As I’ve mentioned before, I have a 5-year-old autistic daughter. Up until now, we’ve had good support from therapists and other resources that we’ve been able to rely on. Right now, though, we’re temporarily on our own - no one knowledgeable to talk to - and we’re seeing some new things emerge that we need intelligent advice on.
I’ve always avoided delving into online autism sites because there’s so much crazy out there. Autism seems to be at the center of the Venn diagram intersection of alternative medicine, antivaccination nutballs, and crazy mommy bloggers.
So I’m looking for good, reliable resources free (or relatively free, at least) of the lunatic fringe. Ideally I’d like something like the SDMB where we could post our issues and get good advice from knowledgeable people. Any pointers?
Thanks, as always.
Oy. It’s “fun”. My son is 10 btw, so I’m just a few years ahead of you.
https://www.autismspeaks.org/ is the big one. It’s huge and daunting and difficult to navigate. It’s also, I think, reasonably light on the crazy.
I have found good help looking close to home.
http://www.php.com/ is an example of that for me, but I’m not sure where you’re located.
http://www.socialthinking.com/ is an organization that has been helpful to us as we work on social skills with our son. They do training all over the country.
(I’m leaving the url’s exposed so that you can see them. These also show the group names.)
One way I’ve found local groups is by spending time on Google. Look for local parental support groups for special needs or autistic kids. Sometimes the local School District will have links up in the special education area.
It’s a pain.
I know there are several of us on here, so start a thread if you want. I’m not an expert. I’d be glad to bounce ideas off folks from time to time too. 
You’ll find Children’s Hospital or University medical center autism centers to be at least without the crazy.
I have a 10 year old daughter on the spectrum.
I can speak to our experience. But as you’ve probably learned, “if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Which is to say, autism is a really broad spectrum, and it’s far too easy to get into generalizations that are not applicable to your child.
We are lucky enough to have a local ARC (Autism Resource Center) in Central Massachusetts http://www.autismresourcecentral.org/. They are a great resource for non-crazy advise, programs and social opportunities.
My ASD son is 17, and we have used the ARC for support ever since he was diagnosed at 2 1/2. (Time for a not so stealth brag, he starts his first job ever this week. Sorting and shelving comics at his favorite comic book store!)