Whether you are autistic, exploring a possible diagnosis, supporting an autistic family member, or looking for services, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. ASD resources aren’t only for young children—support may be helpful throughout adolescence and adulthood as needs, goals, and circumstances change.
Understanding Autism & Diagnosis
Explore trusted resources to better understand autism, diagnosis, advocacy, and available support for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
1. Autism Help and Information | Autism Speaks You can find the information that you need by searching by topic or life stage. There is also the ability to apply filters such as the level of support needs (some support, moderate amount of support, intensive support) of the person with ASD.
2. Autism Materials and Resources | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | CDC This page includes materials and resources about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These materials have been developed through CDC activities and are based on key findings from the latest ASD research.
3. Autism Society of America | Creating connections for the Autism community to live fully Since 1965, the Autism Society of America, and our affiliate network, connects people to the resources they need through education, advocacy, resources, and community programming.
4. Autistic Self Advocacy Network The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to ASD. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities.
Resources for Parents & Families
5. 100 Day Kit School Age Children This 100 Day Kit was created to help you make the best possible use of the next 100 days in the life of your child. It contains information and advice collected from trusted and respected experts on ASD and from parents like you.
6. Autism diagnosis | Autism Speaks Whether you’re looking for information about the diagnostic criteria for ASD, navigating the process of getting an autism diagnosis for your child, or exploring the steps involved in getting a diagnosis as an adult, you’ve come to the right place.
7. Autism Navigator Autism Navigator® is a web-based instructional program developed by the Florida State University Autism Institute to increase the capacity of primary care, early intervention, and other service providers, as well as families, to better serve young children with or at risk for ASD.
8. Center for Parent Information and Resources All the materials found on the CPIR Hub have been created and archived for Parent Centers around the country to help them provide support and services to the families they serve.
9. Child Mind Institute | Transforming Children’s Lives The Child Mind Institute is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families experiencing mental health and learning disorders through excellence in science, education, and care.
10. Families | Organization for Autism Research The diagnosis of ASD is a life-changing event. Through informed action and the use of treatments and interventions that match your autistic child’s development, you can enhance your child’s quality of life.
11. Family Voices All children, youth, and families, especially those with special health care needs and disabilities, experience their best health and quality of life.
12. Organization for Autism Research | Helping Families Today The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is dedicated to improving the lives of autistic individuals, their families, and supporters by funding practical research and providing valuable resources.
13. Sesame Workshop-Autism Sesame Workshop is a global nonprofit organization with a mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.
14. Vanderbilt TRIAD Nashville | Services for Families of Children with Autism TRIAD offers a variety of programs and services for families of autistic people.
Resources for Autistic Adults
These resources offer practical information, tools, and support to help autistic adults navigate healthcare, relationships, independence, self-advocacy, and everyday life.
15. AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit | Organization for Autism Research The AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit is a comprehensive resource designed to improve healthcare experiences for autistic adults.
16. Adult Autism Health Resources Helping adults to navigate the health care system as well as communicate and advocate for high-quality care in collaboration with their clinical providers.
17. Adults on the Spectrum — American Autism Association The American Autism Association encourages healthy lifestyles, fosters independence and inclusion, and promotes personal empowerment to better the quality of life for people with ASD.
18. Autism Grown Up Autism Grown Up, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is entirely online. We create and provide resources for autistic people and all members of an autistic person’s support network, including family members, teachers, clinicians, therapists, professionals, peers, employers, and other important stakeholders.
19. Autism Resources for Adults (PDF) A comprehensive resource guide for autistic adults covering diagnosis, mental health, relationships, education, employment, benefits, housing, independent living, and community support.
20. Autism Spectrum Disorder in Teenagers and Adults | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | CDC People with ASD face challenges during the transition from childhood to adolescence and adulthood. Research suggests fewer young people with ASD have the same opportunities as their peers without ASD.
21. Autistic Adults Welcome Pack (PDF) This booklet will be helpful for you if
you have just found out you are autistic (through diagnosis and/or self
identification).
22. Engaging Activities for Autistic Adults: A Comprehensive Guide Meaningful activities for autistic adults aren’t a luxury, they’re a proven lever for mental health, social connection, and daily functioning. The right activities reduce anxiety, provide sensory regulation, build genuine friendships, and create the kind of purposeful structure that turns an overwhelming week into a manageable, even enjoyable one.
23. Roadmap to Self-Empowerment for Autistic Adults | Autism Speaks In this Roadmap, you will find questions to ask yourself to help establish the supports you need in your everyday life across a variety of settings and roles.
Screening for ASD
ASDscreening tools can help identify signs and characteristics that may be associated with autism and indicate when a more comprehensive evaluation may be helpful. These screenings are not diagnostic, but they can be a useful first step for individuals and families who have questions or concerns. The following free screening tools are available for different age groups.
24. Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive! (PDF)
25. CAT-Q Free Test | Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire
26. CDC’s Developmental Milestones | Learn the Signs. Act Early. | CDC
27. Empathy Quotient Assessment | Fast & Free Results
28. Free Autism Test Take a quick and accurate test. This test is called AQ-50 and known to be reliable screening tool.
29. Free Online Autism Test — Quick Screening Tool | Autism Test Online Four different screening tools. Take a research-based screening used by healthcare professionals. Completely private, takes just a few minutes, and helps you understand yourself better.
30. Ritvo Autism & Asperger Diagnostic Scale (RAADS-14) – Psychology Tools (Interactive tool)
Bonus Resources for Clinicians
Adapting Psychological Therapies for Autism – Therapist Experience, Skills and Confidence – PMC This article explores how therapists adapt cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for autistic clients, including the use of clearer language, greater structure, visual supports, and individualized approaches.
Autism and Therapy | Neurodivergent Insights Autism acceptance in therapy means recognizing that autistic people have unique strengths and challenges and tailoring therapy to be more autistic friendly. It means understanding that the goal of therapy is not to “cure” autistic people but to support us in achieving our goals and living fulfilling lives.
