Patient and Family Education
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. The resources below were created or curated by Seattle Children’s.
Resources at Seattle Children’s
- What to expect at Seattle Children's Autism Center
- Transportation and lodging
- Paying for care
- Interpreter Services
-
- Que es el autismo? Autism Speaks (What is autism?)
- Manual de 100 dias Autism Speaks (First 100 Days Kit)
- Qué hacer mientras espera su cita en el Centro de Autismo (What to Do While Waiting for an Autism Appointment) (PDF)
- Ayúdame a Crecer Washington, Washington es un servicio gratuito que conecta a los padres y cuidadores con los recursos de su comunidad. Cuando llama a Help Me Grow al 1-800-322-2588, lo ayudamos a acceder a los recursos que necesita. Ya sea que se trate de exámenes de detección del desarrollo en la primera infancia, asistencia con la solicitud de seguro médico o ayuda para encontrar un banco de alimentos, una clase para padres o una clínica médica de bajo costo, estamos aquí para ayudarlo. (Help Me Grow Washington, WithinReach)
- El Hospital de Seattle Children’s junto con expertos locales, se enorgullece en presentar El Autismo y Mi Familia: Una Serie de Videos en Español. Esta es una serie de videos sobre muchos temas relacionados con el autismo, incluyendo: el diagnóstico, el proceso de encontrar terapias y vivir con un diagnóstico de autismo. Cada video se enfoca en la historia de una familia local y un proveedor comunitario que comparten sobre el tema y sus experiencias.
- Recursos en español | Autism Speaks
- Recursos escolares y educativos: Cómo solicitar educación especial (School and Education Resources: How to get your child tested for special education) (PDF)
- Compartiendo una nueva diagnosis de su hijo/a con la escuela (Sharing Your Child’s Diagnosis With the School: Washington State Office of the Education Ombuds) (PDF)
- Análisis conductual aplicado (ABA): Si tiene un seguro privado (comercial), llame a su proveedor de seguros para confirmar que el análisis conductual aplicado (ABA en inglés) está cubierto y para solicitar una lista de los proveedores de ABA contratados con el plan. Si su plan no cubre ABA, comuníquese con Washington Autism Advocacy. Si tiene Medicaid (seguro estatal), consulte el folleto a continuación titulado: “Análisis conductual aplicado (ABA) Lista de comprobación para cobertura de Medicaid”. Si su plan de seguro no cubre ABA o tiene dificultades para obtener los servicios de ABA, comuníquese con Washington Autism Advocacy.
- Análisis conductual aplicado (ABA) Lista de comprobación para cobertura de Medicaid (ABA Medicaid Checklist) (PDF)
- ADEPT (Entrenamiento en Autismo para Padres Educación a la Distancia) Aprendizaje Interactivo Versión en Español Un trabajo original del Instituto MIND/CEDD en 10-lecciones interactivas, a su propio ritmo, este módulo de aprendizaje a través del internet provee herramientas y entrenamiento a los padres para enseñar habilidades funcionales con mas efectividad a su hijos con autismo y otros trastornos del desarrollo neurológico, utilizando técnicas del Análisis de la Conducta Aplicada (ABA por sus siglas en Inglés) (ADEPT: Autism Distance Education Parent Training) UC Davis: MIND/CEDD
- Estrategias para promover el desarrollo del lenguaje (Strategies to Promote Language Development) (PDF)
- Use libros para mejorar la comunicación de su hijo (Using Books to Enhance Your Child's Communication) (PDF)
- La incontinencia urinaria diurnal (Daytime Wetting)(PDF)
- Ideas para el baño Cómo enseñarle a su niño buenos hábitos para el baño (Toileting Tips: How To Teach Your Child Good Potty Habits) (PDF)
- Tratamiento para estreñimiento crónico y defecación involuntaria (Constipation: Treatment of Chronic Constipation and Soiling) (PDF)
- Pago de Pañales con cobertura de Apple Health (Paying for Diapers with Apple Health) (PDF)
- Atención odontológica para niños con autismo (Dental Care for Children with Autism) (PDF)
- Bruxismo (rechinar de dientes) (Bruxism (teeth-grinding)) (PDF)
- Cómo ayudar a su niño a tomar medicamentos (Helping Your Child Take Medicine) (PDF)
- Los problemas a la hora de acostarse (Bedtime Problems) (PDF)
