The organization descriptions and mission statements listed on this page are included to give you a brief overview of the organizations. Content is taken directly from the referenced websites. Currently, the links are listed in alphabetical order; however, we will be categorizing these links in the next phase of our website development.

1. Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
2. Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA)
3. Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT)
4. Autism Science Foundation (ASF)
5. Autism New Jersey
6. Autism Speaks
7. Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
8. Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies
9. CDC The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
10. Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
11. Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT)
12. First Signs: Early Identification and Intervention of Children with Developmental Delays and Disorders
13. IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Act
14. NIH National Institutes of Health
15. OAR Organization for Autism Research
16. Parents of Autistic Children (POAC)
17. rethink autism
18. Wrights Law
19. Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
    

Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) www.abainternational.org

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is a nonprofit professional membership organization with the mission to develop, enhance, and support the growth and vitality of behavior analysis through research, education, and practice. The ABA website contains:

• A description of Applied Behavior Analysis and frequently asked questions about ABA
• International events and conferences
• Links to Journals such as The Behavior Analyst, The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, and Behavior Analysis in Practice
• Special interest groups that support members with special interests such as autism, positive behavior support and verbal behavior
• Links to state and affiliate chapters

ABAI offers membership to professionals and consumers, which entitles them to the newsletter and other benefits.

· The ABAI Learning Center offers online access to popular sessions from ABAI events; it allows you to listen to and view presentations and includes opportunities to earn continuing education credit for behavior analysts from selected sessions.

· The Association for Behavior Analysis International's job board, Jobs in Behavior Analysis, provides the tools and resources needed to connect job seekers with the largest selection of positions, and employers with the top candidates in the field of behavior analysis.

· ABAI’s Behavior Analysis Training Directory provides information on graduate and undergraduate programs in behavior analysis located around the world. Programs accredited by ABAI are indicated.

Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA)

www.apbahome.net

The Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) is a nonprofit organization that is focused on serving professional practitioners of behavior analysis and others who are interested in the practice of behavior analysis.

On this website one will find:

· Upcoming events that provide BCBA continuing education credits

· Information about the annual APBA conference

· Links to articles regarding news in the ABA community

· A variety of resources for behavior analysts and others interested in ABA

The APBA is a membership organization. Membership is open to professional behavior analysts and others who are interested in the practice of ABA, including professionals from various disciplines, consumers, and students. For the low annual dues, members receive:

· Access to informative articles concerning work in the field of ABA

· A subscription to the monthly APBA Reporter with a public policy update, technology information, and regular “Practitioner’s Notebook” and “Ethics Challenge” columns.

· Information on participation in health insurance and professional liability policies for behavior analysts.

· Access to the “Members Only” section of the APBA website, which includes a large array of resources.

Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT)  www.asatonline.org

The Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) is a not-for-profit organization of parents and professionals committed to improving the standards of accountability for the education, treatment, and care of individuals with autism. ASAT's mission is to disseminate accurate, scientifically sound information about autism and treatments for autism and to improve access to effective, science-based treatments for all people with autism, regardless of age, severity of condition, income or place of residence. The ASAT website contains:

• Information on autism and its treatment
• Summaries of research for 50+ treatments proposed for autism
• Guidelines for evaluating treatment options and service providers
• List of upcoming conferences
• Suggested reading list
• Clinician's Corner sections which address questions from families of individuals with autism
• Link to sign up for Science in Autism Treatment, ASAT’s free quarterly e-newsletter

Autism Science Foundation (ASF)   www.AutismScienceFoundation.org

The Autism Science Foundation supports autism research by providing funding and other assistance to scientists and organizations conducting, facilitating, publicizing and disseminating autism research. The organization also provides information about autism to the general public and serves to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the needs of individuals and families affected by autism.  ASF adheres to rigorous scientific standards and values and believes that outstanding research is the greatest gift we can offer our families.

Topical Articles features articles related to autism treatment. Some of these are more scholarly in nature and include supporting references.

Book Reviews contains reviews of several useful books related to autism and its treatment

Research Synopses has overviews of important research articles related to autism and its treatment from a variety of disciplines

Clinical Corner highlights questions that parents and teachers have asked us regarding treatment for individuals with autism.  These questions are answered by experts in the field.

Interviews features candid conversations with leaders in the field on autism treatment, best practices, and pseudoscience. Some of these interviews involve ASAT Board members.

Forum showcases essays written by parents (and in a few cases by professionals), many of whom were involved with ASAT over the years.

Autism Science Foundation (ASF)

WWW.AUTISMSCIENCEFOUNDATION.ORG

The Autism Science Foundation supports autism research by providing funding and other assistance to scientists and organizations conducting, facilitating, publicizing, and disseminating autism research. The organization also provides information about autism to the general public and serves to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the needs of individuals and families affected by autism. ASF adheres to rigorous scientific standards and values and believes that outstanding research is the greatest gift we can offer our families.

