Autism Support Network and the Israeli Society for Autistic Children (ALUT) announced an international alliance to help foster support and greater guidance for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The partnership provides for free online community support for those in region and broadening the awareness of ALUT services to the thousands of global members on Autism Support Network.

Brian Field, co-founder of Autism Support Network, stated, "A key goal for the Autism Support Network is to raise awareness of regional services that can assist those with autism of any age. ALUT's broad range of programs from autism rights advocacy, early intervention, adult support, occupational training and work placements in normative environments is highly commendable. They are an organization with which we are proud to partner."

"The parents and siblings of a child diagnosed with autism go through a very difficult time and need both emotional and professional support," said Rachel Rosenman, Director of Resources for ALUT. "While ALUT provides services to help in this function, we hope that through our efforts with Autism Support Network we will be able to extend our reach and the availability of peer-to-peer support overall."

Today 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism, with a new case diagnosed every 20 minutes and is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. Reported incidents of autism in Israel are currently 1 in 200. 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 severely 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 is a free global online community -- rapidly growing with thousands of members around the world -- 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. http://www.AutismSupportNetwork.com

About the Israeli Society for Autistic Children (ALUT)

The Israeli Society for Autistic Children (ALUT) is the predominant NGO in Israel, with branches all over the country. ALUT's mission is to protect the rights of those with autism, regardless of socio-economic status, religion or origin and to provide the best available treatments and education, secure their future and to make them an integral part of society. Initiated in 1974 by parents of children with autism, it today has many esteemed professionals, public figures and parents involved in its operation.

Israeli Society for Autistic Children