- Síndrome de fase de sueño retrasada (SFSR) (Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome) (PDF)
- Golpearse la cabeza y mecer el cuerpo (Head Banging and Body Rocking) (PDF)
- Cómo dormir a un niño con alta o baja receptividad sensorial (Helping Your Overly or Under-Sensory Responsive Child Get to Sleep) (PDF)
- Melatonina para el sueño (Melatonin for Sleep) (PDF)
- Los niños que se despiertan de noche (Nightwakings) (PDF)
- Higiene del sueño para niños (Sleep Hygiene for Children) (PDF)
- Manual de Cuerpos Sanos: Este sitio web contiene los archivos para el manual de Cuerpos Sanos en un formato (Vanderbilt: Healthy Bodies Manual) (PDF)
- Transición a la atención médica para adultos: lista de verificación (Checklist for Transitioning to Adult Health Care) (PDF)
- Las vacunas y el autismo: lo que debe saber, (Discussing Vaccines and autism with Spanish-Speaking Patients) (PDF)
- Manejo del estrés Antes de que sea demasiado (Stress Management) (PDF)
- Legado Universal Del Autismo (LUNA)
- ¿Qué es la neurodiversidad? (What is Neurodiversity?)
- Estimulación en casa para autismo (La importancia del juego!)(Stimulation: The importance of play)
- Creando ambientes predecibles para autistas (Creating predictable environments)
- ¿Intereses restringidos o intereses profundos? (Restricted or profound interests?)
- Disciplina y límites en autism (Discipline and limits in Autism)
- Historias Sociales: Parte 1 (Social Stories Part 1)
- Historias Sociales Parte 2: ¿Cómo se escribe una historia social? (Social Stories Part 2: How do you write a social story?)
- The Arc of King County: Nosotros somos un centro de información de recursos locales para la comunidad Intelectual de la Discapacidad del Desarrollo en el transcurso de sus vidas. Ejemplos: nosotros trabajamos con las familias desde que les dan el diagnóstico prenatal, durante la infancia, la transición a la edad adulta, y hasta el fin de la vida. (The Arc of King County)
- Transporte y alojamiento de Medicaid Para familias con Medicaid en el estado de Washington (Medicaid Transportation And Lodging Services For Medicaid-Approved Families In WA) (PDF)
- Seguro Social La mejor manera para las personas con acceso al internet para obtener ayuda del Seguro Social es por el internet (Social Security Administration)
- Washington Connection ofrece una manera rápida y fácil de solicitar una variedad de servicios tales como Alimentos, Efectivo, Cuidado de niños, Cuidado a largo plazo, y Programa de ahorros de Medicare Asistencia. (Washington Connection)
- Puertas abiertas para familias multiculturales (proporciona información, servicios y programación cultural y lingüísticamente relevantes a familias de personas con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo cultural y lingüísticamente diversas. Las familias a las que servimos son a menudo inmigrantes, refugiados y / o personas de color. Logramos esto utilizando un modelo de "intermediación cultural". Nuestro personal proviene de la misma cultura y habla el mismo idioma que las familias a las que sirven, por lo que pueden comunicarse con la familia en su propio idioma y de una manera que tenga sentido dentro de su contexto cultural. Además, este personal está bien informado sobre los servicios para discapacitados, la educación especial y otros servicios sociales principales, y para cerrar la brecha entre las familias a las que servimos y los servicios que necesitan. A partir de 2020, nuestro personal de apoyo familiar bilingüe / bicultural brinda apoyo lingüístico en inglés (con apoyo cultural para familias afroamericanas), español, somalí, coreano, chino mandarín, cantonés, árabe, vietnamita, amárico y tigrinya. (Open Doors for Multicultural Families)
-
- What to Do While Waiting for a Seattle Children's Autism Center Appointment (PDF) (Spanish) (Somali) (Vietnamese)
- First Concerns Toolkit, Autism Speaks
If you have concerns about how your child is communicating, interacting or behaving, this toolkit will help you. - Autism Evaluation Providers In The Northwest (PDF) (Spanish)
-
Children with developmental delays may qualify for early intervention services even before they have an evaluation or get a diagnosis.
