Parent guides

Seven practical guides for US parents and caregivers of autistic children, with more on the way. Each one starts with a short answer, links every fact to its source and says how strong the evidence is.

Signs, evaluation and diagnosis

Noticing differences, screening at checkups, getting an autism evaluation, and what to do while you wait and after a diagnosis.

Waiting for an autism evaluation? What you can do nowYou don't need a diagnosis to get help. How to use early intervention and school evaluations, what to check on insurance and Medicaid, and what to start at home while you wait.13 minute read

Communication and play

Supporting talking, signs, pictures and AAC at home, and playing together in ways that work for your child.

Will my autistic child talk? Speech, signs, pictures and AACAn honest look at whether autistic children learn to talk, what helps at home, why signs, pictures and AAC don't stop speech, and how to get speech therapy in the US.16 minute read

Routines and visual supports

First-then boards, visual schedules and calm ways to handle transitions and changes.

How to use a first-then board at homeA two-step picture board that shows what happens first and what comes next. How to make one, the words to use, and what to do when it isn't working.11 minute read How to make a visual schedule for your autistic child at homeA row of pictures that shows your child the order of the day. Which kind to choose, how to make one at home, and what to do when plans change.11 minute read

Feelings, sensory needs and behavior

Meltdowns and shutdowns, sensory differences, stimming, feelings and keeping everyone safe.

Meltdown, tantrum or shutdown? How to tell and what to doA meltdown is overwhelm, not bad behavior. How to tell it from a tantrum or a shutdown, and what helps before, during and after.13 minute read Helping your child understand feelings and find calm, including at bedtimeCo-regulation first, why feelings can be hard to name, calm tools and a calm space, calmer bedtimes, who to ask about medicine and melatonin, and where to get help.13 minute read

Everyday life

Sleep, eating, potty training, appointments, safety, screens and days out.

Potty training an autistic child, by ageWhen to start potty training an autistic child, what helps at each age, picture steps, constipation, nighttime, child care and school rights, and help paying for diapers.12 minute read

For child care and schools

Guides for child care, preschool and school staff

Practical, sourced guides for child care providers, teachers and paraprofessionals supporting young autistic children, from daily routines to IEPs and the law.

Parents and caregivers: you can share any of these guides with your child's child care program, preschool or school.

Supporting an autistic child in child care or preschool: a guide for staffPractical help for child care providers and preschool, pre-K and Head Start teachers: the day, communication and play, early intervention and IEP services in your room, the law and kindergarten.16 minute read How to talk with a family when you notice signs of autismHow to prepare, what to say and avoid, and where families can go next when you notice signs of autism in a child in your program or class.13 minute read Visual schedules, first-then boards and calm-down spaces in the classroomClass and individual visual schedules, first-then boards, transitions, AAC, sensory changes, and a calm-down space that never becomes seclusion, for teachers, providers and paras.13 minute read When an autistic student is in distress: meltdowns, behavior plans and what to avoidPreventing distress, staying calm in a meltdown, behavior plans written with families, what to avoid, and the rules on removals, restraint and seclusion.13 minute read An autistic student in your K to 3 classroom: the IEP or 504 plan and your partYour part on the IEP or 504 team, what least restrictive environment means, accommodations that work in K to 3, evaluations, the move to kindergarten and the 2026 federal changes.16 minute read Can a child care program or preschool turn away or expel an autistic child?The ADA bars turning a child away just for being autistic. What the law requires, the stricter Head Start and CCDF rules, and what to try before removal.12 minute read Working as a para or one-to-one aide with an autistic studentYour role under IDEA, what to know about the IEP, what research says about one-to-one support, and practical ways to give just enough help and build independence.12 minute read