A Closer Look at Autism: 30 Days, 30 Topics

Randolph, Mass.—Anyone can search the Internet for “autism treatment” or “autism cure” and get hundreds of thousands of hits. Faced with a barrage of often-conflicting information, how do you know where to begin?

During this Autism Awareness Month, it is important not only to raise awareness, but also to offer scientifically sound information that families and others can use to make life better now for people on the autism spectrum. Knowledge is power.

“The numbers – at least one million U.S. children have autism, not to mention the rapidly growing population of adults with autism – are staggering,” says Lauren C. Solotar, Ph.D., ABPP, May Institute President and CEO, and President of the National Autism Center. “It has never been more critical to get credible information, resources, and treatment into the hands of families, enabling them to make time-sensitive, well informed decisions today.”

Drawing from the vast range of expertise and knowledge of the dozens of clinical experts at May Institute and its National Autism Center, we offer the following 30 articles about autism and related special needs from our library of resources, written in accessible and practical language. They provide important information on a range of topics including diagnosis, early intervention, effective treatment, and everyday living strategies for families with loved ones with autism spectrum disorder, from early childhood throughout adulthood.

A CLOSER LOOK AT AUTISM: 30 DAYS, 30 TOPICS

1. Get the Facts About Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

2. How is ASD Diagnosed?

3. Functions of Behaviors

4. How to Address Problematic Behaviors Associated with Autism

5. Evidence-based Practices

6. What Does That Mean? Commonly Used Terms Defined, Part 1 and Part 2

7. Early Intervention

8. Helping a Child with ASD Develop Good Hygiene Habits

9. Helping Children with Special Needs – and Their Parents – Get a Good Night’s Sleep

10. Making Mealtimes More Manageable When You Have a Child with Special Needs

11. Self-care for Adults Who Care for Children with Autism

12. Individualized Education Program

13. Inclusion: A Difficult Decision

14. How to Help Students with Special Needs Avoid Being Bullied or Becoming Bullies

15. Sibling Jealousy

16. Helping Children With Special Needs Express Preferences and Make Choices

17. Children with ASD Can Help Out Around the House

18. Tips for Going on Vacation with a Child with Special Needs

19. Preparing a Child with Autism for Doctor or Dentist Appointments

20. Strategies for Dealing with Public Disapproval

21. Keeping a Marriage Together While Raising a Child with Special Needs

22. More Kids with Autism Today Means More Adults with Autism Tomorrow

23. Tips for Talking to Adults on the Autism Spectrum

24. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Can Help People on the Autism Spectrum

25. Identifying and Treating Anxiety Disorders in People with Intellectual Disabilities

26. Psychiatric Care Can Benefit Some Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

27. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) Can Help Adults With Special Needs

28. Self-management Skills for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

29. Helping Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Get Physically Fit

30. Finding the Balance Between Providing Support and Promoting Independence for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities