AUTISM RESOURCES
FOR TEACHERS & PARENTS
ABOUT AUTISM
Overview
About Autism
From SarahStup.com
A detailed overview of autism: what it is; its prevalence; how it exhibits itself and affects the senses; common myths, etc.
Autism Fact Sheet
Beth Mende Conny, WriteDirections.com
Concise information about autism spectrum disorder. Use it as a handout for introducing others to this developmental disability.
Explaining Autism Using Everyday Examples
Shelly McLaughlin, Pathfinders for Autism
Everyday examples to help people understand autism.
Identifying a Child with ASD
Laurel A. Falvo, The Gray Center
Characteristics commonly seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
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Personal Experiences
A Few Words About People First Language
Kathie Snow, author, Disability is Natural, DisabilityisNatural.com.
What we say matters! A disability may be a medical diagnosis, but defining people by it devalues and disrespects them.
(PDF, 619 KB)
Are Your Eyes Listening?
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Are Your Eyes Listening? Collected Works
This critically acclaimed author’s poems and reflections shed light on her life as a young woman and help us experience autism’s sights and sounds. Bonus! Sarah’s Are your eyes listening? video.
Autism: What is it?
From Autistics.org
What are people with autism like? How do they experience the world? Learn from the real experts — individuals with autism.
Person-First Language
Laurel Hoekman, executive director, The Gray Center
Her research shows that people who wish to be known as autistics want to be different from others and to be known by their unique designation.
Nine Ways to Interact with Someone with Autism
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Are Your Eyes Listening? Collected Works
Essential tips from a self-advocate with autism. Forward them to promote understanding.
Raising Hope
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Are Your Eyes Listening? Collected Works
Insights from a young woman with autism into how people with disabilities can harness their dreams and use hope to “troop along through stop signs.”
Sarah's YouTube
Watch Sarah’s words come to life in her new video! Feel free to download or embed it on your site. Share it with others to increase autism awareness.
Teacher’s Pet
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Are Your Eyes Listening? Collected Works
Sarah Stup shares a bittersweet high school experience that children with autism — and their parents — will relate to.
Top 10 Terrific Traits of Autistic People
About.com (Autism)
These traits are worth celebrating!
What I Want You to Know About My Autism — and Me
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Are Your Eyes Listening? Collected Works
Insights from a young writer with autism. Use it as a handout, poster or in newsletters.
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General Interest
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Arc of the United States
National organization of, and for, people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. Devoted to promoting and improving supports and services; also fosters research and education regarding the prevention of mental retardation in infants and young children.
Autism Blogs Directory
Autism-related Books
Extensive listing of books and other resources about all aspects of autism.
Autism National Committee
Advocacy organization founded in 1990 to protect and advance the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and related differences of communication and behavior.
The Autism Perspective (TAP) Free magazine
A free magazine and great resource that presents the wide range of options available to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Its goal: to inspire and help individuals feel less alone with their struggles, hopes and dreams.
Autism and PDD Support Network
Provides links to information about autism, conferences, forums and message boards, grants and numerous other resources listed by state.
Autism Society of America
Oldest and largest grassroots organization within the autism community.
Autism Speaks/National Alliance for Autism Research
Dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism; and to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families and society.
Beach Center on Disability
University of Kansas’ international center for research and other scholarship, teaching and learning.
Bill’s Archived Articles
William Stillman, author, consultant and presenter
Don’t miss this wonderful collection of articles by an adult with Asperger’s syndrome.
CNN
Top stories about autism.
Developmental Disability News
The premier source for developmental disability news.
DisabilityInfo
A collaborative effort among 22 federal agencies to connect people with disabilities to the information and resources they need to actively participate in the workforce and in their communities.
Institute on Disability
Established at the University of New Hampshire in 1987 to provide a coherent university-based focus for the improvement of knowledge, policies and practices related to the lives of persons with disabilities and their families.
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
Programs and services for infants, children and youth with disabilities. Research-based information on effective practices for children with disabilities.
Pathfinders for Autism
Founded by parents of children with autism to support and develop lifespan services, raise funds for autism research, and provide information and resources for families of children with autism.
TASH
International organization concerned with human dignity, civil rights, education and independence for all individuals with disabilities. Has chapters and members in 34 different countries and territories.
Top 10 Autism Websites
About.com’s list of autism Web sites it considers reliable and readable, and which have links to plenty of specialized services and related organizations.
