There is a reason that the symbol for autism is a puzzle.  Autism is a disorder that ranges in diagnosis, symptoms and treatments and its cause is still a mystery.  There is no cure for autism and there is no individual treatment identified as the single best way to improve the lives of those living with autism.  But many treatment options and resources DO exist!
 

Getting the diagnosis of autism is not only scary, it is confusing.

These primary resources will help in your research and planning.

http://www.kennedykrieger.org/                  http://www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org/

http://www.autismspeaks.org/                    http://www.autism-society.org 
(We suggest that you contact your local chapter and join a local support group)

Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders
http://www.icdl.com                                       http://www.floortime.org

IAN is the Interactive Autism Network, an online project designed to accelerate and coordinate autism research.  It is a place where families can stay connected and informed.  http://www.ianproject.org/

 

On a local level, you can contact your local infants and toddlers program by contacting your State Department of Education.  For example, in Maryland,
Maryland State Department of Education, 200 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD  21201, Phone: (410) 767-0261 or (800) 535-0182, Fax: (410) 333-8165

(For those in our home state of Maryland, you can contact The Parents Place of Maryland at http://www.ppmd.org/)

More Resources:
http://www.getzonedout.com                       http://www.mybuildingblocks.com

I would like to recommend another great tool for parents and children.  Please visit our friends at Signing Families, a place where you can learn sign language using fun and interactive techniques. Good for all ages!
http://www.signingfamilies.com/

Check out this wonderful new site that is helping children and adults with autism communicate better.
http://www.helpingcommunicate.co.uk/