Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a mental health issue that can be diagnosed by doctors, psychologists or other mental health professionals. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors with different degrees of severity in each individual. Individuals on the autism spectrum can show delays in the following areas:
Communication: Language may develop slowly or unevenly, with delays usually seen in the first 3 years of life. Communication may be repetitive and individuals may use words or gestures inappropriately.
Social interaction: Individuals may be less responsive to non-verbal social cues. They may lack eye contact, may prefer to be alone, and interactive play is often difficult.
Sensory impairment: Individuals may be over-sensitive or under-responsive to touch, pain, sight, smell, hearing or taste.
Behavior: Individuals may exhibit repetitive behaviors (i.e. rocking, flicking hands, spinning). Most have a strong preference for routine, and may get very upset with changes to routine or when things don't go as they hope.
Aspergers Disorder is not currently being used as a psychological diagnosis but was previously referred to as high functioning Autism, with most delays related to social interactions. Again, individuals with Autism and Aspergers have different degrees of severity, including different strengths and areas of concern.
If concerns on the autism spectrum are impacting a child's academics, school staff can look at a special education category called Educational Autism. A school special education assessment would look at how a student's social skills, communication skills and behaviors are impacting their educational progress. Connect with your child's teacher if you have questions about this. If the teacher isn't able to answer your questions, s/he can refer you to special education staff.
Below are books and websites with additional information. Let me know if you have additional resources to add.
Books for Adults:
"Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm
"The Hidden Curriculum: Practical Solutions for Understanding Unstated Rules in Social Situations" by Brenda Smith Myles, Melissa Trautman, Ronda Schelvan
"The Incredible 5 Point Scale" by Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtiz
"Simple Strategies that Work: Helpful Hints for all Educators of Students with Asperger Syndrome" by Brenda Smith Myles, Diane Adreon, Dena Gitlitz
"Play to Talk: A Practical Guide to Help Your Late-Talking Child Join the Conversation" by James MacDonald & Pam Stoika
Books for Kids:
"All Cats have Asperger Syndrome" by Kathy Hoppmann
"Asperger Syndrome- An Owner's Manual" by Ellen Heller Korin
"How do I Stand in your Shoes?" by Susan DeBell
"Looking after Louis" by Lesley Ely and Polly Dunbar
"My Best Friend Will" by Jamie Lowell & Tara Tuchel
"You Are A Social Detective" by Michelle Garcia Winner and Pamela Crooke
Websites:
fact sheet from MACMH about Autism / PDD http://www.macmh.org/publications/fact_sheets/PDD.pdf
fact sheet from MACMH about Aspergers http://www.macmh.org/publications/fact_sheets/Aspergers.pdf
www.ausm.org The Autism Society of Minnesota is an excellent resource for support, education, latest developments in the field, conferences, and such.
www.autism-society.org The Autism Society of America provides national-level information.
www.autism.org The Center for the Study of Autism
http://www.thewatsoninstitute.org/resources.jsp The Watson Institute; great information for parents & professionals
http://www.autisminternetmodules.org/ Interactive modules to learn more about autism.
http://www.infinitec.org/ Free clearinghouse of educational ideas, resources, and activities.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html Information on autism from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/parents_pdfs/Asperger_Syndrome.pdf Information on Aspergers Syndrom from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ecd/asd early autism awareness information