Top 10 Treatments for Autism
About.com (autism)
About.com’s list of treatments considered among the best known, best researched and most likely to produce positive results.
U.S. Center for Disease Control
Government agency that provides information on autism and updates on federal, state and CDC activities relating to the disorder and other spectrum disorders.
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TEACHERS & EDUCATORS
Classroom Tips
Dealing with Severe Behaviors: Proactive Strategies & Effective Consequences
Kimberly Ward and Murray Gaetz, Autism Treatment Services of Canada
Concise information covering priorities, analysis and proactive strategies.
Getting Comfortable in the Inclusive Classroom: Creating a Supporting School Environment for Students with Autism
Dr. Paula Kluth, author, You’re Going to Love This Kid! Teaching Students with Autism in the Classroom
Create a classroom conducive to learning for those with autism spectrum disorder by paying attention to sounds, smells, lighting and seating options.
Structured Teaching: Strategies for Supporting Students with Autism
Susan Stokes, Calumet County Children with Disabilities Education Board
An examination of structured teaching methods that help students with autism (e.g., visual support strategies, Picture Exchange Communication System - PECS, sensory integration strategies, discrete trial, music/rhythm intervention strategies, Greenspan's Floortime, etc.).
Supporting Students With Autism: 10 Ideas for Inclusive Classrooms
Dr. Paula Kluth, author, You’re Going to Love This Kid! Teaching Students with Autism in the Classroom
Great ideas for creating lesson plans and a safe and comfortable classroom for students with unique learning characteristics. Can be used for all grade levels and subject areas. Particularly helpful for students with autism, Asperger’s syndrome and other spectrum labels.
Teaching Autism Students in Inclusive Classrooms
ASD Concepts, Child-Autism-Parent-Cafe.com
Helpful strategies for intervention, inclusion and improving organizational skills.
Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism
Temple Grandin, Ph.D., assistant professor, Colorado State University
Twenty-eight tips from a best-selling author/advocate who credits good teachers for helping her overcome autism.
Twelve Tips for Setting Up an Autism Classroom
Principal Kendrick
Useful tips for tailoring your classroom for success for students with an autism spectrum disorder.
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Classroom Communication
Dance of Relationships, Who’s Leading — Who’s Following
Kathie Snow, author, Disability Is Natural, disabilityisnatural.com
Why and how to use common sense, respect and dignity to strengthen relationships with people who have disabilities.
(PDF, 574 KB)
Honoring and Including Students with Communication Differences
Dr. Paula Kluth, author, You’re Going to Love This Kid! Teaching Students with Autism in the Classroom
How successful teachers use communication to attend to their students’ abilities and needs.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Developed by Healing Thresholds
An introduction to PECS, a form of communications designed especially for children with autism who have delays in speech development.
Visual Schedules for Use with Autism
Developed by Healing Thresholds
How to use visual schedules to help children with autism spectrum disorder better predict and plan within their environment.
What’s a ‘Behavior’?
Kathie Snow, author, Disability Is Natural, disabilityisnatural.com
An accurate and respectful approach to understanding the classroom behavior of students with disabilities.
(PDF, 112 KB)
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Resources / Technology
Autism Friendship Poster Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Do-si-Do with Austism
Colorful poster featuring Taylor the Turtle with autism and his 7 tips for making friends with children with ASD. Can be used as a point of discussion and as an in-service project. A great gift for children to give and receive!
Bookmarks Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Do-si-Do with Austism
Full-color bookmarks featuring Taylor the Turtle with autism and his friends at school. A great gift for children to give and receive!
Desk Decorator Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Do-si-Do with Austism
Full-color desk decorator featuring featuring Taylor the Turtle with autism. A great gift for children to give and receive!.
KinderArt
From KinderArt.com
Arts and crafts lesson plans, printables and information about autism.
Learning Disabilities and Assistive Technologies
Sponsored by Tools for Life
A resource that incorporates an assistive technology evaluation and information on specific disabilities, e.g., reading, writing, memory organization and math.
Letterboards
From Aut 2 Communicate
Communication and learning tools for individuals with autism.
Resources for PECS, pictures, icons, etc.
From Trainland.tripod.com
Instructions for printing your own picture cards, communication boards, schedules, visual supports, etc., for students with autism spectrum disorder and other communications needs.
Simplified Technology
From Linda J. Burkhart
Handouts, books, make-it-yourself directions, vendors and links.
