Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder of neurobiological origin that can have life-long effects in the areas of social interaction, communication, and behavior. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) vary in severity of symptoms, age of onset, and association with other conditions, such as intellectual disability, language or learning disability, and epilepsy. ASDs have been estimated to occur in 1 in 150 individuals.
There is a great deal of information available about the possible cause(s), treatment, and intervention for ASD. Parents should inform themselves regarding the range of available interventions.
This site includes links to public and private resources. It is not a comprehensive collection, and should not be a substitute for professional consultation. However, many of the organizations, documents, and agencies below provide numerous additional links and resources. The Health Department does not specifically endorse one site over another, and is not responsible for their content.
- Autism Resources
- Government Agencies
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Media and News Information
- Immunization and Vaccine Information
Autism Resources
- NEXT STEPS:
A Guide for Families with Children with
ASD
An excellent resource by the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, and the Vermont Autism Task Force.
The guide provides Vermont parents and others with basic information and resources, including where to locate assistance, a description of available services, and resources such as related web sites and organizations. - Autism Supports
Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living - Autism Resources
Vermont Assistive Technology Program - Report to the Legislature to Address Services for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders - 01/08
Vermont Agency of Human Services and Department of Education - Vermont Interagency White Paper on Autism Spectrum Disorders Report to the ACT 264 Board - 03/06
Government Agencies
Vermont
- Agency of Human Services
- Department of Education - Special Education
- Act 264 Advisory Board
A nine member board appointed by the governor to advise state agencies on matters relating to children and adolescents with a severe emotional disturbance, the development and status of the system of care, and yearly priorities for the system of care.
Federal
- Autism Information
US Department of Health and Human Services - Autism Information Center
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Disabilityinfo.gov
The federal government's one-stop web site for people with disabilities, their families, and others.
Non-Governmental Organizations
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- Autism Society of Vermont
1-800-559-7398 - Parent to Parent of Vermont
1-800-800-4005 / 1-802-764-5290 - Vermont Autism Task Force
- Vermont Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
802-434-6757 / 1-800-639-6071 (for families only) - Vermont Parent Information Center
1-800-639-7170 / 1-802-876-5315- Vermont Special Education Regulations Survey Results
ASD related comments made by parents.
- Vermont Special Education Regulations Survey Results
Media and News
- "Autism" - Vermont Public Television Public Square (07/18/06)
- "Together Alone" - Seven Days (06/27/07)
- "Living the Autism Maze" - From the producer: "This film is about families trying to navigate their way to a better place, trying to understand what the future holds without ready-made road maps or guides. This is a film about families who have entered, and are living in, the maze of autism."
- The Next Frontier - Weekly radio program about autism and disabilities. Airs Wednesdays 10:00am -11:00 am, on 105.9FM Burlington, Vermont. Its web site includes links to past shows.
Immunization and Vaccine Information
- Vaccines and Autism
- Vaccine Safety
- Health Department Immunization Program
- 03/07 - Health Advisory: Vaccines and Autism
This Health Advisory to Vermont health care providers about a ruling by the US Court of Federal Claims and the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.