Guides

In-depth guides to help families navigate autism services, diagnosis, therapies, schools, and more.

• Sensory Boxes for Autistic Children: How to Make OneA simple, low-cost way to give your child regulating sensory play at home.7 min read
• Autism in Adults: Signs, Diagnosis, and What Comes NextFor adults who suspect they may be autistic — and the families who recognize themselves along the way.10 min read
• Stimming: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Support ItStimming serves a real purpose. Supporting it — rather than trying to stop it — is almost always the right approach.8 min read
• Autism Meltdowns: What They Are and How to HelpMeltdowns are not tantrums. The difference matters — and changes how you respond.8 min read
• Toilet Training an Autistic Child: A Patient, Realistic GuideStandard timelines often don't apply. Here's what actually helps — and what to skip.9 min read
• The Autism-Friendly Dentist: A Practical Guide for FamiliesSensory, communication, and routine challenges make dentist visits hard for many autistic children. Here's what helps.9 min read
• Sensory-Friendly Haircuts for Autistic Children: A Practical GuideHaircuts are a sensory minefield. Here's what families have learned about making them manageable — at the salon and at home.8 min read
• The IEP for Autism: A Parent's Guide to the ProcessWhat an IEP is, how the process works, what to ask for, and how to advocate effectively for your autistic child.13 min read
• Autism Colors and Symbols: What They MeanBlue, gold, red, the puzzle piece, the infinity symbol — where they came from, and why the autistic community is divided.7 min read
• Best Schools for Autistic Children: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Your OptionsThere's no single "best school." Here's how to evaluate any option — public, private, specialized, or college — for your specific child.14 min read
• Finding Autism Support Groups and CommunityFor parents, caregivers, and autistic people — where to look, and how to find a group that genuinely helps.13 min read
• Autism Therapy Options: A Guide for FamiliesThe main therapies, what each one actually does, how to choose, and how they are paid for.16 min read
• Autism-Friendly Activities: A Guide for FamiliesHow to find and shape activities autistic kids genuinely enjoy — not endurance tests.10 min read
• Autism Rights and Advocacy: A Guide for FamiliesYour child's rights to education and access — and how to advocate effectively.12 min read
• Supporting Non-Speaking Autistic ChildrenPresuming competence, understanding AAC, and making sure every child has a way to communicate.9 min read
• Sensory Toys and Tools for Autistic ChildrenWhat sensory tools do, how to match them to your child, and how to choose without overspending.9 min read
• Autism and Diet: An Evidence-Based GuideFood selectivity, GI issues, celiac, the GFCF diet, and supplements — what the evidence actually says.11 min read
• Parent Training Programs for Autism: A GuideWhat parent-mediated programs are, what they do, and how to find one — without the pressure.9 min read
• The First 100 Days After an Autism DiagnosisA calm, practical guide for families — what to do, what to skip, and how to find your footing.24 min read