American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Autism Resource Center [web resource]
Autism is a condition which is usually diagnosed before a child is three. Autistic children have delayed speech or no speech at all, problems interacting socially, limited interests and odd or repetitive behaviors. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by abnormal brain development and functioning. Many children with autism also have an intellectual disability.
Finding the right treatment plan can be challenging because every child is unique and has different strengths and weaknesses. Often parents have their child tested for hearing problems because their child does not respond to conversation or commands. They may also show strange or difficult to manage behaviors. Early detection and getting the right educational, medical, behavioral, and supportive services can improve the functioning and long-term outlook of children with autism.
Autism Resource Center
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has an online Autism Resource Center with information that may be useful to to the parents, caregivers, and families of children on the autism spectrum.
The Autism Resource Center includes consumer-friendly definitions, answers to frequently asked questions, clinical resources, videos for professionals, families, and teens, research and training, recommended books, and Facts for Families information sheets, a few of which are listed below:
The Child with Autism
Asperger’s Disorder
Self Injury in Adolescents
Services In School For Children With Special Needs: What Parents Need To Know
Medical Practitioners and Clinicians
The Autism Resource Center includes a section with clinical resources such as practice parameters, medication options, research and training, and more.
About AACAP
The mission of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is to promote the healthy development of children, adolescents, and families through advocacy, education, and research, and to meet the professional needs of child and adolescent psychiatrists throughout their careers.
The complete list of AACAP Resource Centers follows:
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Resource Center
- Anxiety Disorders Resource Center
- Autism Resource Center
- Bipolar Disorder Resource Center
- Bullying Resource Center
- Child Abuse Resource Center
- Conduct Disorders Resource Center
- Depression Resource Center
- Disaster Resource Center
- Military Families Resource Center
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder Resource Center
- Substance Use Resource Center
Source: AACAP | Autism Resource Center, https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Autism_Resource_Center/Home.aspx | Copyright © 2018 by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
To schedule an evaluation or to get advice about your child’s challenges, call or email a CHC Clinical Services Coordinator at 650.688.3625 or careteam@chconline.org
