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Autism and Hearing Loss Selected Resources www.MNHandsandVoices.org

According to the National Alliance for Autism Research, approximately 30-50% of people with autism appear to have a hearing loss. We have a few resources in our library on this topic of autism and hearing loss but parents may also learn about this dual condition by contacting the organizations and websites listed below.

Resources in Our Library

1. Autism and Deafness: A Psychologist’s Perspective, by Dr. Margaret Creedon, 1989, presented in publications of the Boys Town Research Registry for Hearing loss. This article discusses the ramifications of autism and deafness together. (Contact the MN Hands & Voices for a copy.)

2. Minnesota Resource Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorders. This guide, developed by the Minnesota Autism Project and State Low Incidence Discretionary Funds (August, 2000), provides general information about autism spectrum disorders. Information includes basic facts, early indications, network resources and links. Call Metro ECSU/Metro SPLISE Project at 612-706-0801, ext. 116 to order a copy.

National and State Organizations to Contact

1. Autism Network for Hearing and Visually Impaired Persons. This international parent-based network, founded in 1991, provides communication, education, research and advocacy resources for persons with autism combined with a hearing or visual disability, their families and professionals. The organization helps parents and others by sharing educational materials, providing phone help, offering information and referrals and providing information about conferences. Contact Dolores Bartel, the mother of a son who is deaf and autistic: 7510 Ocean Front Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Phone: 757-428-9036, Fax: 757-428-0019.

2. Autism Society of America. “The mission of the Autism Society of America is to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum and their families, to be fully participating, included members of their community. Education, advocacy at state and federal levels, active public awareness and the promotion of research form the cornerstones of ASA’s efforts to carry forth its mission.” Contact ASA at 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. Phone: 800-3AUTISM or visit their website at www.autism-society.org.

3. Autism Society of Minnesota. The Autism Society of Minnesota is a chapter of the Autism Society of America, providing resources to enhance the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Contact AUSM at 2380 Wycliff Street, Suite 102, St. Paul, MN 55114. Phone: 651-647-1083, FAX: 651-642-1230 or visit their website at www.ausm.org.

4. Minnesota Dept of Education. The Dept. of Education does offer a link to Autism services and network. They do have a direct contact for Autism at the Department of Education. For more information contact: Specialist for Autism Spectrum Disorders, 612-638-1528 or psievers@ecsu.k12.mn.us This link is found at http://www.ecsu.k12.mn.us/asd.html.

Web Sites to Check Out

1. http://deafness.about.com. Search this site for “deaf and autistic”.

2. www.autism-resources.com. This website offers information and links related to autism.

Books to Look For

I Am Utterly Unique, by Elaine Marie Larson, Autism Asperger Publishing Company, 2006. This book helps parents “discover the unique characteristics and abilities of their child with Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism-from A to Z.”

This is not a complete list of resources available. If you do not find something of interest listed here, we encourage you to contact MN Hands & Voices for further information and

The resources listed here have been selected by the staff of MN Hands & Voices but are not affiliated with us in any way, please review carefully as we can not be responsible for their contents or claims.