AASCEND.net is maintained by James Ullrey, who has Asperger Syndrome. His website is
The AASCEND logo was designed by painter-photographer Sharron Loree, who has Asperger Syndrome. Online gallery at www.loree.org
Recommended Links
Typing "autism" on any search engine instantly returns nearly a million websites.
Below are 10 that we recommend as being among the most noteworthy, comprehensive,
or reflective of AASCEND’s unique membership and commitment to
represent and bring together adults on the autism spectrum as well as
family members and professionals in the field of autism.
- ASPEN
(Asperger Coalition for Education and Networking)
A New Jersey-based organization with 12 chapters that appears to be very similar in name, constituency, objectives, and activities to AASCEND. Like us, they meet monthly and alternate between support meetings and scheduled speakers. Also like AASCEND, they host a one-day annual conference each spring. - ASPIRES
(Asperger Syndrome Partners and Individuals Resources, Encouragement & Support)
An on-line resource to share family and relational experiences, resources, and offer encouragement and hope to adults with Asperger Syndrome and those who have a parent, spouse, or adult child diagnosed or suspected to be on the autism spectrum. - Autism Network International (ANI)
Autistic-run self-help and advocacy organization for autistic people, with the perspective that "the best advocates for autistic people are autistic people themselves." Jim Sinclair is the guiding person, and his own website is also worth checking out. ANI sponsors the outstanding yearly summer camp for people on the spectrum, known as AUTREAT. - Autism Society of America (ASA)
Started in 1965, the ASA now consists of over 200 chapters with more than 20,000 members in nearly every state. Their focus is on raising public awareness of autism through the media, legislative advocacy at state and federal levels, and promoting research. The membership of ASA consists of "parents, family members, special education teachers, administrators, medical doctors, therapists, nurses and aides, and countless other personnel involved in the education, care, treatment and support of individuals with autism." - Families of Adults Afflicted with
Asperger Syndrome (FAAAS)
Website for spouses, siblings and children of ADULTS with Asperger Syndrome. One of first sites to address and support the extended family. - GRASP Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership
After NBC's Chairman Bob Wright's grandson was diagnosed with Autism NBC produced a series on Autism and developed a website autismspeaks.com GRASP found 6 co-signers and sent a letter to NBC. GRASP is emerging as a beacon for the autistic community. - Independent Living On the
Autism spectrum
"Where those who are different find out they are not alone." This site, run by and for adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum, is in English though based in the Netherlands. - Institute For the Study
of the Neurologically Typical
The author of this website calls it "an expression of autistic outrage." A very articulate, provocative, and humorous response to the dominant perspective of autism in terms of deficits. Turning the tables on neurotypicals, there is an "Online NT Screening Test" to answer the question "Could I be NT?" and an explanation that "Neurotypical syndrome is a neurobiological disorder characterized by preoccupation with social concerns, delusions of superiority, and obsession with conformity· NTs find it difficult to be alone... NTs find it difficult to communicate directly, and have a much higher incidence of lying as compared to persons on the autism spectrum." - O.A.S.I.S. (Online Asperger
Syndrome Information and Support)
One of the most comprehensive and helpful websites as a starting point for finding information. Well done and authoritative. - Ooops!
Wrong Planet! Syndrome - Autism Spectrum Resources
A very colorful, award-winning website created and maintained by Jypsy Bain, who has autism and multiple sclerosis, and is the mother of two sons also both on the autism spectrum. Perhaps the single most exhaustive "clearinghouse" of information on the internet pertaining to autism, with hundreds of links to organizations, bookstores, and information on related syndromes. - Tony Attwood's Website
Tony Attwood is a psychologist born in England who now lives in Australia and frequently lectures in the U.S. and U.K. He is recognized throughout the world as one of the foremost experts on Asperger Syndrome. His website is well-organized, contains a huge amount of helpful information and links to other information world-wide. Under his publications, read "The Discovery of Aspie Criteria" which he co-wrote with Carol Gray, and which emphasizes the strengths of living with Asperger Syndrome.