Autism New Jersey (Autism NJ)
www.autismnj.org

Established in 1965, Autism New Jersey is now the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families. Autism New Jersey is a nonprofit agency committed to ensuring safe and fulfilling lives for individuals with autism, their families and the professionals who support them. Through awareness, credible information, education and public policy initiatives, Autism New Jersey leads the way to lifelong individualized services provided with skill and compassion. Autism New Jersey recognizes the autism community's many contributions to society and work to enhance their resilience, abilities and quality of life.

We offer:

Awareness

• Promotion of autism awareness to the general public through collaboration with the media, businesses and concerned citizens through our Autism Ambassador Program.

Information

• Toll-free Information & Referral Line, 1-800-4-AUTISM, responds to more than 3,500 callers per year.
• Referral lists to link families with service providers.
• Assistance with advocacy and legal rights issues for parents and guardians of individuals with autism of all ages.
• Community outreach and partnerships to provide autism information to diverse populations and groups.
• Wide variety of free publications to educate readers about autism.

Education

• Workshops for parents and other family members of children with autism.
• Workshops for teachers and other professionals responsible for educating and caring for children and adults with autism.
• Annual Conference, one of the largest of its kind in the nation, with more than 1,200 attendees.

Public Policy

• Informing legislators and state officials about issues that affect New Jersey's autism community.

Autism New Jersey is grounded in science, strengthened by knowledge and devoted to creating a society of compassion and inclusion for all those touched by autism. For more information, please visit www.autismnj.org

Autism Speaks     
www.autismspeaks.org

Autism Speaks is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to raising funds to support global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; raising public awareness about autism; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. The Autism Speaks website contains:

• Information on autism
• Information on resources by state
• Resources for families including topics such as housing and residential support, military families, and combating bullying
• Information on initiatives to provide family service
• News, research, official blogs, and advocacy news
• Suggested apps for learners with autism, families, caregivers, and teachers
• Video glossary which enables viewers to see the subtle differences between typical and delayed development.
• An Online store which offers awareness items such as car magnets, clothing and pins
• Information on fundraising events and other opportunities to donate funds
• Link to an e-mail newsletter
• A message board

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
www.bacb.com

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc (BACB) is a nonprofit corporation established as a result of credentialing needs identified by behavior analysts, state governments, and consumers of behavior analysis services. Their mission is to develop, promote and implement a voluntary international certification program for behavior analyst practitioners. The BACB website contains:

• Information for consumers including a description of behavior analysis, conduct guidelines, and the exam content task list
• Requirements for becoming certified and maintaining certification
• Registry of certificants that can be searched by name or state
• Approved universities that offer coursework in behavior analysis

Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies                     
www.behavior.org

The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies is a nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is to advance the scientific study of behavior and its humane application to the solution of practical problems, including the prevention and relief of human suffering. The Cambridge Center website contains:

• Behavior Analysis Resources including Guidelines for choosing a Behavior Analyst, a glossary of behavioral terminology, and online tutorials
• List of Publications related to Behavior Analysis
• An extensive list of links related to behavioral topics
• Upcoming events in the behavioral community
• Help Center with information and resources about specific topics including: Autism, basic research, parenting, special education, animal behavior and verbal behavior
• BCBA and BCaBA Continuing Education courses
• Bookstore
• Book reviews, abstracts and a newsletter "The Current Repertoire"
• Membership which includes the newsletter and access to special features on the website
• Suggestions for effective parenting including behavioral parenting abstracts, articles, and parent internet links.

CDC The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is one of the major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. The Centers for Disease Control strives to protect people's health and safety, provide reliable health information, and improve health through strong partnerships. The CDC website contains:

• Overview, symptoms, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and genetics
• FAQs
• Research
• Resources for families, practitioners, researchers, and educators
• Government activities

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

www.cec.sped.org

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is an international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational outcomes of individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice. The CEC website contains:

• Information on special education policy, trends
• Online store which offers books on many topics, including behavior management, ADD, autism and exceptional children
• Information on web seminars and online courses for professional development
• Annual convention and expo, professional training

• CEC Journals and publications

• Link to become a CEC member

Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT)

www.feat.org

Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT) is a non-profit organization of parents, educators, and other professionals dedicated to providing education, advocacy and support for autism communities. The FEAT website contains:

• Links to connect to local chapters of FEAT
• Frequently Asked Questions section which address questions from families of individuals with autism
• Document library with information regarding many topics of interest with regard to autism including topics such as health care, bullying, diagnostic criteria, research studies, and government policy.
• FEAT newsletters
• Information on resources such as public agencies and service providers
• Information on fundraising events
  
