My son is severely autistic. 1 out of every 150 children born these days is diagnosed with this disorder. It is lifelong and it can be crippling. Autism permeates every aspect of my family’s life whether we like it or not (and we often don’t). On our journey through autism, we’ve encountered both horrors and help. I’d like to share some of the things we’ve benefitted from and enjoyed.

You won’t find any of the usual big autism websites linked below. My reasoning is that anybody even marginally interested in autism is probably already familiar with them. Instead, you’ll find some lesser-known resources (from books to supplements to stores) that have helped my family in some way. I hope you take away something new and useful!

Many thanks to my best friend, Kate, for help compiling the list. You’re the best!

STORES:

• The Autism Store:  
  I really like this store a lot.  I am especially fond of the autism buttons, which I think are a marvelous idea!
  
  
• Cafe Press Autism Store:  
  Lots of really great shopping to be done here, that's for sure!

BOOKS:

• "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children's Vaccinations" by Stephanie Cave MD
  One of the most informative books I've ever read.  I'd recommend it to anyone with little children (whether they are autistic or not) and I've given this book to pregnant friends of mine.  It's not a book that knocks vaccinations; instead, it lays out important information for you that allows you to make an informed decision about whether you want to vaccinate or not.  Highly recommended.
  
  
• "Let Me Hear Your Voice" by Catherine Maurice
  Inspiring!  Her children are recovered, and the book makes you feel as if anything is possible.  It also validates your feelings and helps you realize that you are not alone.  It's one of the first books I read after my son was diagnosed, and it's still one of the best.
  
  
• "Facing Autism" by Lynn Hamilton
  A comprehensive book that will help a parent new to the world of autism begin to understand the terminology, treatment and options while still offering hope.  A great book.
  
  
• "Overcoming Autism" by Lynn Kern Koegel
  A more-technical, less-personal book, but it presents some great information.
  
  
• "Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid" by Gina Gallagher and Patricia Konjoian
  A hilarious take on raising a special needs child.  This book was just what I needed!
  
  
• "Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome" by Luke Jackson
  A wonderful resource in understanding this disorder.  Written by a 13 year old boy with Asperger’s, this book is funny, poignant and informative. 
  
  
• "Special Diets For Special Kids" by Lisa Lewis
  This book does a fantastic job of explaining the leaky gut syndrome that is so prevalent in autistic kids.  This book is more than just a gf/cf recipe book. The author explains why this diet could help your child and she encourages you to give it a try.



• Circling Normal by Karen Montague-Reyes
  (shameless product placement)

MISCELLANEOUS:

• Our Special Kids  
  Not specific to autistic kids, this website is a nice resource.  It links some good and unusual children's books, and if you've got a moment, check out the small store.
  
  
• National Vaccine Registration Center
  This site is so informative, you could spend hours here getting educated.
  
  
• Mercury Poisoning 
  A summary comparison between characteristics of autism and mercury poisoning.  La la la la la; I'm not listening!
  
  
• Generation Rescue  
  A biomedical approach to treating autism.  This site has some great information.
  
  
• Nordic Naturals
  Fish oil supplementation for those interested in the benefits of omega fatty acids in treating autistic symptoms.
  
  
• Natural Learning Concepts  
  Lots of great products to help teach a child with autism.  Also for use in ABA.
  
  
• Kirkman Labs
  For vitamins and dietary supplements.
  
  
• Houston Nutraceuticals
  For digestive enzymes.

SPIRITUAL:

The following scriptures really speak to me. It helps to know that ALL children are a blessing and that every person is both wonderfully and purposefully made.

• The Lord said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord?”
  Exodus 4:11 (NIV)
  
  
• Sons are a heritage from the Lord,
  children a reward from him.
  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
  are the sons born in one’s youth.
  Blessed is the man
  whose quiver is full of them.
  Psalm 127:3-5 (NIV)



• For you created my inmost being;
  you knit me together in my mother’s
  womb.
  I praise you because I am fearfully and
  wonderfully made;
  your works are wonderful,
  I know that full well.
  My frame was not hidden from you
  when I was made in the secret
  place.
  When I was woven together in the
  depths of the earth,
  your eyes saw my unformed body.
  All the days ordained for me
  were written in your book
  before one of them came to be.
  Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)
  
  
• As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
  "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, " but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."
  John 9:1-3 (NIV)
  
  
• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
  Romans 15:13 (NIV)






• I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that he didn’t trust me so much.
  ~ Mother Teresa