Resources for brain and mind development are growing exponentially. Researchers are breaking new ground using technology to examine the phenomena around Autism and other neuro-development disorders. The rate of research into this area is extraordinary. The thinking is shifting from the brain being fragmented and static to being differentiated and redirective.
The Brain the Changes Itself by Norman Doidge
“The M.I.N.D. Institute (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) is an international, multidisciplinary research organization, committed to excellence, collaboration and hope, striving to understand the causes and develop better treatments and ultimately cures for neurodevelopmental disorders. Standing shoulder to shoulder, families, scientists, physicians, educators, and administrators are working together to unlock the mysteries of the mind.”
Relationship Development Intervention Program. Dr. Gutstein has created the Connection Center to assist families in Autism. His program uses second generation theories of core deficits in Autism. He provides guidance to parents to remediate neurological development specialized to each child based upon mapping the gaps from typical childhood development to be able to facilitated opportunities for connections in the brain. The program is for parents who wish to take on the therapy with a consultant using his system that maps out neurotypical development objectives and is then tailored for your child.
Center for Autism, Applied Behavioral Analysis. The longest developed program for Autism therapy in the U.S.
Autism Support Groups:
TACA – Talk About Curing Autism, Support for Families
Autism Speaks, an advocacy organization
Autism Link, Family Support
Social Learning, Children in Autism can be taught or helped to make the social connections.
http://www.thegraycenter.org/index.cfm Carol Gray Social Stories
http://www.modelmekids.com/ Social modeling videos
In the News
"FSU, UM to share $7 million grant to study autism early intervention" dated 3 June 2008 in a press release from Florida State University http://www.fsu.edu at
'Faulty' Brain Connections May Be Responsible
For Social Impairments In Autism" dated 12 June 2008 in a press release from the University of Washington