Autism: Resource Round-Up
April is Autism Awareness Month. This is the time of the year where you see clinics, teachers, and families posting about their support (and even struggles) related to this diagnosis. However, just because April comes and goes, many of us don’t stop interacting with those sweet little ones who have Autism. It’s so important to remember that we are a team and working together to develop strategies, solutions, and resources is crucial! For this reason, I decided to not reinvent the wheel. Instead, I chose to combine some of the best resources related to Autism into one place. Use these resources to educate yourself about this disorder, implement strategies, and help you along your journey with Autism.
(Don’t know much about this condition? Check out this post for some quick facts about Autism.)
Autism Overview: ASHA.org
ASHA, which stands for American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, does an excellent job providing an overview of Autism. This website describes characteristics, causes, testing, and treatment related to Autism. One of the best parts of this link is that it is short-and-sweet, and it is written with parents and caregivers in mind.
Your Go-To “All About Autism” Site: Autism Speaks
Whereas the previous website (ASHA) provides a quick overview of Autism, this site provides an incredible amount of information and resources for anyone who may interact with Autism (person with autism, educators, families, and the community). One of the coolest parts of this site is how articles, tips, and resources are organized by age group. The amount of information listed on this site is too much to list here, and I encourage you to check it out for yourself. However, listed below are some neat topics to peak your interest!
- Preparing for a Haircut
- Brushing Your Child’s Teeth
- Strategies for a Smooth Doctor’s Visit
- Grandparent’s Guide to Autism
Understanding IEPs For Your Child With Autism: Understood.org
IEPs (Individualized Educational Program) are created through a school, using a team of individuals: educators, psychologists, special education teachers, therapists, and parents. This document summarizes a child’s strengths and weaknesses, and then outlines a plan for how to help the child achieve in the academic setting. Goals are created, along with strategies for how to help your child achieve these goals. Children with Autism may have an IEP to help them navigate school and its requirements. This website has several resources that help the parent understand an IEP as well as their role and responsibility. It’s a good resource to have!
Autism and The Sensory System: Tools to Grow
Some children with Autism have difficulty processing, and responding to, the sensory information from the environment. These difficulties present themselves in a variety of different ways, some of which may include repetitive behaviors and meltdowns. Tools to Grow has an excellent description of the sensory system. It also lists how an occupational therapist may help and some strategies you can attempt at home.
Tools & Supplies: Fun & Function
Before we talk about this resource, I have to first put a disclaimer here that it is highly recommended that you speak with your trusted therapist or specialist regarding the tools and supplies that may best fit your child with Autism. These people will know the specific deficits and therefore, be able to recommend items that you can purchase. With that said, this website, Fun & Function, has some fabulous tools that are geared for children with Autism. The items on this site help with dressing, sensory regulation, calming, play, and everything in between. With the advice of your child’s therapist, doctor, or other specialist, the tools on this website may be a real game-changer!
