General Information Resource List

To better serve parents of children with autism, we've developed the following list of autism resources. This list is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all autism resources, but to help you identify resources, especially local resources that will help you in your search for information. Whenever possible, local resources are used. If no local resources are known, state or national resources are used. Some national resources are used when it is known that they can provide helpful information. Or you can download the CVASA Resource Guide.

We also have a "What is Autism?" page for quick answers to frequently asked questions.

Reference to any treatment or therapy option or to any program, service or treatment provider is not an endorsement by CVASA of the treatment or therapy option, program, service or provider referenced. References are not intended to be comprehensive statements of all available options, programs, services or providers. You should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. CVASA assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided by CVASA.

If you know of a resource not listed, and would like for us to consider it for our next resource guide, please mail, fax, or email the name, address and phone number with a brief explanation to:

Mailing address:
Coachella Valley Autism Society of America (CVASA)
PO Box 11052
Palm Desert, CA 92255-1052
Fax:  760-772-1000
Email: cvasacoordinator@verizon.net

Advocacy

California Dept. of Education, Special Education Division 800-926-0648 New unit called "Procedural Safeguard Referral Service" to assist parents and other individuals in resolving disputes regarding the education of pupils with disabilities.

Developmental Disabilities Area Board #12 1960 Chicago Ste. E-8 Riverside, CA 92507-2320  800-962-8073; 909-782-3226 fax 909-781-0896 One of thirteen boards set up under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act to protect and advocate the rights of persons with developmental disabilities.

Inland Regional Center 674 Brier Dr. PO Box 6127 San Bernardino, CA 62412-6127 909-890-3000 fax 909-890-3001 Responsible for providing services to developmentally disabled individuals and their families. Your consumer service coordinator should help with advocacy. Also ask for the list of the parent advocates in your area.

Law Office of J.S. Hermanson 325 W. Hospitality Lane Suite 104 San Bernardino, CA 92408  909-890-2253 fax 909-890-2265 May provide legal representation on a private basis or through Inland Regional Center.

Office of Clients Rights Advocacy (OCRA) 3602 Inland Empire Blvd. C-100 Ontario, CA 91764-4924  909-481-4720x238; (800-390-7032 emergency) fax 916-575-1623 Statewide office run by Protection & Advocacy, Inc. through a contract with the California Dept. of Developmental Services. OCRA employs a Clients Rights' Advocate who is trained to help protect the rights of people with developmental disabilities.

Protection & Advocacy, Inc. (PAI) So. Calif. Office 3580 Wilshire Blvd. Ste. 902 Los Angeles, CA 90010  213-427-8747; 800-781-5456 Federally funded nonprofit agency responsible for protecting the legal, civil and service rights of Californians with developmental or mental disabilities. PAI provides a variety of advocacy services including information and referral, technical assistance, and direct representation.

TASH 29 W. Susquehanna Ave. Ste. 210 Baltimore, MD 21204  410-828-8274  fax 410-828-6706 Advocates for the rights of people with disabilities worldwide.

Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK) 100 W. Cerates Avenue Anaheim, CA 92805 714-533-8275 Provides advocacy training workshops & information on children's educational rights, IEPs, consultations, advocacy services.

United Advocates for the Children of California Riverside County Mental Health Indio, CA 92201 760-863-8601 Assists families with children who have or are at risk of having severe emotional or behavioral problems.

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Diagnosis/Medical Assistance

B.J. Freeman, Ph.D., Professor, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute 760 Westwood Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90024-175  310-825-0458

California Children Services (CCS) 909-358-5401 Provides diagnostic services, specialized medical care, rehabilitation, equipment, supplies, case management and medically necessary physical, occupational and speech/language therapy for medically and financially eligible children from birth to age 21.

California Dept. of Education Diagnostic Center Southern California 4339 State University Drive Los Angeles, CA 90032
213-222-8090  fax 213-222-3018

Descanso Medical Center for Development and Learning Dr. Ricki Robinson 1346 Foothill Blvd. Ste. 301 La Canada, CA 91011 818-790-1587  fax 818-952-3473

Pauline Filipek    714-456-7043    714-833-8588

UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute Dr. Susan Schmidt-Lackner 760 Westwood Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90024-1759 310-825-0706 Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Medical Director of the Early Childhood Autism Program.

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Early Intervention

Early Start Family Resource Network Inland Regional Center 674 Brier Drive San Bernardino, CA 92412  800-974-5553
For clients of Inland Regional Center. Parent-to-Parent Support is provided to families in the Early Start program. Lending library is also available.

Early Start Program, California Department of Education 800-515-BABY Services for children with disabilities from birth to 36 months.

Riverside County Infant/CIRCLE Program 909-683-0112

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General Resources

Autism Research Institute Bernard Rimland 4182 Adams Avenue San Diego, CA 92116  619-281-7165 Research Center publishes quarterly journal, information packets on autism.