- Early intervention and educational services for children birth to 3 years of age, Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families
- Early intervention for children over 3 years of age, contact your local school district for information about services for children with special needs.
Other options for getting your child evaluated:
- Ask your insurance company or medical provider for names of providers who can evaluate your child.
- Autism Evaluation Providers in the Northwest (PDF) (Spanish)
- Washington State Health Care Authority Centers of Excellence
- Seattle Children’s Autism Research Division, call 206-987-7917 or email SCACstudies@seattlechildrens.org.
- University of Washington Research, call 877-408-8922.
-
If you have a confirmed autism diagnosis, bring the evaluation report to your primary care provider as a guide for ongoing treatment recommendations. Use the resources below as guidance after your child has been diagnosed with autism.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder - Information for Families, Centers for Disease Control
- Books and Websites About Autism for Parents and Caregivers (PDF)
- Books and Websites for Talking to Your Child About Autism (PDF)
- First 100 Days Kit (Ages 4 and Under), Autism Speaks
- First 100 Days Kit (Ages 5 to 13), Autism Speaks
- Online Patient and Family Resources From Seattle Children’s Autism Center (PDF)
- The Autism Blog This nationally recognized blog is a resource on the constantly evolving world of autism spectrum disorder. It is written by experts at Seattle Children’s and gives you an opportunity to comment on and engage with our posts.
- Don't Google the Word Autism, The Autism Blog at Seattle Children’s
- June’s Journey with Autism: A Parent’s Perspective, The Autism Blog at Seattle Children's
- What is autism?, Autism Navigator
- Sharing Your Child’s New Diagnosis with School (Somali) (Spanish), Washington State Office of the Education Ombuds
Videos and Podcasts
- My Autism and Me: Rosie shares what it's like to be autistic (Video: 14:21)
- On-Time Autism Intervention Podcast – for parents of children ages 0-3, University of Washington
-
- Autism 101 Free 90-minute video lecture introducing families to the basics of autism.
- Conversations About Autism Series of 60-minute live-streamed sessions created for providers and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand the autism spectrum disorder. In these sessions, experts and advocates from our region share their knowledge and perspectives on autism as well as helpful tips for supporting a child, adolescent or young adult with autism.
- Autism: First Steps Class for current patients of Seattle Children’s Autism Center. Please talk to your Autism Center provider for more information.
- Seattle Children’s in conjunction with local experts is proud to offer a video series called Autism and My Family: A Series of Videos in Spanish. This is a series of videos on many topics related to autism, including: the diagnosis, the process of finding therapies, and living with an autism diagnosis. Each video focuses on the story of a local family and community provider who share on the topic and their experiences.
- Legal Transitions to Adulthood A class for parents and caregivers of youth in their late teens who will need ongoing support as adults or help with decision-making, disability-related benefits and other services.
- Mindfulness Classes for Parents and Caregivers (Spanish)
-
- Washington State Department of Health
- The Arc of King County
- The Arc of Washington
- Autism Navigator
- Autism Now, The Arc
- The Autism Outreach Project, Northwest Autism Center
- The Arc of Tri-Cities
- Autism Society
- Autism Speaks
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
- Ben’s Fund (Washington state only)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Information on Autism Spectrum Disorder for Families
- Community Resource Guide for Families Living with Autism in Washington State, Somali Health Board
- Family ECHO Autism: A virtual learning program for families and caregivers raising children with autism
- Informing Families
- National Autism Association
- The National Council on Severe Autism
- Northwest Autism Center
- Open Doors for Multicultural Families
- Project ECHO Autism Resources: Behavioral, diagnostic, educational, family support, and medical condition resources for families and professionals
- Research Autism
- Resources for Families, University of Washington Medical Center
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD: Workshops, online learning and printable resources for families of children with autism
- Washington Autism Alliance
- Washington State Fathers Network
- Washington State Medical Home Partnerships Project
- Washington State Parent to Parent Support Programs
Living With Autism
-
If you have private (commercial) insurance, call your insurance provider to confirm ABA is covered and to request a list of ABA providers contracted with the plan. If you have Medicaid (state insurance) see the handouts below titled Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Medicaid Coverage Checklist. If your insurance plan does not cover ABA or you have difficulty navigating ABA services, contact Washington Autism Alliance (WAA).
