Patient and Family Resources

We want you to have all the information you and your child need to understand your child’s condition and to participate in treatment. This page provides links to resources that we hope will be helpful.

Resources at Seattle Children’s

• What to expect at the Autism Center
• How to prepare for your visit
• Transportation and lodging
• Hospital services
• Paying for care
• Patient and Family Resources in the Childhood Communication Center

What is autism? 

These resources from Autism Speaks answer some of the questions families often ask us:

• What is autism?
• What are the early signs of autism?
• What causes autism?
• When should my child be evaluated for autism?

Autism Resource Directory

• The resource directory (PDF), compiled by Seattle Children’s Autism Center, includes information about books, multicultural support and many community resources.

Support, Classes and Camps

• Autism: First Steps for parents and caregivers of children who are newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Please talk to your Autism Center provider for more information.
• Autism 101, a free 90-minute lecture offered quarterly for families of children recently diagnosed with autism.
• Autism 200, a series of free 90-minute classes for parents and caregivers on a variety of topics.
• Sibshops for siblings of children with special health or developmental needs.
• A list of summer and day camps for the autism community (PDF)

Videos

• Seattle Children’s Autism Center (7:28)
• Parallel Paths: Our Life With Autism (7:25)
• Understanding Autism (1:30)
• Comprendiendo el Autismo (en Español) (1:30)

For Teens and Young Adults

• The Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center offers classes and social activities for adults age 18 and older with autism or other developmental disabilities.
• Autism: Next Steps is a series of 3 classes for parents and caregivers who have a child with autism age 15 to 21 who is transitioning to adulthood. Ask your Autism Center provider for more information.
• Resources for teens and young adults who might have autism (Autism Speaks)
• Benefits of being evaluated for autism as a young adult (Autism Speaks)

Autism-Related Genetics

• Genetic Testing and How Genes Affect Health (PDF)
• Insurance Coverage for Genetic Testing (PDF)
• Chromosome SNP Array Tests (PDF)
• How to Help Your Child Get Their Blood Drawn (PDF)
• Simons Variation in Individuals Project
• Unique, information and support for families of children with rare chromosome disorders
• Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge

Autism Advocacy and Support

• Autism Speaks
• Autism Society of Washington
• Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT of WA)
• Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy (WAAA)

For Families With Developmental Disabilities

• Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), part of Washington state’s Department of Social and Health Services
• Medicaid, a federal–state partnership to cover medical care for people of low income
• Supplementary Security Income (SSI), a federal program to help people with disabilities who have little or no income
• The Arc of Washington, services and programs for people with developmental disabilities
• Arc of King, services across the lifespan for people in King County with developmental disabilities

Contact Us

If you would like an appointment, ask your child’s primary care provider to refer you. Learn more about how to get services at the Autism Center.

Providers, see how to refer a patient.