Autistic disorder (sometimes called autism or classical ASD) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).Autistic children have difficulties with social interaction, display problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and exhibit repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. These behaviors can range in impact from mild to disabling. Autism varies widely in its severity and symptoms and may go unrecognized, especially in mildly affected children or when more debilitating handicaps mask it. Scientists aren’t certain what causes autism, but it’s likely that both genetics and environment play a role. There is no cure for autism.  Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can bring about substantial improvement.  The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that meet the specific needs of individual children.  Treatment options include educational/bahavioral interventions, medications, and other therapies.  Most professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better. For many children, autism symptoms improve with treatment and with age. Some children with autism grow up to lead normal or near-normal lives. Children whose language skills regress early in life, usually before the age of 3, appear to be at risk of developing epilepsy or seizure-like brain activity. During adolescence, some children with autism may become depressed or experience behavioral problems. Parents of these children should be ready to adjust treatment for their child as needed.  People with an ASD usually continue to need services and support as they get older but many are able to work successfully and live independently or within a supportive environment. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research in its laboratories at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and also supports additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country.  As part of the Children’s Health Act of 2000, the NINDS and three sister institutes have formed the NIH Autism Coordinating Committee to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH’s autism research. As part of the Children’s Health Act of 2000, the NINDS and three sister institutes have formed the NIH Autism Coordinating Committee to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH’s autism research. Eight dedicated research centers across the country have been established as “Centers of Excellence in Autism Research” to bring together researchers and the resources they need.   The Centers are conducting basic and clinical research, including investigations into causes, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, and treatment of autism. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&term=autistic+disorder[majr]+AND+human[mh]+AND+english[la]+AND+(review[ptyp]+OR+review+literature[mh]+OR+practice+guideline[ptyp]+OR+guideline[ptyp]+OR+clinical+trials[mh]+OR+clinical+trial[ptyp]+OR+consumerj[sb])&db=PubMed&orig_db=PubMed&filters=on&pmfilter_EDatLimit=2+Years http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/autism.html 1 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term= /disorders/autism/pubs_autism.htm /disorders/autism/xml_autism.xml xml_autism.xml V822 Association for Science in Autism Treatment

P.O. Box 188

Crosswicks NJ 08515-0188 info@asatonline.org http://www.asatonline.org National not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization formed by a group of parents and professionals concerned about the care and treatment of individuals with autism. ASAT is dedicated to disseminating accurate, scientifically valid information about autism and its treatment options. V20 Autism National Committee (AUTCOM)

P.O. Box 429

Forest Knolls CA 94933 http://www.autcom.org Works to protect and advance the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and related differences of communication and behavior. V708 Autism Network International (ANI)

P.O. Box 35448

Syracuse NY 13235-5448 jisincla@syr.edu http://www.ani.ac Autistic-run self-help and advocacy organization that provides a forum for autistic people to share information, peer support, and tips for coping and problem-solving. V21 Autism Research Institute (ARI)

4182 Adams Avenue

San Diego CA 92116 director@autism.com http://www.autismresearchinstitute.com 866-366-3361 619-563-6840 Conducts research and disseminates research-based information on the cause, prevention, and treatment of autism and related disorders. V992 Autism Science Foundation

419 Lafayette Street

2nd floor New York NY 10003 contactus@autismsciencefoundation.org http://www.autismsciencefoundation.org/ 646-723-3978 212-228-3557 Provides funding and other assistance to scientists and organizations conducting, facilitating, publicizing and disseminating autism research and serves to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the needs of individuals and families affected by autism. V22 Autism Society of America

4340 East-West Highway

Suite 350 Bethesda MD 20814 http://www.autism-society.org 301-657-0881 800-3AUTISM (328-8476) 301-657-0869 Promotes lifelong access and opportunities for persons within the autism spectrum and their families through advocacy, public awareness, education, and research programs. V273 Autism Speaks, Inc.

1 East 33rd Street

4th Floor New York NY 10016 contactus@autismspeaks.org http://www.autismspeaks.org 212-252-8584 (888) 288-4762 212-252-8676 Nonprofit organization dedicated to finding the causes, prevention, effective treatment and, ultimately, a cure for autism spectrum disorders. Provides research grants and fellowships and sponsors scientific conferences. V42 Birth Defect Research for Children, Inc.

976 Lake Baldwin Lane

Suite 104 Orlando FL 32814 betty@birthdefects.org http://www.birthdefects.org 407-895-0802 Non-profit organization that offers parents and expectant parents information about specific birth defects, their causes and treatments, support group referrals, and parent matching services. Provides information about environmental exposures that may be associated with birth defects. Sponsors the National Birth Defect Registry, a research project that collects data on birth defects and prenatal/lpreconceptual exposures of mothers and fathers. V299 MAAP Services for Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and PDD

P.O. Box 524

Crown Point IN 46308 info@aspergersyndrome.org http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/ 219-662-1311 219-662-1315 Provides information, advice, and networking to families of more advanced individuals affected by the autism spectrum, including autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder. Publishes a quarterly newsletter. V749 National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Special Education Programs

1825 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 700 Washington DC 20009 nichcy@aed.org http://www.nichcy.org 800-695-0285 202-884-8200 202-884-8441 V633 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

National Institutes of Health, DHHS

31 Center Drive, Rm. 2A32 MSC 2425 Bethesda MD 20892-2425 http://www.nichd.nih.gov 301-496-5133 301-496-7101 V691 National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Information Clearinghouse

1 Communication Avenue

Bethesda MD 20892-3456 nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov http://www.nidcd.nih.gov 800-241-1044 800-241-1055 (TTD/TTY) V653 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

National Institutes of Health, DHHS

111 T.W. Alexander Drive Research Triangle Park NC 27709 webcenter@niehs.nih.gov http://www.niehs.nih.gov 919-541-3345 V658 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

National Institutes of Health, DHHS

6001 Executive Blvd. Rm. 8184, MSC 9663 Bethesda MD 20892-9663 nimhinfo@nih.gov http://www.nimh.nih.gov 301-443-4513/866-415-8051 301-443-8431 (TTY) 301-443-4279