- ABA advocacy if denied by insurance: Washington Autism Alliance (WAA)
- Accessing ABA through WA State Medicaid
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Medicaid Coverage Checklist (PDF) (Amharic) (Russian) (Somali) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
- Applied Behavior Analysis: A Parent’s Guide, Autism Speaks
- Tips for Choosing an ABA Provider, Indiana Resource Center for Autism
- What is ABA? toolkit, Autism Speaks
Videos
- ABA – What Parents Need To Know
- How to Access and Implement ABA Services in Schools
- Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Self-paced programs
- ADEPT (Autism Distance Education Parent Training) Interactive Learning is an original 10-lesson interactive, self-paced, online learning module providing parents with tools and training to more effectively teach their child with autism and other related neurodevelopmental disorders functional skills using applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques.
-
- Autism and the coronavirus pandemic Spectrum
- COVID Information and Support Informing Families
- COVID-19 (coronavirus) information and resources (multiple languages) Autism Speaks
- COVID-19 Toolkit The Autism Society
-
Behavioral health organizations (BHOs) serve children and adults enrolled in Medicaid who need mental health services. BHOs coordinate mental health services through contracts with community mental health agencies in their area.
- BHO contact information by county (PDF)
- If you have trouble accessing BHO services for your child with autism, contact the BHO Ombuds or submit your compliant.
-
- Bullying Toolkit Autism Speaks
-
- Books and Websites: Challenging Behavior and Emotion Regulation in Children with Autism (PDF)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy Multifamily Skills Group (PDF) (Spanish)
Videos
- Addressing Challenging Behaviors: Strategies for Families
- Crisis Supports and Autistic Individuals Without Intellectual Impairment
- Parent Training to Address Problem Behaviors of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Selective Eating in Children with Autism
- Use of Applied Behavior Analysis to Assess and Treat Challenging Behaviors
- A Voice for Severe Autism
-
- Finding Child Care Options for Children with Autism (PDF) (Spanish)
- Lifespan Respite
- Respite Resource Guide The Arc of King County
-
- Constipation and Soiling (PDF) (Spanish)
- Constipation: Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- Constipation and Encopresis Children’s Hospital Colorado (Video: 5:46)
- High-Fiber Foods (PDF) (Spanish)
-
- Center for Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Care for Children with Autism (PDF) (Spanish)
- Dental Toolkit Autism Speaks
- Dental Education in the Care of Persons with Disabilities (DECOD) University of Washington School of Dentistry
- Dental Health Guidance for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Center for Pediatric Dentistry
- My Visit to the Dentist Social Story (PDF)
- Oral Health Resources Medical Home
- Oral Hygiene Tips for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder National Museum of Dentistry
Video
-
- Paying for Diapers with Apple Health Public Health King County
-
- Disabled Parking Permit Application Department of Licensing
- Teens with Autism and Driving The Autism Blog at Seattle Children’s
-
- Education and Autism Autism Speaks
- Getting Started with Disability Supports at School (Spanish) (Somali) Intellectual Disabilities (Spanish) NICHCY
- Guide to Special Education (Amharic) (Arabic) (Chinese) (Oromo) (Spanish) (Somali) (Tagalog) (Tigrinya) (Vietnamese) Seattle Special Ed PTSA
- Learning Disabilities (Spanish)
- Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment (PAVE) (Multiple Languages)
- Preparing for School Meetings The Arc of King County
- School and Education Resources (PDF) (Spanish)
- Sharing Your Child’s New Diagnosis with School (Somali) (Spanish) Washington State Office of Education Ombuds
- Special Education Child Find Seattle Schools
- Special Education Links and Resources Washington State Office of Education Ombuds
