Autism Spectrum

Human brains are delightfully, refreshingly and—at times frustratingly—neurodiverse. The reality is that brain differences and talents of individuals on the autism spectrum have enabled some of the greatest thinking and historical inventions of all time. Children in care who have endured trauma and whose needs are considered on the spectrum need our help to maximize the best of their own thinking and processing and boost their self-esteem. Every child also has their own way of interacting with the world and may not fit a stereotypical autistic pattern. Please visit our ADHD & Dyslexia, Bullying, Education, Neurofeedback, Play, Sensory Supports, and Neurodiversity pages for more resources.

“We contain the shapes of trees and the movement of rivers and stars within us.” ~Patrick Jasper Lee, The Art of Autism

Oregon Specific

Autism Empowerment and A Day In Our Lives
Autism Society of Oregon and en español
- Support Groups
Autism Spectrum Disorder Information by State of Oregon
Meet Steph Littlebird by Latinitas Magazine - Oregon indigenous illustrator in ORPARC's library + person with autism
- “I’m [a] late diagnosed autistic and so for a long time I didn’t know why it was so hard for me to communicate verbally or in written ways." ~Steph Littlebird (Grande Ronde)
PDX Opens New Sensory Room
Specialty Athletic Training
TSA Cares - apply for airport support when traveling. PDX Port of Portland will supply sunflower lanyards and sensory bags for kids with neurodiverse needs. Visit their sensory room!

Websites

The Art of Autism
Asperger Experts - run by those with autism
Autism Acceptance
Autism Explained
Autism In Black - supporting Black parents raising kids with autism
Autism Navigator
Autism Self Advocacy Network and Autism Acceptance Month - April
Autism Speaks and en español
- My Autism Team
Child Mind Institute - Autism and en español
Exceptional Individuals - Autism
Help Autism Now
Literally Ausome
NeuroClastic
Neurodiversopedia - all the definitions!
Simmons Power Autism Research (SPARK)
Spectrum - leading news & research on autism
Tilt Parenting

Recommended Books & Articles

Autism-related materials available in ORPARC's library

Adopting A New Way of Thinking: Adjusting Your Family to An Autistic Child's Needs by Indiana Adoption Program
Autism 101 by Spectrum - wide variety of articles
Autism & Adoption by Jodi Gibson Moore, adult adoptee with autism
Autism and Reading and How Autism Affects the Amygdala by The Place
Autism Awareness & Coolness and So Our Son is Autistic by Dr. Monique Tello, physician & parent
Autism Books by Autism Authors
Autism Explained and Parenting by Michelle Swan, advocate, parent & person with autism - includes infographics & more links including Letter to My Autistic Child
Autism Safety Project - many articles
Autism Suicide Prevention Resources
Bullying of Those With Autism & SEND by Bullies Out
Choose Your Battles (and dealing with those who didn't get a copy their copy of the battle plan) by Autism & Oughtisms
Dealing With Change and Stories from the Spectrum by National Autistic Society, UK
Dear Me by The Art of Autism - by & for those with autism
Dietary suggestions for ADHD and Autism? & en español by Food Hero
Discovering a Trauma-Informed Positive Identity by Trauma Geek
Elopement in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Goally
Empowering Your Autistic Child by The Brain Building Book - many resources & authors in ORPARC's library
Helping Autistic Kids Shine - free course courtesy of Jockey!
How I Overcame the Challenges of Autism & Mental Illness by Angela Chapes
Infographics by Atlas
Intersectionality Stories by Autistic Pride Day
Neurofeedback - an ORPARC Resource page
Parent Perspectives on Autism by The Art of Autism
Pathological Demand Avoidance in Kids by Child Mind Institute
Polyvagal Theory and Regulating Our Bodily State by We Chose Play
Simple Guide: Fostering a Child with Autism by FCA, UK
Sleep Problems and Autism by Spark
Recognizing Autism Naturally: Hold the Shame & Fear by Autism Highway
Sensory Experiences: How Autism Affects the Senses by HANDS in Autism
Sensory Friendly Films
Simple Guide: Fostering a Child with Autism by FCA, UK
Social Narratives by Autism Society of N.C. - so many topics to print and use!
A Strengths-Based Approach to Autism by Harvard Health Publishing
Supporting Individuals with Autism in Foster Care & Post Adoption Contexts by Louise Southern
Tips & Supports for Special Needs Kids by Goally
What does Autistic Burnout Look or Feel Like? by Complete Children's Health

Culturally specific

Autism and the African American Experience by Seattle Children's Hospital (video)
Autism In Black - supporting Black parents raising kids with autism
Autism in Latin American Communities by Kayley Whalen
Autistics of Color by The Art of Autism
- 30 Black Autistic People You May Want to Know About
On the Autism Spectrum: Families Find Help & Hope by MinnesotaDHS (videos)
- African American Community
- Hmong Community
- Latino Community
- Native American Community
'Autistic While Black': How Autism Amplifies Stereotypes by Spectrum
Black & Latino Children Are Often Overlooked When it Comes to Autism by NPR
Black Autistic Voices by many authors on NeuroClastic
Being Autistic and Exploring My Mexican American Heritage by The Art of Autism
Helping Native American Children with Autism Poses Challenges for Schools by VOA
LGBTQ+ Autism-related Resources by NeuroClastic
Podcast by & for Native Americans shines light on disability, mental health by Cherokee Phoenix

Videos & Podcasts

Amazing Things Happen
- Animated Explanation of Autism
- Amazing Kids - In Their Own Words - Autistic Spectrum Condition
Autcraft - A Bully Free Alternative to Minecraft by Stephanie King
Autism Detective Podcast series by Atlas
Bright & Quirky (videos)
How Autism Freed Me to Be Myself by Rosie King, TedTalk
Living With Autism - Ky's Story by actor Hugo Weaving
Music as a Window into the Autistic Mind by Jonathan Chase, TedTalk
Parenting by Asperger Experts - articles, videos & podcasts
Remrov's World of Art & Autism (videos)
The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe with Dr. Stephen Porges by Autism Explained (video)
Spectrum - all are articles, podcasts & videos!
- Autistic Burnout Explained
- Motor Difficulties in Autism Explained
- Repetitive Behaviors & Stimming in Autism
- Sleep Problems In Autism
- Social Communication in Autism Explained
- Why Too Many Children with Autism End Up In Foster Care
Understanding Autism - free course!
Uniquely Human Podcast by Barry Prizant - his book in ORPARC's library!
Yellow Ladybugs Podcast - focused on girls and gender diverse individuals with autism

A Colorful Array of Autism-related Books!

Seeing Autism by local Oregon expert Barbara Avila, M.S. Thank you for your kind donation Barbara!

A Different Kind of Brilliant by Louise Cummins

An Introduction to Autism for Adoptive & Foster Families by Katie Hunt

Benny Doesn't Like to Be Hugged by Zetta Elliott

Uniquely Wired by Julia Cook

Instructions Not Supplied: A Story of Adoption, Autism & Coming Together as a Family by Julie Otto

Sensory - Life on the Spectrum by Bex Ollerton

Just Right for You: A Story About Autism by Melanie Heyworth

The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (And Their Parents) by Elizabeth Verdick

We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation by Eric Garcia

The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide by Yenn Purkis