Asperger Syndrome: For Researchers and Health Care Providers

Information about Asperger Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASDs) for Researchers

NICHD

• Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) Program. The site describes the trans-NIH research effort on ASD.
• Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. The site outlines the activities of this government-wide committee, which includes NICHD representatives.
• National Database for Autism Research. The database includes relevant data at all levels of biological and behavioral organization (that is, molecules, genes, neural tissues, social and environmental interactions) and for all data types (text, numeric, image, time series).
• NICHD Brain and Tissue Bank for Developmental Disorders. The brain and tissue bank systematically collects, stores, and distributes brain and other tissues for research dedicated to the improved understanding, care, and treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities, including ASDs.
• NICHD's Learning Disabilities Research Centers Consortium. The consortium conducts research on the causes, origins, and developmental course of learning disabilities. This consortium is supported by the NICHD Child Development and Behavior Branch and includes four research centers.
• NIH Autism Coordinating Committee. The site describes the activities of this NIH-wide committee, of which the NICHD is a founding and active member.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

• Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders). The site provides information about NIMH research and other activities related to autism.
• Autism Genetic Resource Exchange. The site offers biomaterials and a resource of phenotype and genotype information that is freely available for analysis by members of the scientific community.

Information about Asperger Syndrome and ASDs for Health Care Providers

• Publications describing behaviors, abilities and disabilities in people with Asperger syndrome:
  • Cognitive differences in pictorial reasoning between high-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome
  • Conversational behaviors in youth with high-functioning ASD and Asperger syndrome
  • Brief report: social and communication abilities and disabilities in higher- functioning individuals with autism and Asperger syndrome

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

• Autism A.L.A.R.M. (PDF - 1.83 MB) lists tips for health care providers related to autism.
• Identification and Evaluation of Children with ASDs describes current AAP policy on identification and evaluation of children for ASDs.
• Diagnostic Tools (PDF - 58.83 KB) lists current diagnostic tools available for autism and other diagnoses.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Autism Resources for Health Care Providers. The resources include materials that health care providers can share with their patients.
• Autism Screening and Diagnosis Information for Health Care Providers. The site offers screening and diagnostic information, including tools and a section discussing myths and facts for use by health care providers.
• Learn the Signs. Act Early. Campaign Information for Health Care Providers. The site provides campaign-specific materials and tools for diagnostic screening.

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

• Practical Oral Care for People with Autism. Information about oral care for those with ASDs is made available for health care providers.
• 2-hour continuing education for dental health professionals. The site offers information about oral care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Please note: Links to organizations and information included on this page do not indicate endorsement from the NICHD, NIH, or HHS.