  

First Signs: Early Identification and Intervention of Children with Developmental Delays and Disorders

www.firstsigns.org
Recognizing the first signs of a developmental delay can be a challenge for both parents and professionals. First Signs aims to educate parents, healthcare providers, early childhood educators, and others in recognizing early warning signs of developmental delays in order to promote best outcomes for all children. The goals of the organization are to improve screening and referral practices and lower the age at which children are identified with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and other developmental disabilities. The First Signs website contains:

• Resources for monitoring healthy child development
• Information about developmental milestones
• Red flags for identifying autism spectrum disorders
• Information about the screening and referral process
• A video glossary which enables viewers to see the subtle differences between typical and delayed development
• A step by step "to do" list to help parents obtain early intervention services once their child has been diagnosed
• Treatments for autism spectrum disorders  (Note:  the treatment information section on this website provides links to websites promoting a wide variety of interventions but it does not differentiate between empirically validated treatments and those that are not. The PPPSIG urges consumers to seek treatment that is empirically validated.)
• Information and FAQ's about the First Signs program and how it has been implemented and used in a number of states.

IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Act http://idea.ed.gov

IDEA is a law that ensures services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. The IDEA website contains:

• Information on the "No Child Left Behind Act"
• Early intervention services
• Local and state Funding
• IEP issues including evaluation and reevaluation
• Procedural Safeguards

NIH National Institutes of Health www.nih.gov

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research. Helping to lead the way toward important medical discoveries that improve people's health and save lives, NIH scientists investigate ways to prevent disease as well as the causes, treatments, and even cures for common and rare diseases.

The NIH website contains information regarding:

• A-Z health topics
• Grants
• Science and health news
• Research
• Information about participation in clinical trials
• Visitors and public involvement

OAR Organization for Autism Research

www.researchautism.org
OAR is a non-profit organization dedicated to applying research to the daily challenges of those living with autism. OAR's programs revolve around funding new research and disseminating evidence-based information in a form that translates the technical into layman's terms for the non-scientific consumer. The OAR website contains:

• Autism information for families and professionals
• Information on studies, research and grants
• Resources including links to other websites and recommended reading lists
• Recommendations and worksheets for educators and service providers to assist in classroom planning
• A Newsletter
• Details regarding the OAR conference on the road
• Information on Run for Autism fundraiser
• A Newsletter, "The ORacle"

rethink autism

www.rethinkautism.com
The mission of rethink autism is to offer parents and professionals immediate access to effective and affordable Applied Behavior Analysis-based treatment tools for the growing population affected by autism spectrum disorders. Their web-based platform includes a comprehensive curriculum, hundreds of dynamic instructional videos of teaching interactions, step-by-step training modules, and progress tracking features.  Many free resources can be found at http://www.rethinkautism.com/AboutAutism/ including:

• A parent’s perspective on dealing with the autism diagnosis
• Help on the home front, including siblings and marriage
• Navigating early intervention and school districts
• Working with pediatricians
• A list of links and resources related to Autism and ABA
• A glossary of terms related to Autism and ABA
• Free webinars
• Question and answer in which one can submit a question or read through past questions and answers
• Sample teaching videos
• "Tips of the Week"
• How to access a one week trial of the program for free

Wrights Law

www.wrightslaw.com
Wrights Law is an organization that provides for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.  The Wrights Law website contains:

• An advocacy and law library including articles, cases, FAQs and success stories
• Information on IDEA
• A Newsletter, "The Special Ed Advocate"
• Resources including books, seminars, and training opportunities

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families www.zerotothree.org

ZERO TO THREE is national, non-profit organization which seeks to inform, educate, and support professionals who influence the lives of infants and toddlers. The mission of the organization is to support the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families. The Zero to Three website contains access to:

• An on-line e-newsletter, Baby Steps, devoted to topics of interest specific to parents of children from birth to age three
• The Zero to Three Press publications of research-based information on best practices and the latest developments in the field for parents and professionals
• The Zero to Three Policy Center, a resource for policymakers seeking comprehensive information on infants and toddlers in support of sound public policy
• Parenting Resources, which disseminates materials for professionals to use as tools in their work with families
• The Early Head Start National Resource Center (EHS NRC), a clearing house for information pertinent to early childhood programs
• Content and expert commentary for journalists developing stories about parenting and early childhood development
• Web exclusives and Download of the Week all pertaining to birth to 3 topics
• Tips and tools and resources on a variety of topics related to child development and behavior
• The Military Families Project supplying trainings, information and resources for military families with young children
• An annual conference called the National Training Institute (NTI), for the presentation and discussion of cutting-edge research, best practices, and policy issues for infants, toddlers and families