Links: online forums for parents/carers of people with an ASD

Please note:

The resources on this web page are provided for your help and information only. They are sites maintained by other groups, organisations and individuals and these links are provided in good faith. The presence of a link does not necessarily imply that the NAS endorses or supports the originator(s), nor does the absence of a group imply that the NAS does not support it.

The NAS cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or inconsistency in linked sites/pages, nor does it have any jurisdiction over the content of these resources or their accessibility. All sites are checked for autism relevance and information content prior to publication here but given the nature of ease of updating on the web, we cannot be held responsible for the quality of the information provided.

If you have found anything in any of these sites which you believe to be offensive, please contact the Web Editor, quoting the URL of the website and of the page on the NAS website from which it was linked, and the link to the site will be reviewed.

Email discussion lists

• ABA-UK
  For parents in the UK who use Applied Behavioural Analysis and Lovaas.
• ASD Friendly
  ASD Friendly is a support network of parents who have children with autism and Asperger syndrome, discussing life as they know it in friendy online forums.
• Asperger and ASD UK Online Forum
  A forum offering information, support and advice to anyone touched by autism: people with autism; parents/carers; family members and professionals all welcome.
• AspergersUK
  This list is for UK parents and carers of children with an autistic spectrum disorder.
• Asperger Families
  The purpose of this site is to link families, teachers and counsellors to an email and resource list that will provide ideas and support for helping children with Asperger syndrome, ADD or other special educational needs.
• Autism and Aspergers in the Family
  A forum set up by parents and carers of people with autism and Asperger syndrome, which offers advice, help and understanding. Other parents are invited to join the group (login required).
• Autism and Food Allergy/Intolerance
  This list is for UK parents of children who both have an autistic spectrum disorder and food allergies and intolerances.
• Autism Dads eGroup
  This group is for fathers who have children with autism.
• The Autism List
  A lively discussion list with over 1,000 subscribers, including parents, professionals, students, people with autistic spectrum disorders and others.
• Autism Support Network
  The Autism Support Network connects families and individuals touched by ASD with each other, provides support and insight, and acts as a resource guide for treatments, strategies and therapies for autism.
• Essex Mums
  A forum for parents of people with autism, offering information about services and events in Essex. 
• Families of Autistic Adults
  This site offers information, advice and support for families of adults who have an autistic spectrum disorder.
• ShadowSyndromeKids
  For parents of children diagnosed with mild forms of Asperger syndrome, CAPD, SID, ADD, ADHD and others.

Web forums/chat channels

• Autism ASD Discussion Forum
  Provides parents, carers and professionals with a safe place to exchange stories, advice and assistance.
• Autismtalk.net
  Online community site for people with an interest in autism. Site features include chat, bulletin board and other ways to contact site members such as on-site private messaging. Membership is free.
• AutismForum.net
  The site is intended as a place for those in the Christian community who have an autistic spectrum disorder. Parents and carers are welcome to sign in and contribute.
• Autism Network
  Autism Network is an online forum where people with an ASD, family members and professionals can talk, seek advice and exchange tips on any aspect of autism and related issues.   
• Autistic Spectrum Disorder - ASD Aspergers Autism ADHD ADD Forum
  Online forum created by a mother whose daughter was diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder.
• BrainTalk Communities
  An online patient support group forum for neurological conditions, aimed at patients themselves and parents/carers.
• Carers Support Network
  This forum is a place for carers to exchange their views and opinions, and give support and encouragement to each other.
• Delphi Forums 
  Hosts a number of forums for parents and carers of people who on the autistic spectrum.
• Down's syndrome and autism UK discussion list
  An email forum for parents and professionals to discuss issues and provide support around people with Down's Syndrome and autism [login required].
• Extra Special Parents
  This website has a number of forums for parents of children and adults with all kinds of special needs. There is a specific forum for those affected by autism and Asperger syndrome.
• The Fun Club
  The Fun Club is a youth club for children with ASD in Ayrshire. The website includes a forum for parents.
• MDJunction.com
  This is a community discussion forum for family members and friends dedicated to dealing with autism together. It contains various forums where friends and family members can give each other support and share advice and chat on any aspect of autism.
• Me too & Co
  Offers an online forum: Me too & Co is a voluntary organisation in Richmond-upon-Thames and surrounding areas which supports children with additional needs and their families.
• Mumsnet
  Mumsnet is a site run by parents, for parents. Its 'talk' page contains a special needs section, where parents can discuss issues and find advice and support.
• Raisingkids.co.uk
  This parenting advice and information website features a forum for the parents of children with autism and Asperger syndrome.
• Special Friends Online
  A social networking site which aims to help people with Learning Disabilities, their parents and carers and volunteers keep in touch and communicate with each other. Membership is free.
• Special Kids in the UK
  Special Kids in the UK is a charity for families who have a child of any age with special needs. The website includes an online forum.
• Special Mates
  A website of chat, support and friendship for anyone with a disability, their family, friends and carers, or those with an interest. It includes articles and information, plus forums, advice and a dating area.
• Talk About Autism
  A new forum launched by 'TreeHouse' where parents, carers and professionals can learn how to choose, access and deliver the best education for children with autism.
• Talking Point
  Forums and listings of organisations and local support for your child's speech, language and communication development from I CAN. Includes all the stages of language development of children, lots of great tips, and what to do if you are concerned about your child's development.
• TogetherForAutism.org
  The core of the site is a message board to interact with many other people who, in some form or fashion, are affected by autism.

Message boards

• ASD Friendly 
  A message board support group for parents and carers of children with ASD.
• Asperger Information.co.uk  
• Moms Versus Autism
  We know that everyday is critical. There are therapists to contact, sensory routines to practice, meals to plan, behavioral coordinators to assess, psychologists who evaluate. Always keep in mind that you are not alone. We are all with you and we share our experiences with one another.

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