About this website
The Texas Autism Research & Resource Center (TARRC) website, or "virtual" resource center, was developed with the needs of several audiences, especially families affected by autism, in mind.
Prior to this website's development, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services held seven focus groups across Texas to gather stakeholders' ideas on recommended content and design for the TARRC website. Almost 100 people — including parents, family members, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), educators, researchers, other professionals and advocates — attended these focus groups, sharing their time and ideas. Participants provided many outstanding suggestions on:
- topics they would like to see addressed by the website;
- input on how to achieve a user-friendly design; and
- specific website resources to include.
We listened and used their input to guide the development of this initial website. The ideas they shared will continue to shape future phases of the website. To read the summary report on the focus group research in PDF format, click here.
The TARRC website provides information regarding state and federal programs that serve people with autism, as well as other Texas service providers. It links to numerous organizations that offer comprehensive information on ASD (see "Learn about ASD" section). The ASD Resources section covers most key topics related to autism, such as education, independent living and organizations of interest.
We have not attempted to cover every possible subject on autism. The TARRC website addresses key topics. There are hundreds of topics related to autism online, and we do not want to duplicate the efforts of others. However, by providing our users links to some of the most comprehensive sources of autism information available, we hope to make their search for resources and knowledge easier. We encourage you to discover the wealth of autism information that exists online, including expert information provided by individuals who have ASD.
As you will discover exploring this website, we link to numerous outside organizations to assist users in finding potentially helpful resources. For instance, we provide links to organizations that sell autism-related products, such as books, and to several databases of service providers in Texas. While DADS strives to include only quality resources on the TARRC website, the agency is not responsible the for accuracy or appropriateness of content contained on other websites or the quality of services or products offered by other organizations. Further, DADS does not endorse any of the organizations, websites, products or services listed or referenced on the TARRC website. Please exercise caution, discretion and common sense when using content from other websites and when purchasing products or services from other organizations. To ensure the quality of this website, DADS reserves the right to add, exclude or delete hyperlinks and references to organizations and websites without notice or explanation.
It is our hope that you find on the current website the majority of information and resources you were seeking today. However, if you did not, additional information and resources will be added to the website over time, as needs are communicated to us and new resources become available. Please visit the TARRC website regularly to stay abreast of new resources and features.
Features planned for the future
- Success stories — articles featuring Texans living with ASD
- A searchable statewide events calendar
- An "A-Z topics" list with hyperlinks to pages throughout the website
To assist us in developing future phases, we welcome your ideas on additional topics to cover, helpful existing resources to add, improvements in organization, or on other aspects of the TARRC website.
Finally, we strive to keep all links on the TARRC website updated, so please let us know if you encounter a link that no longer works.
Updated: December 2, 2011