Danya Launches First Web Site for Autism Research Products

Unique Online Resource Center Offers Support for ASD across Lifespan

SILVER SPRING, Md., Sept. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Danya International, Inc. (Danya), a communications, research, and technology company, unveils the new AutismOnline.com Web site encompassing research-based products and resources for individuals of all ages with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The AutismOnline.com Web site was introduced during a launch event today at the historic AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.

"Until now, there was no comprehensive database containing research-based, effective, high-quality resources, products, and information for individuals from childhood through adulthood with ASD," explained Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of Danya. "What also makes this new Web site unique is the extensive line of products and other resources for the caregivers, advocates, teachers, and other professionals in the autism community interacting with individuals with ASD."

Joining Dr. Hoffman in describing the need for such an extensive resource center for research-based autism products:

• Dr. Laura Anthony, Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at the Children's National Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and of Pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine
• Dr. Roy Richard Grinker, Professor of Anthropology in Human Sciences and International Affairs at George Washington University and researcher, writer, and father of an 18-year-old daughter with autism

AutismOnline.com was originally created by a parent of a young girl with autism and went live on January 1, 2008. Her vision was to offer a global resource for people with autism and their caregivers. She succeeded in translating the Web site into 18 languages: Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Farsi, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, and Urdu. When daily demands prevented her from keeping the Web site updated to her standard of excellence, she turned management of the Web site over to Danya in early 2009.

Danya has been developing and evaluating educational products for individuals of all ages with ASD since 2002. "We discovered, while preparing to take our products to market, that there was no online resource featuring research-based, high-quality products designed for individuals with ASD," said Dr. Hoffman. "AutismOnline answers this need by providing an online community of high-quality products and information that meet four basic criteria: they are research-based; high-quality; affordable; and useful." 

Funded with grants from the National Institute on Mental Health, Danya created the following products that reflect the specialized needs of different age groups:

• AutismVision: Creating Classroom Connections for Children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome
• AutismVision: Creating Classroom Connections for Teens with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome
• AutismVision: Creating Classroom Connections for Children with Autism
• AutismVision: Creating Classroom Connections for Teens with Autism
• STRIVE: Successful Transition Planning for Young Adults with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism
• Caring for Caregivers module 1: Caring for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Caring for Caregivers module 2: Caring for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Caring for Caregivers module 3: Caring for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Caring for Caregivers module 4: Caring for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Educating Adults about Children with Autism

AutismOnline.com features research-based autism products created by Danya as well as products from other autism organizations.

About Danya International, Inc.

Danya's mission is to have an impact on global public health and education through the development and implementation of innovative health communications, research, and technology programs. Danya is based in Silver Spring, Maryland, with offices in Atlanta, Georgia, and Nairobi, Kenya. To learn more about the company, visit www.danya.com.

SOURCE Danya International