Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): For Researchers and Health Care Providers

• NICHD Resources
• The Autism Centers of Excellence Program webpage describes the trans-NIH research effort on autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• The NICHD Brain and Tissue Bank for Developmental Disorders 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 ASD.
• The National Database for Autism Research includes relevant data at all levels of biological and behavioral organization (i.e., molecules, genes, neural tissues, social and environmental interactions) and for all data types (i.e., text, numeric, image, time series, etc.).


• The Autism Genetic Resource Exchange provides biomaterials and an unprecedented resource of phenotype and genotype information that is freely available for analysis by members of the scientific community.


• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Autism Resources for Health Care Providers offers materials that health care providers can share with their patients.
• Autism Screening and Diagnosis Information for Health Care Providers presents screening and diagnosis information, including tolls and myths and facts, for health care providers.
• Learn the Signs. Act Early. provides campaign-specific materials and tools for diagnostic screening.


• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research:
• Practical Oral Care for People with Autism is a guide for health care providers about how to provide oral care to those with ASD.
• The Institute also provides a 2-hour continuing education module for dental health professionals about how to provide oral care to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):
• The NIMH’s Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders) page provides information about NIMH research and other activities related to autism.
• NIH Autism Coordinating Committee describes the activities of this NIH-wide committee, of which the NICHD is a founding and active member.
• Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee describes the activities of this government-wide committee, which includes representatives from the NICHD.
• 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 ASD.
• Diagnostic Tools (PDF - 58.83 KB) lists current diagnostic tools available for autism and other diagnoses.

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