Imagine being able to find and locate information on autism from people who really understand.

Community boards are a great way not only to locate information on autism but to connect with other families and professionals on the topic of autism. Community boards allow members to share tips, resources and information. Below, are 14 community forms for both  parents and professionals:

ASD Friendly

This forum was established in 2003 as a means to bring parents and caregivers together to share tips, vent and shared experience. Sub-forums also include pre-diagnosis and non-autism spectrum issues.

Animating the Autism Community

Founded by Gary Jesch, the goal of Autism Animated is to create a community that connects people on the topic of autism besides the forum discussion, the site include news, articles, shared blogs and RSS feed related to autism topics.

Aspergers and ASD UK Online Forum

An online forum from the UK has a number of sub-forums including a general discussion, education help and advice and resources.

Aspies Central

A forum created to discuss Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism, and High Functioning  Autism. Aspies Central contains discussion boards which include topics on PPD-NOS, social anxiety, and books on autism. The site also includes specific autism spectrum discussions including obsessions and social skills.

Autinet Forum

Autinet Forum is an electronic list which discusses all aspects of autism and developmental disorders but focuses primary on High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s syndrome.

Autism Community

Autism Community is a website that provides resources and information to help individuals with autism, family members, teachers and other professionals locate information. The site includes a forum section which is a great resource for anyone interested on the topic of autism.

AutismWeb

A website for parents and caregivers interested in topics relating to autism, PDD-NOS and Aspergers Syndrome. The website includes a moderated discussion board on topics relating to getting a diagnosis, educational help and autism book reviews.

Helpful Chat

A website that hosts chat rooms in the area of mental health. The site offers a webpage for individuals on the spectrum with peer support. The site includes an autism spectrum disorder chat room, forum and social network.

MD Junction- Autism Support Group

A community of family members and friends dedicated to dealing with autism. The site includes a discussion board and questions. Other groups includes topics on ASD families, Aspergers Challenged, and ADHD.

My Autism Team

A social network for parents of children diagnosed with autism. The site includes an activity page which allows members to post updates, an Q &A and locating provider services.

The National Autistic Society

The National Autism Society is located in the U.K. and provides information and support for families and professionals on topics surrounding autism. The site offers a community page. The goal of the community page is to help people on the autism spectrum, caregivers, relatives and professionals to share their thoughts and experience. The discussion forum requires registration with the  website and setting up a community profile.

Shared Abilities

A community for sharing information about special needs. The site includes information on various types of disabilities, provider locator, local news, events and community questions.

Wrong Planet

A Web community designed for individuals (parents and professionals) with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD, PDD’s and other neurological differences. The site provides a discussion forum, an article section and a blogging feature.