Has your child just been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder?  Maybe your an experienced parent?  

This page is for all parents!

First things first - there are many treatments available for individuals on the Autism Spectrum Disorder - so get educated on  Autism Spectrum Disorders:

What are they?
How are they treated?
What should I do?

Read the following information provided by COSAC (New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community) which will outline outline some key points:

1) Feelings Parents May Have
2) There are Things That Family Members and Friends Can Do To Help
3) Autism Fact Sheet: Just for kids! (great for  adults too!)
4) What is Autism - General information about Autism.
5) Read the First 100 Days Kit from Autism Speaks.  It is a great reference on getting started. 
6) The CDC has some real good information detailing the normal development milestones of children from birth through early adolescence.  Click for the Learn The Signs and act early.

Become a joiner - become involved - be your child's

Join PACT or a local parents support group in your area - A great way to meet other parents of children on the Spectrum, network, get information and enjoy some family social events with other families and their children.  PACT Member ship is free.

Visit Autism Society of America (ASA) Web Site.- A great organization providing lots of current information and ideas.  PACT is an ASA Chapter and joining them supports our efforts as well.  Joining ASA is easy and inexpensive Join ASA.

Join New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community, Inc. (COSAC) - A great organization providing lots of current information and ideas.  General information on the Spectrum with a strong emphasis on services supporting New Jersey families.  Joining COSAC is easy and inexpensive Join COASAC.

Being your Childs Advocate 
Here are a few key skills you need to develop to effectively be your child's avocate. 

Learn about IEP writing (IEP - Individual Educational Plan).  Here are some hints and guidelines from Wrightslaw  (Wrightslaw.com - a favorite site of the webmaster and several PACT parents has general advocacy and legal information; and one great archive of white papers). Great article ->  Your Child's IEP: Practical and Legal Guidance for Parents

Learn how to write letters from the Wrightslaw archive; The Art of Writing Letters  and 12 Rules for Writing Great Letters

Other Good Sources of Information

Autism Speaks - An organization working to increase awareness and research of Autism.  

www.firstsigns.org.  - A site for more detailed  information about Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders 

Childnet.tv  - The Dan Marino Foundation -  Great site with lots of information.  Video clips on a variety  topics from 3 minutes to 90 minutes.  Topics such as ABA, Auditory Training, etc.).

The Pact Favorite Links Page - Filled with usefull links to other sites covering a varitey of topics related to Autism. 

Remember PACT stands for Parents of Autistic Children Together.  Together with other parents many things are possible!