Patient and Family Resources

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 your plan does not cover ABA, contact Washington Autism Advocacy. If you have Medicaid (state insurance) see the handouts below titled How to Access ABA Medicaid and Medicaid-enrolled clients seeking ABA services Healthcare Authority. If your insurance plan does not cover ABA or you have difficulty navigating ABA services, contact Washington Autism Advocacy.

• ABA advocacy if denied by insurance: Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy (WAAA)
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) How to Access Medicaid ABA (PDF) (Amharic) (Somali) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
• Applied Behavior Analysis: A Parent’s Guide, Autism Speaks
• Applied Behavior Analysis, Health Care Authority, Medicaid
• Medicaid-enrolled clients seeking ABA services, Washington State Healthcare Authority
• 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. 

• The Arc of King County
• The Arc of Washington
• The Autism Outreach Project Northwest Autism Center
• Autism Society of Washington
• Autism Speaks
• Autistic Self-Advocacy
• Behavioral health organizations (Medicaid mental health services)
• Ben’s Fund (Washington state only) Families for Effective Autism Treatment
• The Fathers Network
• Informing Families
• Open Doors for Multicultural Families
• Organization for Autism Research  
• Parent to Parent (P2P) Support Programs of Washington State Arc of Washington
• National Autism Association
• The National Council on Severe Autism
• Washington Autism Alliance and Advocacy
• Washington State Medical Home Provider Directory

• 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

• Car Seat Options for Children with Behavior Challenges (PDF)

Videos

• Parent Training to Address Problem Behaviors of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Crisis Supports and Autistic Individuals Without Intellectual Impairment
• A Voice for Severe Autism
• Selective Eating in Children With Autism

• Child Care Options for Children with Autism (PDF)
• Lifespan Respite
• Respite Resource Guide The Arc of King County

• Autism Health Education Classes (PDF)
• 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 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

• A Trip to the Dentist-Center for Pediatric Dentistry

• Paying for Diapers with Apple Health  (Spanish) Whatcom Taking Action

• 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) Early Intervention and Education Resources Intellectual Disabilities (Spanish) NICHCY
• Learning Disabilities (Spanish) NICHCY 
• Office of the Education Ombuds
• 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)
• Wrights Law Information about special education law, education law and advocacy for children with disabilities

Videos

• How to Access and Implement ABA Services in Schools
• But I Don’t Wanna Go to School!: Strategies for Addressing School Avoidance
• Social Inclusion Through Person-Centered Planning

• 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 Genetics - What Parents Should Know
• Research-Based Genetic Testing for Autism SPARK for Autism

• ADHD Autism Health Education Classes (PDF)
• 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)
• Mental Health Therapy: Child and Family Therapy Options For Your Child With Autism (PDF)
• Psychologists and Therapists Specializing in Autism-Related Disorders (PDF)
• 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

Video

• Autism and Police: Staying Safe Together

• 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.
• Emotional Support Center for Children with Special Needs
• 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)

Videos

• Autism and the African American Experience
• A Panel Discussion: Multicultural Perspectives on Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Supporting the Autism Community in Central and Eastern Washington

• 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

• Transition to Adulthood – “My Physical Body and Mind Started Shutting Down”: Autistic Burnout and the Costs of Coping and Passing

• The Healthy Bodies Toolkit (Spanish) Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
• Healthy Relationships and Gender The Arc of King County
• Healthy Relationships Program Arc of King County 
• Helping Your Child Through Puberty Autism Speaks
• Internet Safety Model during COVID The Arc of King County
• Internet Safety Guide for the parents and caregivers
• Internet Safety Guide for persons with developmental disability
• 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 Arc of Spokane
• Social Stories on Appropriate Behaviors Living Well with Autism

Video

• Gender Diversity and Autism: Exploring Identity, Healthcare and Advocacy

• 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

• Autism Health Education Classes including sleep concerns (PDF)
• 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) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
• Sleep Resources Autism Speaks

Videos

• Sleep and Autism: The Bumpy Road to the Land of Nod
• Autism and Sleep Issues

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.

• 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

• The Visual Pathway in ASD: Explicit Teaching Methods to Promote Social Communication

• 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
• 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)
• Strategies to Promote Language Development (PDF) (Spanish)
• Telecommunication Equipment Distribution (TED) Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
• Using Books to Enhance Your 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)

Video

• A Voice for Severe Autism

• 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
  • Eligibility Criteria for DDA Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
• 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) (Spanish) (Somali)
• 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
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Children with Disabilities
• Washington Connection: Your Link to Services (Spanish)
• WithinReach Connecting people to support and services (Spanish and other languages)

Videos

• The State of Autism in 2021 – Advocating for Supports and Services in Washington State
• Supporting the Autism Community in Central and Eastern Washington

• Daytime Wetting (PDF) (Spanish)
• Toilet Training Resources Autism Speaks
• Toileting Tips: How To Teach Your Child Good Potty Habits (PDF) (Spanish)

Video

• Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and Developmental Disabilities

• 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 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)

• 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)
• Special Young Adults in Seattle Collection of handouts created by a parent for other parents who have a child transitioning to adult life
• Transitioning to Adult Healthcare
• Transition into Adulthood Resources Guide The Arc of King County

Video

• Transition to Adulthood: Behavioral Support for Adults

• 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

• We Have a Voice: A Panel of Individuals with ASD
• Transition to Adulthood – Autistic Burnout and the Costs of Coping and Passing
• In Our Own Words: A Panel of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

• 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

• Transition to Adulthood: Finding a Job
• Transition to Adulthood: Keeping a Job
• Social Inclusion Through Person-Centered Planning

• Guardianship Informing Families
• Guardianship and Alternatives Guide Arc of King County

• Adolescent Health Transition Project University of Washington
• Autism and the Transition to Adult Healthcare Autism Speaks
• Checklist for Transitioning to Adult Health Care (PDF) (Spanish)
• Giving Your Child an Active Role in His or Her Healthcare University of Washington
• 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 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

• Transition to Adulthood: Housing Options – A Panel Discussion

Turning 18: What Parents Need to Know

Options for protecting and assisting young adults with disabilities: public benefits and decision-making

Class Content

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) benefits, Financial Planning and Trusts, Power of Attorney, and Legal Guardianship.
• Does not cover guardianship for children under 18 (child custody).
• General information about legal rights and processes will be shared but individual legal advice will not be given.
• The attorneys cannot help families apply for guardianship or complete court paperwork.

IMPORTANT: Filing for Guardianship

• MLP has had to suspend most guardianship filings due to capacity issues.
• This class does not provide referrals for free/low-cost attorney assistance to complete guardianship paperwork. There is currently no known source for this free/low-cost attorney assistance.
• MLP will accept referrals for non-parent caregivers seeking guardianship.

Class Format

• Attorneys from the Washington Medical-Legal Partnership present for 45 minutes with Q&A.
• Classes are held via Zoom and are free.
  • Classes will be in person at Seattle Children’s when COVID-19 restrictions and hospital policy allow. 

Referral from community partner

Class requires referral from health care or social service provider. MLP does not have the capacity to process referrals from families directly.

Referral must be emailed securely (with encryption) to contact@washingtonmlp.org.

2022 Classes 

• With interpretation 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• In English 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

All classes are on Mondays:

• January 24
• March 21
• May 16
• July 18
• September 19
• November 21