Autism 101 for the families of the Southwest
Review by Ashley Langer, Special Educator and Hunter College Graduate Student
Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (autismcenter.org) is a top notch website for people in the Southwest looking for easily accessed information on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The website has several different tabs that make it simple to find what you are looking for when it comes to ASD. Autismcenter.org is an Arizona based website that provides information on the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) that is user-friendly in order to provide viewers with information on their self-directed research, national/international projects and up-to-date information, training and assistance to families and professionals about autism.
SARRC’s website allows for parents of newly diagnosed children to easily discover three different programs that are provided for children with ASD. The site provides information on clinical, vocational and school-based programs. Each program is followed by a link to more in depth information on what types of classes or services are provided.
Autismcenter.org also includes an “about autism” tab, which gives detailed information ranging from an overview of Autism, to list of treatment and interventions that are out there for their child to receive. This portion of the website is very informative for parents who may be unaware of what exactly they can receive when it comes to services, along with early signs they might be looking out for before a diagnosis is even concluded. This website seems to be geared more towards parents who are looking for resources on Autism and may be unsure of where to find them. Autismcenter.org’s homepage is a great first look at where to navigate through this website. It has all different tabs that enable you to chose where you first want to look, along with lists of upcoming events related to ASD.
One of my favorite things on this website is the “resources” tab! In this location on the website there are an abundance of manuals, guides, assessments & etc. of different information that is downloadable right from this site. You can find such things like, “Life Journey Through Autism: A Parent’s Guide to Assessment,” “Autism, Epilepsy & Seizures,” (How to recognize the signs and basic first aid when you do) and even contact information for a Grandparent Support Group. In the “resource” section there is also a great resource directory for the community. This lists tons of autism related services in the Arizona community. It offers families, educators, professionals and others helpful, easy-to-use referral guides. Overall I think that anyone in the Southwest area of Arizona would be greatly amiss if they did not check out this wonderfully easy and extremely helpful website that provides an enormous amount of information and resources.