Autism Society of America, Inc. 7910 Woodmont Avenue Suite #650 Bethesda, MD 20814 1-800-3-AUTISM fax 1-800-329-0988 www.autism-society.org/ Publishes bi-monthly newsletter, "The Advocate." Distributes information packets on autism topics. Fax on Demand Service - fast and easy way to receive autism information via fax. Call fax# and follow the directions.

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 1920 Association Drive Reston, VA 20190-1589   800-328-0272  703-620-3660

Family Resource Network 1855 S. Business Center Drive San Bernardino, CA 92408-3426 800-974-5553
Provides information and support to families of children with disabilities. Parent representatives are available to help families access services and resources within their communities.

Inland County Regional Center for Developmental Disabilities P.O. Box 6127 San Bernardino, CA 92412  909-890-3000
A nonprofit corporation that provides services to developmentally disabled individuals and their families.

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY) P.O. Box 1492 Washington, D.C. 20013-1492
800-999-5599.  A clearinghouse of information on children and young people with special needs. It has a variety of information.

Parents Helping Parents 3041 Olcott St. Santa Clara, CA 95054 408-727 5775x160
Request PDD/Autism information packet and to be placed on the mailing list for PDD/Autism and FEAT (Families for Early Autism Treatment).

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Parent Support

Autism Research Group Stanley Swartz, Ph.D. PO Box 9576 San Bernardino, CA 92407 909-880-5601 fax 909-862-4045

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Publications, Booklists, Newsletters

"Autism Research Review International" Autism Research Institute 4182 Adams Ave. San Diego, CA 92116 619-281-7165 Quarterly publication. Contains medical, research and some educational. Targets professionals and family members. Subscription $18.

"Exceptional Parent" 605 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA 02215 800-247-8080 Monthly publication. Contains medical and educational articles, current issues and antidotal information. Targets professionals and parents of children with special needs. Subscription $32.

"Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders" (JADD) Plenum Publishing Corp. 233 Spring St. New York, NY 10013 212-620-8468 Bi-monthly publication. Contains medical and educational research concerning individuals with autism-technical. Targeted for professionals and knowledgeable family members. Subscription costs $30 ASA members, $65 non-members.

"Narrative" 414 Wall Street, Research Park Princeton, NJ 08540 888-777-NAAR; 310-230-3568 Newsletter of the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR)

"Rhythms" PO Box 6127 San Bernardino, CA 92412-6127 909-890-3000 Publication of the Inland Regional Center, a nonprofit corporation that provides services to developmentally disabled individuals and their families.

"The Advocate" Autism Society of America 7910 Woodmont Ste. 650 Bethesda, MD 20814-3015 800-3AUTISM The bi-monthly newsletter of the Autism Society of America sent to ASA members. Contains a wide range of articles on autism - current information and issues, educational, medical, etc. Targets family members, individuals with autism/Asperger's and professionals. Subscription available only to members.

"The Special Edge" 916-492-9990 or 1-800-869-4337 Bi-monthly publication by Resources in Special Education funded by California Department of Education.

Autism Society of North Carolina (Book Store Catalog) 3300 Woman's Club Drive Raleigh, NC 27612-481 919-571-8555 fax 919-571-7800 Request booklist of materials on autism.

California Dept. of Education, Special Education Division 721 Capital Mall PO BOX 944272 Sacramento, CA 94244-272 Sales Office 800-995-4099 Parent Information Line: 800-926-0648. Assistance & information regarding special education laws. Request free copy of "California Special Education Programs "A Composite of Laws" revised annually.

Focus on Autism and other Developmental Disabilities Pro-Ed., Inc. 8700 Shoal Creek Blvd. Austin, TX 78757 800-897-3202 Quarterly publication. Contains medical and education research-technical. Targets professionals and knowledgeable family members.Subscription $30 ASA members; $39 non-members.

Future Horizons, Inc. 422 E. Lamar #106 Arlington, TX 76011 1-800-489-0727 or 817-277-0727 fax 817-277-2270 Request a list of materials on autism and schedule of conferences.

National Information Center for Children & Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY) PO Box 1492 Washington, DC 20013-1492 1-800-999-5599 Request materials on IDEA, IEP's, autism.

Resources in Special Education ("RISE") 429 J St. Sacramento, CA 95814 916-492-9990; 800-869-4337 fax 916-492-9995 The RISE Lending Library offers a variety of library materials and resource assistance. Items are available on loan to any California resident.

The M.A.A.P. - A Newsletter for Families of More M.A.A.P. Services, Inc. PO Box 524 Crown Point, IN 46307 219-662-1311 Quarterly publication. Contains letters about autism from family members, individuals with autism and professionals, artwork and poetry. Targets family members, individuals with autism/Asperger's and professionals. Subscription $20.

