Guides

Right after diagnosis

A warm, practical checklist for the first weeks — without rushing the future.

First 90 days

A sequenced action plan organized by your child's age.

Diagnosis & evaluation

How autism evaluations work and how to advocate for timely access.

Finding therapy

ABA, OT, speech therapy, and Early Intervention — how to find them and why waitlists start now.

Adult autism diagnosis

What a late diagnosis means practically — ADA accommodations, unmasking, finding support.

IEP script generator ✦

Describe your situation — get a word-for-word script with legal language and pushback responses. Free.

IEP deadline calculator ✦

Enter a key date and see exactly when the school's legal clock runs out — evaluation, annual review, triennial.

School & IEP

Your rights under IDEA, how IEP meetings work, and how to read the document.

IEP advocacy

What to do when the school says no — Prior Written Notice, IEEs, and due process.

Communication & AAC

How autism affects communication, what AAC is, and how to access it through school and insurance.

Sensory processing

Sensory differences at home and school, OT, and what sensory diets actually are.

Sleep

Why sleep is harder for autistic people, sleep hygiene adaptations, and melatonin.

Feeding & food selectivity

When food selectivity needs feeding therapy, what SOS therapy involves, and mealtime strategies.

Mental health

Co-occurring anxiety, ADHD, and depression — and how to find therapists who understand autism.

Money & benefits

SSI, Medicaid waivers, and tax-advantaged savings — a map of the programs families use most.

ABLE accounts

Tax-advantaged savings for people with disabilities.

Insurance & coverage

Prior authorization, denial appeals, and state ABA mandates.

Respite & caregiver support

Caregiver burnout is real. Respite is a safety feature, not a luxury.

Financial planning

A map of the financial tools families use — special needs trusts, estate planning, and tax strategies.

Special needs trusts

How to protect a loved one's benefits eligibility while still leaving them money.

Estate planning

Wills, guardianship designations, and letters of intent — planning for when you're no longer there.

Tax deductions & credits

Medical expense deductions, dependent care credits, and ABLE contributions that reduce your tax bill.

Support for autism parents and caregivers

Burnout, therapy, coaching, couples, and community — a guide to getting support for yourself, not just your child.

Respite care

Temporary relief for primary caregivers — what it is, how to fund it, and how to find it.

Planning for adulthood

The transition from school services to adult services — start planning by age 14.

Employment & vocational rehab

Vocational Rehabilitation, ADA accommodations, and supported employment programs.

Housing

Group homes, supported living, HCBS waivers, and what's realistic to plan for.

Legal planning & guardianship

Guardianship alternatives, supported decision-making, and special needs trusts.

Autism podcasts

A curated list of the best autism podcasts for parents, caregivers, and autistic adults.

Autism communities

The best Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and forums for autism families — curated and vetted.

Autism Instagram & social media accounts

The best autism Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube accounts — autistic voices, parent perspectives, and advocates worth following.

Autism products & sensory tools

Sensory tools, AAC apps, safety products, adaptive clothing, and visual supports — practical gear families actually use.