- Special Education Resource Guide The Arc of King County
- Washington Homeschool Organization
- Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
- Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds
- Wrights Law Information about special education law, education law and advocacy for children with disabilities
Videos
-
- Benefits of Exercise Autism Speaks
- The Challenge of Physical Fitness for People with Autism Interactive Autism Network
- The Correlation Between Physical Activity & Autism in Children Autism Care Today
- Finding the Best Exercise to Fight Obesity with Autism Autism Parenting Magazine
- Fitness and Autism Research Autism
- How to Create Exercise Programs for the ASD Population Autism Society
- How to Stop a Teen’s Progression from Chubby to Obese Autism Speaks
- Physical Fitness Autism Speaks
- Weighing Up Autism’s Obesity Crisis Spectrum News
Local programs offering fitness opportunities:
- Healthy Athletes Educational Resources Special Olympics
- Outdoors for All
- Parks and Recreation Specialized Programs. Contact your county agency for other fitness opportunities
- Special Olympics Washington State
- Tennis Center at Sand Point - Seattle, WA ACEing Autism
- TOPSoccer Washington Youth Soccer
- We Rock the Spectrum
-
- Research Autism Speaks
- Chromosome SNP Array Tests (PDF)
- Genetic Testing and How Genes Affect Health (PDF)
- How to Help Your Child Get Their Blood Drawn (PDF)
- Insurance Coverage for Genetic Testing (PDF)
- Organization for Autism Research
- What Causes Autism? Researchers ID 102 Genes Linked to Condition Healthline
Videos
-
- Autism and Anxiety Autism Speaks
- Autism and Depression Autism Speaks
- Autism and Mental Health Autism Speaks
- Behavioral Health Organizations Informing Families
- Depression: Facts for Families (PDF) Mental Health and Autism Society of America (Spanish)
- Finding Mental Health Care in Washington State: A Class on Where to Start
- Mental Health Resources
- Mental Health Therapy: Child and Family Therapy Options For Your Child With Autism (PDF) (Spanish)
- Psychologists and Therapists Specializing in Autism-Related Disorders (PDF)
- Short-term Outpatient Crisis Support (SOCS) Program at the Autism Center (PDF) (Spanish)
- Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens
- Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe)
Videos
- Recognizing and Treating Trauma-Related Symptoms in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Mood and Anxiety in Autism
- Mental Health and Autistic Adults With Intellectual Impairment
- Mental Health and Autistic Adults Without Intellectual Impairment
- Crisis Supports and Autistic Individuals Without Intellectual Impairment
- Perspectives on Psychiatric Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder
-
- Occupational Therapy and Autism Autism Speaks
- What Is Occupational Therapy? Autism Speaks
-
- A list of summer and day camps for the autism community (PDF)
-
- 10 Facts Law Enforcement Need to Know When Interacting with People with IDD (PDF) The Arc
- Collaboration Toolkits for Providers, Parents and Teachers About Wandering AWAARE
- Emergency Information Form for Children with Special Needs (DOC)
- A Guide to Safety Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
- Helping Your Child Take Medicine: Tips and Tricks (PDF) (Russian) (Spanish)
- Interacting with Law Enforcement Autism Speaks
- Prepare Yourself: Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Developmental or Cognitive Disabilities Autism Society of Washington
- Safety Videos for Children with Special Needs Safe Kids
- Smart 911
- Think Autism Safety
- Wandering Information National Autism Association
- Water Safety for Children with Autism (PDF) (Spanish)
Video
-
- A Call for Compassion/Mindfulness The Autism Blog, Seattle Children’s
- A Parent’s Guide to Self-Care Autism Speaks
- Autism Moms and Stress Disability Scoop
- Autism support groups. For a list of in-person parent support groups in your area, email AutismResources@seattlechildrens.org, contact your local Arc, or find your local Parent2Parent program.
- Fathers Network
- My Child Has Autism Wallet Cards
- Parent to Parent (P2P) Support Programs of Washington State Arc of Washington
- Stress Management: Before It Gets to Be Too Much (PDF) (Russian) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
- Support Groups for Parents or Caregivers of a Child with Autism (PDF) (Somali) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
Videos
-
- Autistic Self-care/Asperger’s Research Autism
- Life Skills Autism Speaks
- Steps to Independence: Teaching Everyday Children by Bruce L. Baker and Alan J. Brightman
- Taking Care of Myself: A Hygiene, Puberty and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism by Mary Wrobel
- Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know About the Pre-Teen and Teenage Years by Shana Nichols
- Personal Hygiene? What's that Got to Do with Me? by Pat Crissey
Video
-
- The Healthy Bodies Toolkit (Spanish) Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
- Healthy Relationships and Gender The Arc of King County
- Healthy Relationships Program The Arc of King County
- Helping Your Child Through Puberty Autism Speaks
- Internet Safety Model during COVID The Arc of King County
- Learning Disabilities, Autism and Internet Safety: A Guide for Parents CEREBRA
- Puberty and Sexuality Education Resources for Youth with Autism (PDF)
- Puberty and Sexuality: Health Needs for Young Adults Autism Speaks
- Sex Education and Puberty National Autistic Society
- Sexuality and People With Disabilities The Arc of Spokane
- Staying Safe on Social Media and Online for persons with developmental disability Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
- Social Stories on Appropriate Behaviors Living Well with Autism
Video
-
- Brothers, Sisters, and Autism: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Siblings Research Autism
- Sibling Support Project
- SibShops at Seattle Children’s
- Teenage Siblings Guide: Life as an Autism Sibling: A Guide for Teens Research Autism
- What’s Up with Nick? Teaches about autism for children and teens (PDF) Research Autism
- Young Siblings Guide: Autism, My Sibling, and Me Research Autism
Videos
- Nick Has Autism Teaches children about autism
- Autism From a Sibling’s Perspective: A Panel Discussion
-
- Bedtime Problems (PDF) (Spanish)
- Bruxism (Teeth grinding) (PDF) (Spanish)
- Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (PDF) (Spanish)
- Head Banging and Body Rocking (PDF) (Spanish)
- Helping Your Overly or Under-Sensory Responsive Child Get to Sleep (PDF) (Spanish)
- Melatonin for Sleep (PDF) (Spanish)
- Nightwakings (PDF) (Spanish)
- Sleep Hygiene for Children (PDF) (Portuguese) (Somali) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
- Sleep Resources Autism Speaks
Videos
-
For a list of social skills programs or services in your area, contact your local Arc, or for a list in northwest Washington, contact autismresources@seattlechildrens.org.
- Books and Websites: Social Skills Interventions for Children with Autism (PDF)
- Making Friends on the Playground Social Skills at School The Autism Blog, Seattle Children's
- Social Interaction for Children with Autism National Autistic Society
- Social Skills Autism Autism Speaks
Video
-
- Blood Draw Visual Aid (PDF) (Spanish) (Somali)
- Making Friends on the Playground: Social Skills Support in School The Autism Blog, Seattle Children's
- My Visit to the Audiology Clinic Social Story (PDF)
- Social Stories Carol Gray
- Social Thinking
- A Trip to the Dentist Pathfinders for Autism
- Visual Supports Toolkit Autism Speaks
- What to Expect During Your EEG Test at Seattle Children’s (PDF)
-
- Assistive Augmentative Communication Roadmap Autism Speaks
- Autism and Speech, Language, and Social Communication American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Communication Problems in Children National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
- Autism Support Form (PDF) (Amharic) (Arabic) (Russian) (Somali) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
- First Steps: Early Communication (PDF)
- Frequent Questions about Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) (PDF)
The Hanen Center provides information related to language and communication development, including parent training programs:- It Takes Two to Talk
Elaine Weitzman, Pat Cupples (2017) - More than Words: Helping Parents Promote Communication and Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Fern Sussman (1999)
- It Takes Two to Talk
- Strategies to Promote Language Development (PDF) (Spanish)
- Telecommunication Equipment Distribution (TED) Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
- Using Books to Enhance a Child's Communication (PDF) (Spanish)
Visual supports help children with autism know what to expect and adapt to changes. Advanced warnings about transitions include tools like timers and schedules. Visual schedules tell your child what is going to happen and the order of events. They can encourage your child to look for information, be more flexible and cope with life’s ups and downs in the future.- You can make visual schedules by laminating a paper calendar and using Velcro tape to attach pictures. Or you can create them using apps on a tablet like Choiceworks or First, Then.