The Morning News Carol Gray 2140 Bauer Road Jenison, MI 49428 616-457-8955

The Special Needs Project - Worldwide Booklist 3463 State St. Ste. 282 Santa Barbara, CA 93105 800-333-6867 fax 805-962-5087 Request booklist of materials on autism. Also has online catalog.

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Recreation/Respite

Foundation for the Retarded 73-255 Country Club Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-346-1611 fax 760-773-0933 Vendorized by Inland Regional Center to provide Social Recreation and Respite services.

Pegasus Riding Academy for the Handicapped 760-772-3057

Special Olympics Kathy Karstens 760-343-1722 Offers swimming, bowling, basketball, track and field.

United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire Susan Meltzer 760-340-2282 Offers "Skill Builders After School Recreational Program." Also provides respite services.

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Research

Autism Society of America 7910 Woodmont Avenue Suite 650 Bethesda, MD 20814 800-3-AUTISM fax 800-329-0988 www.autism-society.org/ Publishes bi-monthly newsletter, "The Advocate." Distributes information packets on autism, topics. Fax on Demand Service fast and easy way to receive autism information via fax. Call fax number and follow the directions.

Cure Autism Now (CAN) 5225 Wilshire Blvd. #503 Los Angeles, CA 90036 213-549-0500 fax 213-549-0547 www.canfoundation.org/ CAN has started a gene bank for families with more than one member affected by autism. Call if you want to participate.

Defeat Autism Now (DAN) Autism Research Institute 4182 Adams Avenue San Diego, CA 92116 619-281-7165 www.autism.com/ari/dan/contents.html

National Alliance For Autism Research Research Park 414 Wall St. Princeton, NJ 08540 888-777-NAAR www.naar.org/ Publishes a quarterly newsletter on biomedical research-free.

Stanford University Medical Center Donna Spiker, Ph.D. 650-880-5601 fax 650-723-5531 www.med.stanford.edu/ Autism Research Program, Genetics Program. Ongoing study of 90 families with 2, 3, & 4 siblings with autism.

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Schools

California Dept. of Education, Bureau of Publications 1-800-995-4099 fax 909-323-0823 Informational publications available.

Coachella Valley Unified School District (Director of Special Education) 87225 Church Thermal, CA 92274
760-399-5137 x. 227

Desert Sands Unified School District (Director of Special Education) 47-950 Dune Palms Road La Quinta, CA 92253  
760-777-4200 x. 8652

Palm Springs Unified School District (Director of Pupil Personnel Services) 980 Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262   760-416-6029

Riverside County Special Education Local Plan Area 3380 14th St. PO Box 2800 Riverside, CA 92516-2800   909-788-7142 fax 909-276-7634 Provides local program information and referral information on the local educational agencies (LEAs).

Riverside County Office of Education Early Start Infant Circle Program (Designed for Birth up to 3 years) 909-683-0012 Director of Special Education 909-788-6632 Coordinator/Principal of Special Education   760-775-6042

Riverside Office of Education  888-296-5437 Subsidized childcare.

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Treatment Options

Autism Partnership (Behavior Modification) 200 Marina Drive Seal Beach, CA 90740-6057   562-431-9293 x144  fax 562-431-8386

BEST Services (ABA) 411 South Magnolia Ave El Cajon, CA 92020   619-442-1271

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc 19019 Ventura Blvd Tarzana, CA 91356 (818) 345-2345, fax: (818) 758-8015 Sienna Greener-Wooten, Supervisor

Let's Communicate (Speech Therapy) 79440 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 113 La Quinta, CA, 92253   760-564-4726

Judy Morgan (Speech Therapist) 43875 Washington Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-772-7545

Lovaas Istitute for Early Intervention 11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 460 Los Angeles, CA 90064 310-914-5433 310-914-5463 (fax) Treatment program based on behavior modification techniques.

Pamela Wolfberg 415-753-5669 Integrated Playgroup Consultant

Specialized Psychology Solutions (Pivotal Response Therapy) 139 Tamarisk Road Palm Springs, CA 92262   760-325-5630

TEACCH The University of NC at Chapel Hill 310 Medical School Wing E CB#7180 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-718  919-966-2174 Education Based Program Training. The Division for Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children.

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Websites of Interest

Amazon.com Online catalog with many titles relating to autism.

Future Horizons Online book store and an online newsletter. CVASA is now an affiliate of Future Horizons.  Customers are given a 20% to 40% discount on books purchased through this link on our web site.

American Hyperlexia Association

Autism Research Institute-Bernard Rimland

Autism Research Group-Stanley Swartz, Ph.D.

Autism Society of America (ASA)

California State government legislative update site

California Dept. of Education Special Education Division Accessible site with information related to special education programs.

Center for the Study of Autism

Grocery Pecs: A large collection (over 2000) of realistic pictures Grocerypecs.com is designed to improve the shopping experience of families with children with communication difficulties.

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY)

Parents Helping Parents - Autism

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