Helping Families Navigate Autism Services, Education, and Support

Find guidance on SSI, Medicaid waivers, IEP rights, transition planning, and services — all in one place.

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A few of the most useful resources for autism families — curated for quick access.

Education & IEPs

Wrightslaw

The most trusted source for special education law, advocacy, and IEP information. Covers IDEA rights, evaluations, and what to do when schools push back.

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Benefits & Financial

Social Security SSI Information

Official Social Security Administration information on Supplemental Security Income for children and adults with disabilities. Eligibility, applications, and appeals.

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Benefits & Planning

ABLE National Resource Center

Information on ABLE accounts — tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities that don't jeopardize SSI or Medicaid eligibility.

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Resources

Guides, tools, and trusted sources for autism families.

These resources are selected to help families navigate special education, disability benefits, advocacy, transition planning, and day-to-day support. Use the Navigator to get guidance on how any of these topics apply to your situation.

Education & IEP Resources

Education & Advocacy

Wrightslaw

The most comprehensive source for special education law and IEP advocacy. Covers IDEA rights, evaluations, placement decisions, and what to do when a school denies services or placement. Trusted by parents and advocates nationwide.

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Education & Learning

Understood.org

A comprehensive resource for families of children with learning and attention differences, including autism. Covers IEPs, 504 plans, school accommodations, and how to work effectively with schools and teachers.

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Parent Information

Center for Parent Information and Resources

Federally funded resource hub offering plain-language guides on special education, disability rights, IEPs, and parent advocacy. Includes a directory of parent training and information centers by state.

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Benefits & Planning Resources

Disability Benefits

Social Security SSI Information

The official Social Security Administration resource for Supplemental Security Income. Covers eligibility for children and adults with disabilities, the application process, income and resource limits, and what to do if you are denied.

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Financial Planning

ABLE National Resource Center

A guide to ABLE accounts — tax-advantaged savings accounts available to individuals with disabilities. ABLE accounts allow savings and spending on disability-related expenses without disqualifying you from SSI or Medicaid benefits.

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Medicaid

Medicaid.gov

The official federal Medicaid resource covering eligibility, state-by-state program information, home and community-based services, and Medicaid waiver programs that fund supports for individuals with disabilities.

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Parent Support Resources

Community & Advocacy

Autism Society of America

One of the largest autism advocacy organizations in the United States. Provides community connections, local chapter networks, resource directories, and support for individuals with autism and their families across the lifespan.

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Disability Rights & Advocacy

The Arc of the United States

A national organization advocating for the rights and inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Offers resources on housing, employment, benefits, guardianship, and family support across all ages.

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Books & Guides

Uniquely Human

by Barry M. Prizant, PhD

A compassionate reframing of autism that shifts the focus from deficits to understanding. Dr. Prizant draws on decades of clinical work to help families see autism as a different — not lesser — way of experiencing the world.

The Explosive Child

by Ross W. Greene, PhD

A practical framework for understanding and helping children with inflexible, challenging behaviors. The Collaborative Problem Solving approach has helped thousands of families reduce conflict and meltdowns.

The Reason I Jump

by Naoki Higashida

Written by a thirteen-year-old with autism, this book provides rare insight into the inner experience of autism. An essential perspective shift for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to understand autistic individuals more deeply.

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

by Ellen Notbohm

A compassionate guide to understanding the autistic child's world, covering communication, sensory processing, social interaction, and what children with autism most need from the adults in their lives.

Coming Soon

Autism Unfiltered

by LaJuan Vines

A guide for families navigating autism-related aggression and challenging behaviors, written from lived experience navigating the systems, services, and daily realities that families face.

Future Products & Tools

Curated product and tool recommendations are coming. Categories will include: