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13 resources
Free developmental milestone tracker and screening information from the CDC. Covers birth through 5 years with a free app, activity guides, and Spanish-language materials. Helps families understand typical development and recognize early signs of autism.
A week-by-week guide designed specifically for families in the first 100 days after an autism diagnosis. Covers evaluations, therapy options, school rights, family adjustment, insurance basics, and a full glossary of terms. Available for young children and a separate edition for school-age children.
A comprehensive free download from Autism Speaks covering how to respond to an autism diagnosis, building your support network, self-care for parents, navigating the medical system, and planning for the future. Written in plain language for parents, not clinicians.
Evidence-based guidance from the Autism Research Institute covering treatment approaches, communication strategies, and what the research says about interventions. ARI has been publishing peer-reviewed autism research since 1967 and is one of the most trusted independent sources.
Free, university-backed online modules from UNC’s Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute that explain every evidence-based autism intervention — including ABA, discrete trial training, naturalistic teaching, and social skills supports. Developed by researchers, written for parents and educators. Covers birth through age 22.
A free PDF from the National Autism Center (part of May Institute) that explains which therapies are research-backed and how to evaluate provider claims. Based on the National Standards Project, a systematic review of hundreds of autism intervention studies. Helps parents ask the right questions when choosing or evaluating any therapy.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s plain-language guide to communication supports for autistic children. Covers AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), what speech-language pathologists do, social communication, and how to support communication at home. Written for parents, not clinicians.
The most trusted parent-facing resource for special education law. Plain-language explanations of IDEA, your child’s IEP rights, Section 504, prior written notice, and how to advocate effectively at ARD meetings. Includes a free law library, advocacy guides, and state-specific information.
A Texas-specific, plain-language guide to the IEP and ARD process, special education rights, 504 accommodations, and transition planning. Built specifically for Texas families. Includes step-by-step guides, glossaries, and real examples of how the process works in Texas public schools.
A clear explanation of what Texas law requires health insurers to cover for autism services, including ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Covers which plan types are included, current benefit caps, and what to do if a claim is denied. Updated regularly as Texas law changes.
SPARK is the largest autism research study in the United States, with over 415,000 participants. Funded by the Simons Foundation, it offers families the opportunity to contribute to research, receive personalized research updates, attend monthly expert webinars, and read plain-language summaries of the latest autism science. Joining is free and fully online.
The Autism Research Institute publishes evidence-based treatment summaries, intervention research, and hosts free webinars for parents and professionals. One of the oldest and most respected independent autism research organizations, ARI has been publishing peer-reviewed work since 1967.
The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) publishes free, research-backed downloadable guides for parents covering daily routines, managing transitions, school strategies, planning for adulthood, and supporting siblings. Each guide is written in clear language, reviewed by researchers and families, and available in print-quality PDF.