Tinsnips
From Tinsnips
Teaching tools, techniques, worksheets and activities for teachers of students with autistic spectrum disorders and related developmental disabilities. Many activities appropriate for Pre-k and kindergarten children.
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Therapies / Sensory
NOTE: The links below are for informational purposes only. They do not endorse or recommend a particular approach or course of action. As with all health issues, please consult your health care provider.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy for Autism
Developed by Healing Thresholds
An overview of the ABA approach to shrinking the learning gap between students with autism and their peers through simplified instruction and consistent reinforcement.
Social Story Therapy for Children with Autism
Developed by Healing Thresholds
An overview of how social stories written from a child’s perspective can help children with autism prepare for changes in routine, learn appropriate social interactions, etc.
Treatments for Autism
Developed by Autism Society of America
A brief analysis of current interventions in autism.
Sensory Integration
Laurel A. Hoekman, executive director, The Gray Center
How the senses affect behaviors and the potential problems that arise when sensory integration dysfunction is present.
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Inclusion
Ten Reasons for Inclusion
Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education (CSIE)
Good education, good social sense — these are but two of the reasons for inclusion.
The Inclusion Institutes
School of Education of Syracuse University
Consortium of research and service projects related to inclusive education affiliated with the School of Education, Syracuse University. Includes the Facilitated Communication Insitutute, which is committed to quality research, training, and dissemination of information and resources related to all aspects of facilitated communication.
Molds and Sad Faces: A Beast Graduates
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Do-si-Do with Austism
Poignant essay in which a student with autism shares her personal school years experiences.
Teacher’s Pet
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Are Your Eyes Listening? Collected Works
Sarah Stup shares a bittersweet high school experience that children with autism — and their parents — will relate to.
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PARENTS
Tips & Advocacy
Autism Friendship Poster Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Do-si-Do with Austism
Full-color poster of Taylor the Turtle with autism and his 7 tips for making friends with children with ASD. Use as discussion item at home, in school and in the community to promote positive relationships. A great gift for children to give and receive!
Be Your Child’s Best Advocate
Laurel A. Hoekman, executive director, The Gray Center
Pointers based on personal experience.
Dance of Relationships, Who’s Leading — Who’s Following
Kathie Snow, author, Disability Is Natural, disabilityisnatural.com
Why and how to use common sense, respect and dignity to strengthen relationships with people who have disabilities.
(PDF, 574 KB)
Tips for Parents New to Autism
About.com (Autism)
Hints and tips for parents new to autism.
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Parents and education
Activities for your preschooler with autism
Aven’s Corner
Online preschool games for you and your child to enjoy together.
Encouraging Handwriting for Back to School
Janna Barrick, M.S., OTR/L
Fun projects to practice fine motor and handwriting skills and to reduce the need to recoup skills in the Fall.
IEP Meeting Preparation Checklist for Parents
Developed by The Arc of Frederick County, Maryland
A fact sheet to help you prepare for your child’s individualized educational plan (IEP) meeting.
Strategies to Resolve IEP Problems
Wrightslaw
Negotiate an appropriate program “without starting a war.”
Keys to Successful Teacher Communication
Janna Barrick, M.S., OTR/L
Contribute to your children’s success by learning to collaborate with their teachers.
Resources About Education for Parents
Pathfinders for Autism
Great articles about choosing a school program, teaching methods, inclusion vs. contained settings, etc.
Teacher’s Pet
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Are Your Eyes Listening? Collected Works
Sarah Stup shares a bittersweet high school experience that children with autism — and their parents — will relate to.
Ten Things to Consider as Your Child Starts This School Year
Judy Stup, parent
A mother whose child has autism shares what she has learned over the course of her daughter’s school years.
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Transitioning from school to employment
Hope’s Ingredients Free download
Developed by The Arc of Frederick County, Maryland, and Sarah Stup, author/advocate
A free PowerPoint curriculum that taps into the hopes and dreams of young adults with disabilities as they transition from school to employment. The download includes presenter tips and is a great tool for helping youths identify their employment goals and special interests.
(4.4MB, Requires Microsoft PowerPoint)
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Family time and holidays
Vacation Tips
Shelly McLaughlin, Pathfinders for Autism
Great tips for how families with children with disabilities can enjoy their vacations.
Acceptance Key for Children with Disabilities
Sally James, ParentMap
How to break through the barriers children with disabilities face when entering the “circles of community life.”
