert search services in the US. I don't have experience with any of them, since I live in Norway, but since this is a frequently asked question, I thought it would be good for people to be able to find the links when they need them.
Various - Searchable:
Below is a link to the database at the Autism Society of America, the most comprehensive of its kind. You can do a search by word or by the following categories: ASA Chapters, Assistive Technology, Camps and Recreation, Consultants, Community Supports for Adults, Crime Victime Services, Dentists, Early Intervention, Government Agencies, Information and Support, Legal/Advocacy, Medical and Diagnostic, Physicians, Private/Non-Public Schools, Psychologists, Public School Systems, Related Services, Research, Respite Services, Service Providers and, last but not least, Training.
Below is another search service, with almost 10,000 entries. They're based out of Pennsylvania, so the PA listings are particularly comprehensive:
Here's another search service. ExpertFind by TalkAutism.
http://www.talkautism.com/Sponsors/CN/ExpertFind.aspx?Page=S earch
And another state-by-state, categorical guide by Autism Speaks:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/fsdb/search.php?chgst= true
And here's the Association of Retarded Citizen's information on various sources of assistance. They also serve people with autism. See separate post for more information on this service:
http://www.thearclink.org/news/article.asp?ID=624
Various - Alphabetical lists organized by state
Through Wright's Law's "Yellow Pages for Kids," you can find educational consultants, psychologists, educational diagnosticians, health care providers, academic therapists, tutors, speech language therapists, occupational therapists, coaches, advocates, and attorneys for children with disabilities on the Yellow Pages for Kids for your state.
You will also find special education schools, learning centers, treatment programs, parent groups, respite care, community centers, grassroots organizations, and government programs for children with disabilities.
http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/
Various: Also organized by state
NICHCY compiles disability-related resources in each state, and creates State Resource Sheets. This handy resource sheet will help you locate organizations and agencies within your state that address disability-related issues, including:
State agencies serving children and youth with disabilities
State chapters of disability organizations and parent groups
Parent training and information projects
http://www.nichcy.org/states.htm - as described above
http://www.autismtoday.com/classifieds/classifieds.htm - This database seems pretty small at this point (ranging from 1 entry for professionals in Iowa to 62 for professionals in Pennsylvania), but it has some unique categories such as recreational activities. See separate post.
Free parent education:
Each state is mandated by the IDEA to have a non-profit agency that provides parent education and training regarding the IDEA and IEPs at no cost to the parents. Here's a list of Parent Training and Information Centers for all 50 states:
http://www.angelfire.com/ny/Debsimms/pti.html
http://www.taalliance.org/ptidirectory/index.asp
Parent support group:
In addition to checking the searchable databases listed above, you can look here:
http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/autism-support-group s.html - includes tips on starting your own group.
http://specialchildren.about.com/od/respite/a/support.htm - pros and cons of in-person vs. internet-based support groups
Developmental Pediatrician:
https://www.nfaap.org/netforum/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?site=nf .aap.org&webcode=aapmbr_prsSearch - This is a link to the American Academy of Pediatrics search/referral service. To find a developmental pediatrician, enter the desired location and choose the specialty "Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (SODBP)"
Certified Behavior Analyst:
http://www.bacb.com/consum_frame.html - click on "Certificant Registry"
Looking to hire a shadow/aide?
http://www.abaconnections.com/
Speech therapist:
Assistive Technology:
"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. [...] States without lending libraries still have people trained to help with information and referrals for adaptive technology needs."
Here's the link to the list:
http://www.sandbox-learning.com/default.asp?page=29
Occupational Therapist:
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/The_SPD_Companion -finding-an-OT.html - This issue of the Sensory Processing Disorder Companion includes various links for finding an Occupational Therapist.
Attorneys and Advocates:
http://www.copaa.org/find/index.php
Schools using ABA as primary intervention:
http://rsaffran.tripod.com/schools.html - includes US, Canada and worldwide.
Help for Adults with Autism:
http://www.aspfi.org/documents/AspFI_Study_on_State_Policies .pdf - "Services Through the US for Adults on the Autism spectrum: A STudy by Asperger Foundation International." Two entries for each state -- a couple sentences and a link on developmental disabilities, and another couple sentences and a link on mental health.
Find a Pediatric Dentist:
Q: Are pediatric dentists prepared to care for special children?
A: Absolutely. Pediatric dentists have two or more years of advanced training beyond dental school. Their education as specialists focuses on care for children with special needs. In addition, pediatric dental offices are designed to be physically accessible for special patients. Pediatric dentists, because of their expertise, are often the clinicians of choice for the dental care of adults with special needs as well.
