FILM-RELATED WEB SITES
Swim Team
www.swimteamthefilm.com - Information about the film and filmmakers.
Original Online Content on POV
To enhance the broadcast, POV has produced an interactive website to enable viewers to explore the film in greater depth. The Swim Team website -- www.pbs.org/pov/swimteam -- offers a streaming video trailer for the film; an interview with filmmaker; a list of related websites, articles and books; a downloadable discussion guide; and special features.
Autism Basics
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: "Autism Spectrum Disorder Fact Sheet"
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm
This division of the federal government's National Institutes of Health provides basic information about autism--what it is, what research is underway and where to find support. The website includes an extensive set of links to organizations that focus on autism. It also includes information in Spanish, as well as English.
POV: "Autism Myths and Misconceptions"
www.pbs.org/pov/neurotypical/autism-myths-and-misconceptions/
The website for the POV film Neurotypical includes an overview of myths and facts about autism.
Advocacy and Resources
Autism Now
http://autismnow.org/
This website serves as a clearinghouse for information and resources related to living with autism spectrum disorder and includes sections on employment, education, family life and community, as well as a searchable collection of relevant articles.
Autism Society
www.autism-society.org/
This grassroots organization provides support, advocacy and research for people living with autism. The site's rich resources include clinical information, statistics and research reports, strategies for living with autism and family stories.
Autism Speaks
www.autismspeaks.org
This advocacy organization supports research about all aspects of autism, including educational practices, as well as suggesting advocacy strategies and ways to support families of children with autism. The website includes links to social networking opportunities for people raising or helping children with autism.
Easterseals
www.easterseals.com
The resources provided by this organization include a state-by-state listing of services for families dealing with children on the autism spectrum.
Special Olympics
http://specialolympics.org/
Through athletic competition, this organization seeks to show the world the true nature and capabilities of people with developmental disabilities.
Wrightslaw
http://www.wrightslaw.com/
This group's website serves as a resource for news and information on legal aspects of special education for parents, educators and legal practitioners.
Support Groups and Networking Opportunities
Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism (AFAA): "Core Issues"
http://www.afaa-us.org/site/c.llIYIkNZJuE/b.5076217/k.EE66/Resources.htm
AFAA is a consortium of organizations committed to supporting individuals with autism and their family members. The website offers extensive resources, including links to key organizations across the nation for adults with autism.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
www.autisticadvocacy.org
The website for this organization run by and for people with autism offers a range of resources, including networking opportunities, policy briefs and a variety of projects that give voice to members.
Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership
www.grasp.org
This group serves as a support network for adults and teens on the autism spectrum through education, community outreach and advocacy.
Wrong Planet
www.wrongplanet.net
This is an online community and discussion forum for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other neurological differences, as well as for their friends, family members and professionals in the field.
Transitioning to Adulthood
Autism After 16
www.autismafter16.com/
This is a wide-ranging source of support for teens with autism and/or learning disabilities and their families and includes information on the transition to adulthood, such as employment, housing, finances, health, community support groups and the arts.
Autism Speaks: "Transition Tool Kit"
www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/transition-tool-kit
This free tool kit is geared to assisting families of individuals with autism on their journeys from adolescence to adulthood.
Autism Wellbeing
http://autismwellbeing.org/
The organization supports research and advocacy efforts that contribute to enriching the lives of adults with autism, and offers reports, guidebooks and other resources.
Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation: "Supported Employment and Supported Volunteerism Training Manual"
www.djfiddlefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/alpine_employment_manual.pdf
This manual assists employers who have newly hired employees or volunteers with autism by sharing insight on the disorder's characteristics and practical strategies that will enrich workplace experiences and promote positive interactions with new employees or volunteers.
Organization for Autism Research: "A Guide for Transition to Adulthood"
https://researchautism.org/resources/a-guide-for-transition-to-adulthood/
This guide, available in Spanish and English, is intended to help develop a plan for adulthood. The guide provides information on employment, postsecondary education and life skills.
U.S. Department of Education: "A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities"
www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/transition/products/postsecondary-transition-guide-may-2017.pdf
This guide provides an overview of obligations and available government/school services for students graduating or aging out of the system.
Education
National Education Association: "Autism Resources for Teachers"
http://www.nea.org/home/15151.htm
This teachers' union site provides an archive for educators who have students with autism in their classrooms. To enhance the classroom experience for both teachers and students, the website offers links to material on autism, effective teaching methods and strategies.
State of New Jersey Department of Education: "Special Education"
www.nj.gov/education/specialed/
The website for the department of education in the home state of the Jersey Hammerheads covers statistics, mandates, available programs and services and related resources.