Autism and Family Life
About.com (Autism)
Ideas and inspiration for handling the demands, challenges and opportunities that come with an autism diagnosis.
Autism Friendship Poster Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Do-si-Do with Austism
Colorful poster featuring Taylor the Turtle with autism and his 7 tips for making friends with children with ASD. Can be used as a point of discussion and as an in-service project. A great gift for children to give and receive!
Bookmarks Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Do-si-Do with Austism
Full-color bookmarks featuring Taylor the Turtle with autism and his friends at school. A great gift for children to give and receive!
Desk Decorator Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Do-si-Do with Austism
Full-color desk decorator featuring featuring Taylor the Turtle with autism. A great gift for children to give and receive!
Getting the Family ‘In Sync’ with the Holidays
Janna Barrick, M.S., OTR/L
Suggestions for traveling or attending holiday events with children; includes advice for children with special needs.
Holiday Greeting Card for Children Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Do-si-Do with Austism
Taylor the Turtle with autism says: “Tis the season to celebrate our differences.” E-mail the holiday card to family, friends, teachers and others. Cut and frame it as you would a favorite photo. A great gift for children to give and receive!
Holiday Tips
Each of these articles and sites offers invaluable advice for enjoying the holidays, trips to the mall, worship services and other outings with your child with autism spectrum disorder.
http://www.pathfindersforautism.org/upload/holidaytips09.pdf
http://www.pathfindersforautism.org/articleItem.aspx?id=170
http://www.pathfindersforautism.org/upload/Holiday-Tips-for-Families-Living-with-Autism.pdf
http://www.autismspeaks.org/inthenews/holiday_tips.php
http://pathfindersforautism.org/articleItem.aspx?id=197
Making That Gift … and Checking It Twice …
Janna Barrick, M.S., OTR/L
Selecting and making children’s gifts that build skills and save you money.
When Getting All the Attention Isn’t the Intention
Laura Shumaker, author, A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism
Just one of many heart-warming stories of a mother whose child has autism. Shumaker’s book is a must-read!.
Winter Boredom Busters . . . and Skill Builders Too!
Janna Barrick, M.S., OTR/L
Great indoor activities that build children’s skills and adaptations for special needs children.
Shopping for a Child with Autism
Pathfinders for Autism
Great gift ideas for people with autism.
Traveling
Autism Society of America
If you’re traveling with an individual with autism, here are some tips from
the experts to make the trip more enjoyable for all concerned.
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Planning for the future
Future and Estate Planning
Developed by The Arc of Frederick County, Maryland
Information to get you started when planning for your child with disabilities.
Letter of Intent Template
Developed by The Arc of Frederick County, Maryland
Download this Word document and customize to fit your needs as you plan for your child with disabilities.
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Hygiene and safety
Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Susan F. Rzucidlo
Tips from families and police officers across the nation on how to ensure the safety of loved ones with autism.
Environmental Modifications in the Home
Jason Hoffrogge, author, Environmental modifications in the home
Shaping a child’s environment can calm, stimulate and provide order. It can also help families, staff and caseworkers regain control of situations that have gotten out of hand. Here are some practical suggestions.
Safety in the Home
Kern Autism Network
Environmental and safety modifications for the homes of those on the autism spectrum.
Law Enforcement and Other First Responders’ Info
ASA pamphlet
Recognize the signs of autism and learn ways to approach a person on the autism spectrum.
Paramedics and Emergency Room Staff Info
ASA pamphlet
Know the correct approaches and adjustments to minimize trauma of patients on the autism spectrum.
Rub-a-Dub and Splish-Splash: Hygiene Helpers
Janna Barrick, M.S., OTR/L
These suggestions help reduce the stress and struggles associated with bathing and washing hair. They can also be adapted for children with special needs or sensitivities.
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Medication & Diets
NOTE: The links below are for informational purposes only. They do not endorse or recommend a particular approach or course of action. As with all health issues, please consult your health care provider.
Medications for Autism
About.com (pediatrics/autism)
Learn about some of the medications that are used to help children with autism.
Casein-Free Diet and Children with Autism
Developed by Healing Thresholds
Gluten-Free Diet and Children with Autism
Developed by Healing Thresholds
Vitamin C Therapy for Children with Autism
Developed by Healing Thresholds
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium Therapy for Children with Autism
Developed by Healing Thresholds
Essential Fatty Acids and Children with Autism
Developed by Healing Thresholds
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INSPIRATION
Align Your Dreams with Your Power: How to Succeed with a Disability
Nancy Shugart, author/inspirational speaker, Challenged to Win
Using real-life success stories, this inspiring DVD encourages young adults with developmental disabilities to pursue their dreams. One such story is Nancy Shugart, herself, who learned firsthand how to succeed with a disability. A great tool for advocacy groups and youth transitioning from school to employment.
