The organization descriptions and mission statements listed on this PPPSIG page are included to give you a brief overview of the organizations. Content is taken directly from the referenced websites. Currently, the links are listed in alphabetical order; however, we will be categorizing these links in the next phase of our website development.
Association for Behavior Analysis (ABA) www.abainternational.org
The Association for Behavior Analysis InternationalTM (ABA InternationalTM) is a nonprofit professional membership organization with the mission to develop, enhance, and support the growth and vitality of behavior analysis through research, education, and practice. The ABA website contains:
- A description of Applied Behavior Analysis and frequently asked questions about ABA
- International events and conferences
- Links to Journals such as The Behavior Analyst, The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, and Behavior Analysis in Practice
- Special interest groups that support members with special interests such as autism, positive behavior support and verbal behavior
- Links to state and affiliate chapters
- ABAI offers membership to professionals and consumers, which entitles them to the newsletter and other benefits
Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) www.asatonline.org
The Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) is a not-for-profit organization of parents and professionals committed to improving the standards of accountability for the education, treatment, and care of individuals with autism. ASAT's mission is to disseminate accurate, scientifically sound information about autism and treatments for autism and to improve access to effective, science-based treatments for all people with autism, regardless of age, severity of condition, income or place of residence.
The ASAT website contains:
- Information on autism
- Guidelines for evaluating treatment options and service providers
- List of upcoming conferences
- Suggested reading list
- Frequently Asked Questions and Clinician's Corner sections which address questions from families of individuals with autism
- Link to sign up to the ASAT mailing list
Autism Speaks www.autismspeaks.org
Autism Speaks is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to raising funds to support global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; raising public awareness about autism; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. The Autism Speaks website contains:
- Information on autism
- Information on initiatives to provide family services
- An Online store which offers awareness items such as car magnets, clothing and pins
- Information on fundraising events and other opportunities to donate funds
- Link to an e-mail newsletter
- A message Board
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) www.bacb.com
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc (BACB) is a nonprofit corporation established as a result of credentialing needs identified by behavior analysts, state governments, and consumers of behavior analysis services. Their mission is to develop, promote and implement a voluntary international certification program for behavior analyst practitioners. The BACB website contains:
- Information for consumers including a description of behavior analysis, conduct guidelines, and the exam content task list
- Requirements for becoming certified and maintaining certification
- Registry of certificants that can be searched by name or state
- Approved universities that offer coursework in behavior analysis
Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies www.behavior.org
The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies is a nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is to advance the scientific study of behavior and its humane application to the solution of practical problems, including the prevention and relief of human suffering. The Cambridge Center website contains:
- Behavior Analysis Resources including Guidelines for choosing a Behavior Analyst, a glossary of behavioral terminology, and online tutorials
- List of Publications related to Behavior Analysis
- Book reviews, abstracts and a newsletter
- Membership which includes the newsletter and access to special features on the website
- Suggestions for effective parenting including behavioral parenting abstracts, articles and parenting internet links
CDC The Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is one of the major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. The Centers for Disease Control strives to protect people's health and safety, provide reliable health information, and improve health through strong partnerships. The CDC website contains:
- Overview, symptoms, screening and diagnosis
- FAQs
- Research
- Resources for families, practitioners, researchers, and educators
- Government activities
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) www.cec.sped.org
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is an international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice. The CEC website contains:
- Information on special education policy, trends, and developments
- Online store which offers books on many topics, including behavior management, ADD, autism and exceptional children
- Information on web seminars and online courses for professional development
- Link to become a CEC member
Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT) www.feat.org
Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT) is a non-profit organization of parents, educators, and other professionals dedicated to providing education, advocacy and support for autism communities. The FEAT website contains:
- Links to connect to local chapters of FEAT
- Frequently Asked Questions section which address questions from families of individuals with autism
- FEAT newsletters
- Information on resources such as public agencies and service providers
- Information on fundraising events
First Signs: Early Identification and Intervention of Children with Developmental Delays and Disorders www.firstsigns.org
Recognizing the first signs of a developmental delay can be a challenge for both parents and professionals. First Signs aims to educate parents, healthcare providers, early childhood educators, and others in recognizing early warning signs of developmental delays in order to promote best outcomes for all children. The goals of the organization are to improve screening and referral practices and lower the age at which children are identified with Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and other developmental disabilities. The First Signs web site contains:
- Resources for monitoring healthy child development
- Information about developmental milestones and red flags for identifying Autism spectrum disorders
- Information about the screening and referral process
- A video glossary which enables viewers to see the subtle differences between typical and delayed development
- A step by step "to do" list to help parents obtain early intervention services once their child has been diagnosed
- Treatments for autism spectrum disorders (Note: the treatment information section on this website provides links to websites promoting a wide variety of interventions but it does not differentiate between empirically validated treatments and those that are not. The PPPSIG urges consumers to seek treatment that is empirically validated.)
IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Act idea.ed.gov
IDEA is a law that ensures services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services. to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. The IDEA website contains:
- Information on the "No Child Left Behind Act"
- Early intervention services
- Local and state Funding
- IEP issues including evaluation and reevaluation
- Procedural Safeguards
New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC) www.njcosac.org
The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC) is a nonprofit agency providing information and advocacy, services, family and professional education, and consultation. COSAC encourages responsible research that may lessen the effects of, and potentially prevent, autism; advocates for appropriate, effective services for individuals with autism; and seeks to enhance the general public's overall awareness of autism. The COSAC website contains:
- Information on autism
- Information on resources such as local support groups, lists of schools, legal services and respite for families in New Jersey
- Information on training, workshops and events in New Jersey for families and professionals
- A Government Watch section which summarizes information on government agencies and relevant legislation
- Online store which offers publications and gift items
- Newsroom that fosters a rapport between the media, families and professionals affected by autism
- Membership for consumers, professionals, and agencies and organizations, entitling them to the newsletter, priority registration and reduced cost at certain events, voting privileges and more benefits
NIH National Institutes of Health www.nih.gov
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research. Helping to lead the way toward important medical discoveries that improve people's health and save lives, NIH scientists investigate ways to prevent disease as well as the causes, treatments, and even cures for common and rare diseases.
The NIH website contains information regarding:
- A-Z health topics
- Grants
- News
- research
- Visitors and public involvement
OAR Organization for Autism Research www.researchautism.org
OAR is a non-profit organization dedicated to applying research to the daily challenges of those living with autism. OAR's programs revolve around funding new research and disseminating evidence-based information in a form that translates the technical into layman's terms for the non-scientific consumer. The OAR website contains:
- Autism information for families and professionals
- Information on studies, research and grants
- Resources including links to other websites and recommended reading lists
- Recommendations and worksheets for educators and service providers to assist in classroom planning
- A Newsletter
Positive Behavior Support Interest Group www.pbsaba.org
The Positive Behavior Support Interest Group is a Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Their mission is to promote and disseminate positive behavior support within the field of behavior analysis. The Positive Behavior Support Interest Group website contains:
- PBS-ABA List Serv
- Links and Resources related to Positive Behavior Support and Applied Behavior Analysis
- ABA Conference Information
- Membership for consumers and professionals
The Verbal Behavior Special Interest Group psyc.csustan.edu/verbalbehavior/
The Verbal Behavior Special Interest Group is a Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Association for Behavior Analysis International The Verbal Behavior Special Interest supports a behavioral approach to the study of language, especially as explored by B. F. Skinner. They welcome researchers and practitioners. Their mission is to study "language" from a behavior analytic point of view. The Verbal Behavior Support Interest Group website contains:
- A Newsletter
- A Discussion Forum
- Links and Resources related to verbal behavior or behavior analysis
Wrights Law www.wrightslaw.com
Wrights Law is an organization that provides for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities. The Wrights Law website contains:
- An advocacy and law library including articles, FAQs and success stories
- Information on IDEA
- A Newsletter
- Resources including books ,seminars, and training opportunities
Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families www.zerotothree.org
ZERO TO THREE is national, multi-disciplinary organization which seeks to inform, educate, and support adults who influence the lives of infants and toddlers. The mission of the organization is to support the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families. The Zero to Three website contains access to:
- An on-line e-newsletter, Baby Steps, devoted to topics of interest specific to parents of children from birth to age three
- The Zero to Three Press publications of research-based information on best practices and the latest developments in the field for parents and professionals
- The Zero to Three Policy Center, a resource for policymakers seeking comprehensive information on infants and toddlers in support of sound public policie
- Parenting Resources, which disseminates materials for professionals to use as tools in their work with families
- The Early Head Start National Resource Center (EHS NRC), a clearing house for information pertinent to early childhood programs
- Content and expert commentary for journalists developing stories about parenting and early childhood development
- An annual conference called the National Training Institute (NTI), for the presentation and discussion of cutting-edge research, best practices, and policy issues for infants, toddlers and families
May 06, 2008