For parents with children on the autism spectrum, it can be difficult to know where to turn.

Caryl Knolton, co-chairwoman of the Allies for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Leavenworth County, said it was only through books and other resources that she came to realize that her 11-year-old son might be on the autism spectrum.

“This is my child, this is who he is — why can’t we say this,” she said of the struggle to find a cause for her child’s behavior.

Her son was eventually diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, and now Knolton said he is a well-functioning 16-year-old high-school student.

It is because of that struggle — and other struggles involved with having a child with autism — that Knolton said she and another mother formed the AASD three years ago. Since then, she said the group has grown as a source for parents of children with autism to find information — and find support.

On Friday, Knolton presented a check to Kim Baker, the director of the Leavenworth Public Library, for $1,000. She said the library agreed to match the funds up to $500 for a total of $1,500. The money will be used to purchase books and movies about autism for the library.

“This is a tremendous resource,” Baker said.

To get started, Knolton said she also brought books and videos that were donated by residents, members of the group and area teachers.

Knolton said the AASD received donations at an informational booth in September.

A member of the group who has a party-hosting business donated the proceeds from one of the parties to the effort. Other donations came from residents who wanted to contribute.

Knolton said she was happy with the result. Besides being available to Leavenworth residents, she said the resources can be borrowed statewide through inter-library loans.

But even with the new resources, Knolton said there is more to do.

She said the group hosts monthly meetings and an annual walk for autism. The proceeds of that event help send children with autism and Asperger’s syndrome to camps like Camp Encourage in Kansas City, Mo.

In addition, the group hosts meetings with guest speakers and activities to help other parents understand autism spectrum disorders. Knolton said the AASD also networks with other related groups in the Kansas City area.

She said there is a large group of parents with children on the autism spectrum, and the group cannot always help them individually, making the library resources even more helpful.

“We don’t always have the time to sit down and give them what they really need — information,” she said.

Knolton said the AASD is also always looking for ways to help, and invites parents to get involved by calling 913-240-3476 or by e-mailing alliesforautism@hotmail.com.

Knolton said a lot of parents with autistic children might not understand their children’s behavior. She said one of the most important things that the AASD and the new resources at the library can do is help parents realize what that behavior means.

“Kids on the autism spectrum do learn, they want to learn very badly — they just don’t do it the same way we do,” she said.