Honor Yourself Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Are Your Eyes Listening? Collected Works
Inspirational full-color, 5” x 7” art you can frame and display in your home, workplace or classroom. Use it as a gift to celebrate personal achievements or as a special token for colleagues and board members. Your children will be proud to present it to all the important adults in their lives! Quote on poster: “Don’t be afraid to be different. Honor yourself.”
Hope’s Ingredients Free download
Developed by The Arc of Frederick County, Maryland, and Sarah Stup, author/advocate
A free PowerPoint curriculum that taps into the hopes and dreams of young adults with disabilities as they transition from school to employment. The download includes presenter tips and is a great tool for helping youths identify their employment goals and special interests.
(4.4MB, Requires Microsoft PowerPoint)
Nest Feathers Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Heart and Spirit: Words to Comfort, Inspire and Share
Inspirational full-color, 5” x 7” art you can frame and display in your home, workplace or classroom. Use it as a gift to celebrate family, home and memories shared, or as a special token for colleagues and board members. Your children will enjoy giving it to their adults relatives!
Quote on poster: “Home is a pleasing place of plenty that never runs low on nest feathers.”
Wish’s Tail Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Heart and Spirit: Words to Comfort, Inspire and Share
Inspirational full-color, 5” x 7” art you can frame and display in your home, workplace or classroom. Use it as a gift to comfort, inspire and share, or as a special token for colleagues and board members. A great gift for children to give and receive!
Quote on poster: “When people decide to climb only a few steps they can sit on a wish’s tail.”
Writing is a Heart-ache
Beth Mende Conny, WriteDirections
One writer writes about another — Sarah Stup, a young author with autism.
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Free DOWNLOADS
Autism Friendship Poster Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Do-si-Do with Austism
Colorful poster featuring Taylor the Turtle with autism and his 7 tips for making friends with children with autism spectrum disorder. Can be used as a point of discussion and as an in-service project. A great gift for children to give and receive!
Bookmarks Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Do-si-Do with Austism
Full-color bookmarks featuring Taylor the Turtle with autism and his friends at school. A great gift for children to give and receive!
Desk Decorator Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Do-si-Do with Austism
Full-color desk decorator featuring featuring Taylor the Turtle with autism. A great gift for children to give and receive!
Holiday Greeting Card for Children Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Do-si-Do with Austism
Taylor the Turtle with autism says: “Tis the season to celebrate our differences.” E-mail the holiday card to family, friends, teachers and others. Cut and frame it as you would a favorite photo. A great gift for children to give and receive!
Honor Yourself Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Are Your Eyes Listening? Collected Works
Inspirational full-color, 5” x 7” art you can frame and display in your home, workplace or classroom. Use it as a gift to celebrate personal achievements or as a special token for colleagues and board members. Your children will be proud to present it to all the important adults in their lives!
Quote on poster: “Don’t be afraid to be different. Honor yourself.”
Hope’s Ingredients Free download
Developed by The Arc of Frederick County, Maryland, and Sarah Stup, author/advocate
A free PowerPoint curriculum that taps into the hopes and dreams of young adults with disabilities as they transition from school to employment. The download includes presenter tips and is a great tool for helping youths identify their employment goals and special interests.
(4.4MB, Requires Microsoft PowerPoint)
Nest Feathers Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Heart and Spirit: Words to Comfort, Inspire and Share
Inspirational full-color, 5” x 7” art you can frame and display in your home, workplace or classroom. Use it as a gift to celebrate family, home and memories shared, or as a special token for colleagues and board members. Your children will enjoy giving it to their adults relatives!
Quote on poster: “Home is a pleasing place of plenty that never runs low on nest feathers.”
Wish’s Tail Free download
Sarah Stup, author/advocate, Heart and Spirit: Words to Comfort, Inspire and Share
Inspirational full-color, 5” x 7” art you can frame and display in your home, workplace or classroom. Use it as a gift to comfort, inspire and share, or as a special token for colleagues and board members. A great gift for children to give and receive!
Quote on poster: “When people decide to climb only a few steps they can sit on a wish’s tail.”
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