Autism Resources

While this list is not complete, here are some helpful pages with different resources on them!

Advocacy Sites

Autism 101

Newly Diagnosed?

Meltdowns and Emotional Regulation

IEP Help

AAC Resources

Favorite Autism Blogs

Books, Films, and Media

Info Sheets and Created Resources

Resources for Autism/Sensory Products

Local Resources – East Tennessee Area

Advocacy Sites

Autism 101

Newly Diagnosed?

Welcome to the family!

Receiving a new diagnosis can be stressful, but it can also be a relief. Remember: nothing about you or your loved one has changed. You just have more information than you did before!

Resources for newly diagnosed autistic people:

Resources for parents, caregivers, and loved ones:

  • Start Here: A Guide for Parents of Autistic Kids, by Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network, Little Lobbyists, and The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism
    • A note: you can buy a copy, but you can also download the PDF for free!

Meltdowns and Emotional Regulation

I posted much more in-depth regarding meltdowns on my Managing and Preventing Meltdowns post, as I presented on it in a conference. It also has some printables and visuals you can use as well!

More Resources

IEP Help

Here’s my Beginner’s Guide to the IEP post! It also includes a sample IEP that I made, along with an overview of the critical parts of an Individualized Education Program. Make sure to scroll to the bottom for a very long list of extra resources as well.

  • TN STEP
    • TN STEP has a lot of great information on navigating the special education setting. While based in Tennessee, the information is helpful for other states as well.

AAC Resources

My AAC introduction post – discusses different types of AAC, apps, and more

Favorite AAC Users’ Blogs, Social Medias, and Websites:

Parents of AAC Users’ Blogs and Social Medias:

First-hand Knowledge from AAC Users and Nonspeakers:

AAC Trainings and Information:

Free Printables:

Funding:

  • Lilly’s Voice
  • Your local chapter of The Arc 
    • Sometimes your local Arc chapter may have funding to help access a communication device, depending on what’s available.
  • Your state’s Assistive Technology centers
    • These are a thing! Many states have centers where they can help you access assistive tech.
  • Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services, and (sometimes) insurance plans
    • This can be difficult, but sometimes they will cover communication devices. I know at least in Tennessee, ECF Choices can cover assistive technology.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
    • This might be an option for older individuals rather than children – and for people who are planning on working. But Vocational Rehabilitation is supposed to provide you with things related to your disability that you need to succeed in the workplace, in your education, etc – and if that includes AAC, there you go!

Articles and Books:

(Some) Favorite Autism Blogs and Accounts

Autistic Blogs:

Parent Blogs:

Books, Film, and Media

Books:

Films:

Info Sheets and Created Resources

Visual Schedules

These are some simple visual schedule sheets. I uploaded the Microsoft Word versions for some so that you can edit them as needed, putting in what pictures or colors you prefer.

Workshops and Projects

From My Beginner’s Guide to the IEP Post:

  • Mock IEP Project – I wrote this from scratch for an assignment. It’s definitely not perfect, but it might be helpful as a representation of what the document looks like.

Presentations

From My Managing and Preventing Meltdowns Post:

From My Organization and Planning: Practical Strategies for Independent Living Post:

Outside Informational Sheets and Presentations

These are documents and resources not created by me, but are super helpful.

From the Emergency Medicine Post

 Resources for Sensory Products

Full disclosure: I’m not getting any commissions or payment from any of these. I’ve used a lot of these, and have friends who have used others on this list that I haven’t. Unfortunately, the favorite shop Stimtastic in our community is on hiatus until further notice.

You can also visit your local dollar store to find objects and materials that can be repurposed for sensory tools! Sensory tools are becoming more widely available – and you can sometimes find them at stores like Five Below, Target, and others.

If you have any recommendations for autistic-owned shops or sources, please let me know!

Stim toys, weighted blankets, and other sensory tools:

  • SensaCalm
    • Weighted blankets and lap pads (expensive but well-made)
  • Chewigem
    • Chewable jewelry and sensory objects

Local Resources – East Tennessee

Services, Supports, and Funding

  • The Arc – Washington County
    • The Tri-Cities local chapter for The Arc, which provides support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – as well as their families. For other areas, click here.
  • Katie Beckett Waiver
    • State-run program that allows for people with disabilities under the age of 18 to access home and community-based services, even if their family does not qualify for Medicaid.

Therapy Places

Note: These are places that I’ve personally been to and had overall positive experiences with. That may not be the case for everyone, so it’s important to pay close attention to the treatment that you (or your child if you’re a caregiver) are getting. Not every therapist is the same, and it’s important to keep an eye out for any red flags.

And again: I highly recommend avoiding Applied Behavior Analysis if possible. That said, many families feel as if they don’t have a choice. Many insurances will only cover ABA, and the ABA industry has a very heavy influence on what supports are available and covered. The lack of supports or societal concerns often leave families feeling as if they have no choice – especially when safety is involved.

Occupational and speech therapy focus on a lot of the exact same things – but professionals generally undergo more extensive training and education. Consider your needs and proceed with caution.

  • Mini-Miracles Pediatric Therapy
    • Occupational, Physical, Speech, Counseling, Transition to Adulthood program
    • I went here for OT and PT, as well as their Transition to Adulthood program. Sometimes there is a waiting list, but it depends.

  • ETSU’s Adult Speech and Language Clinic
    • Speech therapy for autistic adults, traumatic brain injuries, neurocognitive disorders, etc
    • Contact the department at the link above and they can provide more information.
    • Note: they also have programs for young children and teens as well! There may be a waiting list, but I’m not sure.

Transportation

  • Net Trans
    • If you can’t drive, this is generally an inexpensive way for travel between cities. They require 24 – 72 hours notice and it’s usually only through phone calls.
    • If you’re on TennCare, your insurance should pay for transportation to doctor appointments – but you have to schedule trips through your insurance. Sometimes information can get messed up, so it can be very hit-or-miss.
    • As a warning: this service can be very chaotic and not always reliable – but I found that sometimes it’s better than nothing
  • Para Transit
    • This is specifically for people in the Johnson City area, but other cities may have similar.
    • You have to fill out paperwork proving you’re disabled in order to be eligible for the program, but it’s generally a $2 fee for each trip within Johnson City.  Make sure to go through all the requirements on the website.