You can search for a pediatric dentist near you at this website:
http://www.aapd.org/finddentist/
Pediatric Opthamologist:
If your child can't cooperate well for an eye test, a pediatric opthamologist is your best bet. Enter your location plus select "pediatric ophth" in the subspecialty field at this website:
http://www.aao.org/aao/find_eyemd.cfm
Find a music therapist:
http://www.musictherapy.org/find.html
Canadian Autism Societies Directories:
http://www.geocities.com/autismandpdd/Autism_Dir.htm
http://www.autismcanada.org/providers.htm - service providers including DAN and ABA.
http://www.bbbautism.com/canada.htm - includes provincial links.
Autism services in the UK:
List of autism organizations through the world:
http://www.autism-india.org/worldorgs.htmlHow to get genetic testing:
In principle, your primary physician can order genetic testing, but s/hemay not be qualified to interpret the results for you. Here's what you should think about when deciding who should order the genetic testing:
http://www.genetichealth.com/GT_Genetic_Testing_Who_Should_O rder_Your_Genetic_Test.shtml
Here's how to find a genetic counselor or regional genetics network:
http://www.genetichealth.com/Resources_How_to_Find_a_Genetic _Counselor.shtml#Anchor1
Project Lifesaver:
Project Lifesaver is a program for search and rescue of elopement prone individuals such as autistic children and elderly with Alzheimers. To find if your local police is involved in the program, go to the Project Lifesaver website, click on resources, then map, then click on your state (or Canada, although only Ontario has it at this point).
Interactive Metronome provider:
http://www.interactivemetronome.com/im/cli_add.asp?dsp=10 - This link helps you find a provider, but if you don't know what this is, watch the demo video at their website. I have no experience with it, but Greenspan endorses it.
DAN practitioners:
http://www.autism.com/dan/danusdis.htm - this list is organized into 3 sections: licensed healthcare providers (such as MD and RN), naturopaths and homeopaths, and finally nutritionists (only for 2 states).
Find an intervention:
"Research Autism" has a huge database of information on interventions, including whether or not they are scientifically valid based on current research and expert opinion.
Here's direct link to their search service. You can enter an age range, a specific autism diagnosis, and a symptom (from a list of forty-one symptoms/problems that range from bladder problems to obsessions to Theory of Mind). I did notice, though, that there were no interventions listed under Eating and Drinking yet.
http://www.researchautism.net/advancedresults.ikml?n
FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatments)
ShelleyR had good luck finding therapists through her local FEAT chapter. Here's a listing of FEAT chapters, although I don't know how complete and up-to-date it is. If you don't find your state on this list, try googling.
http://gigli.tripod.com/links/featchapters.htm
Civil rights help for disabled people:
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/regmail.html - Office of Civil Rights, US Dept. of Health and Human Services, list of regional offices.
http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPag e.do?parentFolderId=241 - This US government website has a list of state/local resources (offices) connected with civil rights for disabled citizens.
Sports programs:
http://www.autism-pdd.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=28690&am p;am p;am p;am p;am p;am p;am p;am p;am p;PN=1&TPN=1 - links for Special Olympics, various leagues, hippotherapy, etc.
Medicaid waivers by state
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidStWaivProgDemoPGI/08_WavMap.a sp - see also separate post under this topic.
Does anyone have any more to add? Does anyone have any experience to share about the above websites?
[/QUOTE]Autism Speaks did a survey on the best places to live in the lower 48. Only 848 respondents isn't so terribly impressive, but here are the results:
Lekotek is a nonprofit that provides play facilities, information and toy lending libraries for special needs kids. They are in Georgia, illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
More info here:
Find a support group:Autism Speaks helps you find local services:
Find autism/special-needs families to have a playdate with:
https://specialplaydate.com/index.php
List of schools for children with autism,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_schools_for_people_on_t he_autistic_spectrum
Contents[hide] |
Contents[hide] |
There's a school in Norway that's not on the list: Nordvoll in Oslo.
Find other special needs families that want to have playdates:
Here's a link for finding an ADHD coach:Bumping this post. I popped in today to add the following to the above list:
Free parent education:
Each state is mandated by the IDEA to have a non-profit agency that provides parent education and training regarding the IDEA and IEPs at no cost to the parents. Here's a list of Parent Training and Information Centers for all 50 states:
http://www.angelfire.com/ny/Debsimms/pti.html
I thought I might as well bump this topic again, since I wanted to add my link to state-by-state information on Medicaid waivers, often known as Katie Beckett.
First off, a short explanation for those unfamiliar with Katie Beckett:
"Called the TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act) or “Katie Beckett” option, children with significant medical expenses get Medicaid coverage for home and community-based care, regardless of their family’s income. A child must meet the disability definitions of either the SSI or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) programs and be cared for at home."
"In 2002, the following states used the TEFRA option:"
"Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New, Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin."
Source: http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/screening-manual/3_Ch ildren-and-Familiies.pdf
Even though the above list is from 2002, it might be still fairly current -- a 2007 manual listed the number of Katie Beckett states as still about 20.
For an up-to-date list of various Medicaid waivers, go here. However, they might not necessarily use the term "Katie Beckett."
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidStWaivProgDemoPGI/08_WavMap.a sp