EarlyChildhood Intervention
Autism: Where to find accurate information
Along with the significant rise in the number of children identified as having autism, there has also been a significant rise in the amount of information being put out about this condition. Knowing where you can go to for current, accurate information can be a challenge.
As a child care provider, you have probably worked with children whom you suspected had autism, and wanted to know more about its symptoms. Or you may have had parents tell you their children had autism and you wanted more information about caring for them.
Below are a few sources of reliable information. And remember that parents are typically the best source of information about what works and doesn’t work with their child.
Autism Speaks. This national organization advocates for persons with autism, conducts research, and helps family members find supports and services. For specific information, see the group’s website at www.autismspeaks.org,
Autism Speaks and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) understand that talking to parents about a concern that their child may have a disability is a difficult task. Autism Speaks has produced an excellent video with tips and strategies to help you with this difficult conversation. See www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaWUsXk4nD8.
The CDC has also produced an effective tip sheet to assist you when speaking with parents about the possibility of any developmental disability. www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/parents_pdfs/TipsTalkingParents.pdf.
Article at Examiner.com. Autism meltdown or just a temper tantrum? What’s the difference? An autism meltdown is a total loss of behavioral control that comes on suddenly often as a result of sensory overload. A temper tantrum, on the other hand, is an angry outburst that a child uses to get something he or she wants.
The article, “Autism meltdowns versus temper tantrums,” can help child care providers distinguish between temper tantrums often seen in 2-year-old children and an autism meltdown. See http://www.examiner.com/article/autism-meltdowns-versus-temper-tantrums
Library in a Box. As the name suggests, this resource is a collection of information on a specific topic that is assembled, placed in a box, and mailed to the requester. The information might include DVD’s, articles, books, and journals—items commonly found in a library.
In addition to autism, the boxed collections of resources include the following:
 Down syndrome
child development
brain development
play and motor development
behavior Issues
Librarians at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) worked closely with ECI to develop these resources.
To find out more or to order your Library in a Box, contact the DSHS library staff using one of the following methods:
phone (512) 776-7260
toll-free phone 1-888-963-7111 ext. 7260
fax (512) 776-7474
e-mail avlibrary@dshs.state.tx.us
Library matters. ECI and DSHS Audio Visual Library Services collaborate to produce this publication, which provides readers with a list of articles, books, video, and journals on a variety of subjects.
In addition to autism, the subjects may include seizure disorder, Down syndrome, infant mental health, and behavioral issues.
The February 2012 issue contains a list of material related specifically to autism, notably the titles of 85 books, 12 journal articles, 26 DVD’s, and two multimedia kits. The topics range from play techniques and potty training to diets and parenting. See www.dars.state.tx.us/ecis/resources/librarymatters/2012february.pdf.
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