Autism Support Network and Autism Hangout Band Together, Guide Those Touched by Autism

FAIRFIELD, Conn. and ROSEMOUNT, Minn., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Autism Support Network (http://www.AutismSupportNetwork.com) and Autism Hangout (http://www.AutismHangout.com) today announced a content sharing agreement to further spread practical assistance to those whose lives are touched by autism.  

Autism Hangout was founded by Craig Evans, who is the stepfather of a child with autism. The site has four core sections including: News and Reports, featuring over 300 video interviews with autism thought-leaders discussing key issues as well as how to meet daily challenges in order to "thrive with autism"; Community, with a discussion forum and member-posted blogs; an Education Section, offering video curriculum developed by autism experts including Donna Williams and Rudy Simone; and a Resources section of member-posted product and service reviews.  

"Craig and the people at Autism Hangout are completely in tune with our mission and are creating content that is of great practical benefit," said Brian Field, co-founder of the Autism Support Network. "We see them as kindred spirits in the ongoing effort to provide insights and support to those parents, professionals and those with autism. Through broadening the distribution of each other's content, we hope to build a greater communal base of knowledge, strategies and directions to help those whose lives are touched by autism."

"For those of us living with autism there's a great need for answers to the day-to-day challenges," stated Craig Evans, founder of Autism Hangout. "Finding a partner like Autism Support Network that understands this and is devoted to the common goal of helping our loved ones with autism not just survive, but to thrive, is key to us. In helping further this goal through cross-promoting each other's content, we hope to make our collective voice stronger and reach more who can benefit from the help we provide."

Today 1 in 110 children is diagnosed with autism, with a new case diagnosed every 20 minutes and it is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.  

About Autism Support Network

Autism Support Network (http://www.AutismSupportNetwork.com) is a free global online community - with members from over 212 countries - connecting families and individuals touched by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with each other, providing support and insight, and serving as a resource guide for treatments, strategies and therapies.

About Autism Hangout

Autism Hangout (http://www.AutismHangout.com) provides the autism community with an online resource that compiles news, knowledge and personal experiences on how best to thrive with autism.

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SOURCE Autism Support Network