I am sure that most parents with autistic kids are already aware of the resources at PBS and other reputable institutions.

For other parents who are curious about autism, here is a collection of articles and video about it. http://www.readingrockets.org/article/pbs-and-autism-awareness.

The earlier the correct diagnose, the better chance of improvement for the kids. It takes a lot of efforts and time on both parents and kids to learn a very simple task, or a simple manner.   It is extremely difficult for parents to accept that their super-normal looks kids could have such a devasting diagnose. It is during this critical time period that parents accept it, acknowlege it, and be open about it.  There is no shame. It is not something that you or spouse had done to cause it.   

It takes time and patience, lots of it, to find out slowly what the trigger is, then slowly communicate  about it.