- Visual tools Autism Speaks
- Books:
- Making Visual Supports Work in the Home and Community: Strategies for Individuals with Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Jennifer L. Savner & Brenda Smith-Myles (2000) - Visual Strategies for Improving Communication: Practical Supports for School and Home
Linda A. Hodgdon (1995)
- Making Visual Supports Work in the Home and Community: Strategies for Individuals with Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Video
-
- 2-1-1 Connection to WA Community Resources or call 211 (available in multiple languages)
- Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
- DDA Application Informing Families
- DDA Services Informing Families (Multiple languages. Click Menu - under Translate, select language)
- Eligibility Criteria for DDA Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
- Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) – Application Packet letter (PDF) (Amharic) (Arabic) (Russian) (Simplified Chinese) (Somali) (Spanish) (Tigrinya) (Vietnamese)
- Help Me Grow Washington (Spanish and other languages) Parent Help 123
- Medicaid Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
- Medicaid Transportation And Lodging Services For Medicaid-Approved Families In WA (PDF) (Amharic) (French) (Somali) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
- Medical Home Partnership Project Washington State
- Parent Help 123 (Spanish and other languages)
- Social Security Administration (multiple languages)
- Aging & Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) branch for in-home care, residential care, respite and other services
- SSI Child Disability Starter Kit (for children under age 18) Social Security
- Washington Connection: Your Link to Services (Spanish)
- WithinReach Connecting people to support and services (Spanish and other languages)
Videos
-
- Autistic Kids Fly Safe and Happy Port of Seattle
- Sunflower Lanyard for passengers with hidden disabilities Port of Seattle
- Tips for Flying with child with autism Marcus Autism Center
- Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Traveling with Children Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Wings for Autism The Arc of King County
- Wings for Autism / Wings for All The Arc
-
- Common Parental Concerns American Academy of Pediatrics
- Beyond the Autism/Vaccine Hypothesis: What Parents Need to Know about Autism Research Autism Science Foundation
- Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Measles Facts (multiple languages) Public Health – Seattle & King County
- Discussing Vaccines with Spanish-Speaking Patients (PDF)
- Common Questions About Immunizations Kids Health (Spanish)
Transitioning to Adulthood and Adult Services
-
- Adult Transition Toolkit Autism Speaks
- A Guide for Transition to Adulthood (Spanish and English) Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
- Next Steps: Transitioning to Adulthood for Youth with Autism (PDF)
- Open Doors for Multicultural Families (Available in many languages)
- Transitioning to Adult Healthcare
- Transition into Adulthood Resources Guide The Arc of King County
Video
-
- Ask your local Arc for adult day programs or contact your local Parks and Recreation Department about specialized programs and s
- Aaron’s Place Northwest Child
- Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center A program of Seattle Children’s
- Bridge of Promise
- Stephen's House
- Tavon Center
- Vibrant Palette
- Full Life Care
-
- The Art of Autism
- The Asperger/Autism Network
- The Asperger Experts
- Autism Network International (ANI)
- Autism Society of America
- Autism Self-Advocacy Autism Speaks
- Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN)
- The Journey Through Autism Blog
- The Mighty Autism Blog
- Organization for Autism Research Self-Advocacy
- Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism
Videos
-
- Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology University of Washington DO-IT Program
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
- Preparing for Transition From School to Supported Employment University of Washington
- Transition from School to Adulthood Arc of King County
Videos
-
- Guardianship Informing Families
- Guardianship and Alternatives Guide Arc of King County
-
- Adolescent Health Transition Project University of Washington
- Checklist for Transitioning to Adult Health Care (PDF) (Spanish)
- Giving Your Child an Active Role in His or Her Healthcare University of Washington
- Graduating from the pediatrician to the adult doctor Autism Speaks
- Healthcare for Adults with Autism and Intellectual Disability Toolkit
-
- Achieve at Highline College
- Associate Degree in Occupational & Life Skills (OLS) Bellevue College
- Autism and Post-Secondary Education
- Autism Spectrum Navigators (ASN) Bellevue College
- Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology University of Washington DO-IT Program
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
- Integration & Employment Program (CIEP) Shoreline Community College
- Overview of College Resources for Students with Disabilities Best Colleges
- People Accessing Careers and Education (PACE) Community College of Spokane
- Preparing for Transition From School to Supported Employment
- Responsibility Opportunities Advocacy and Respect (ROAR) Program Washington State University
- Transition from School to Adulthood The Arc of King County
-
- Creative Housing Solutions person-centered planning principles to homes for people with disabilities
- Housing and Community Living Autism Speaks
- Housing Informing Families
- Housing Resource Guide Arc of King County
- WA State Housing Options Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Video
Contact Us
If you would like an appointment at the Autism Center, 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.
To add or update a resource, please email AutismResources@seattlechildrens.org.
Disclaimer: If you have questions about links on this page, see our statement about linking from seattlechildrens.org.