Autism Spectrum Disorder

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that 1 in 110 children in the United States have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASDs include autism, high functioning autism (HFA), Asperger Syndrome (AS) and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and are reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

• Resources for physicians
• Resources for patients and their families

Resources for Physicians

• Insurance Coverage for Autism
  ARICA (An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism), is a law passed in 2010, requiring private health insurers in Massachusetts to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  
• Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders
  MMWR December 18, 2009 / 58(SS10);1-20
• Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders – Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network,14 Sites, United States, 2008
  MMWR March 30, 2012 / 61(SS03);1-19
• Clinical Report: Identification and Evaluation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
  Free abstract and full text of October 29, 2007 Pediatricsclinical report.
• The National Center for Medical Home Implementation Autism Information
  Resources for pediatricians include a webinar, Caring for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and a  developmental screening algorithm. The overarching goal of the National Center is to ensure that all children and youth, including children with special needs, have a medical home where health care services are accessible, family-centered, continuous, comprehensive, coordinated, compassionate, and culturally competent.
• Better Bridges: Helping Young Adults with Special Health Care Needs

Resources for Patients and Their Families

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Autism Website 
  Information and statistics about autism and autism spectrum disorders.
• Autism Society of America 
  Information and referral services for people with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them.
• Aspergers Association of New England
  Regional organization based in Watertown, Mass., providing education, support groups, advocacy for children and adults with Asperger Syndrome and their families
• Directions: Resources for Your Child's Care
  A notebook for families of children with special health care needs, to organize and keep track of the child's development, services and providers.