Autism Acceptance and Neurodiversity

• Neurodiversity 101

• The Concept of Neurodiversity is Dividing the Autism Community: It's Controversial But It Doesn't Have to Be

• Autism Level UP
  Shows the steps from autism awareness to autism advocacy

• Understanding the Spectrum
  A comic strip explains a better way to envision the autism spectrum

• Autism Color Wheel

• Welcome to the Autistic Community (free digital book)

These resources guide autistic people to understand and celebrate their differences, but neurotypical viewers/readers can gain understanding too

• Know Yourself Series - National Autistic Society 

Set of free resources which includes videos and downloadable guides aiming to support adolescents understand their autistic identity

• Explaining Autism to Your Child 

This article gives parents a 5-step process and neuro-affirming language/scripts to use when explaining autism to their autistic child. 

• Children's and Teen Literature Featuring Autistic Characters

Autism/Neurodiversity Videos

• Amazing Things Happen
  An animated introduction to autism appropriate for all ages 

• Why Autism is a Difference, Not a Deficit 

• What is Autism? Neurodiversity-Affirming Video for Students

• What is Autism? Neurodiversity-Affirming Autism 101 for Adults, Teachers, Parents and Professionals 

• I am Autistic Social Narrative 

• Welcome to the Autistic Community

Websites

• Child Mind Institute
  This site provides well-organized information and guidance on a wide variety of autism-related topics

• Autism Society of Oregon

• Steps When Your Child is Newly Diagnosed

• Autism Spectrum News
  A repository of information written by leading professionals in autism service delivery and research, family members, and autistic adults.

• Learn the Signs – Act Early CDC
  References and resources for parents - Learning the Early Signs of ASD

• Asperger Experts
  Blogs, videos and products created by two autistic young men

• Texas Autism Resource Guide for Effective Teaching (TARGET)
  Provides resources and descriptions of 24 evidence-based instructional practices for people with autism

Printables

• Autism Speaks Tool Kits
  Over 30 free, downloadable resource guides for parents and professionals covering topics such as advocacy, sleep, feeding, medications, puberty, transition to adulthood and more

• Autism Spectrum Disorder Handbook (OHSU)

• Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

• Top Ten Tips for Teachers Supporting Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom 

• Applied Behavior Analysis 101

• The Controversy Around ABA

• Finding the Right ABA Treatment

Videos

• Temple Grandin Speaks about Autism

• Understanding Autism: A Guide for Secondary School Teachers (4 Part Series)

• Real Look Autism
  13 short episodes depicting various aspects of autism and different interventions

• The Neuroscience of Autism

• Behavior Nation Caregiver Education Series (ABA interventions)

• Affect Autism Podcast (DIR/Floortime relationship-based interventions)

• Speech and Language Kids
  Communication resources for SLPs, parents and teachers

• Autism Little Learners
  Information and resources for educators and parents to foster communication, language, interaction, and play skills with young children

• Project Impact
  An intervention curriculum, with online tutorials, that teaches parents ways to enhance social engagement, communication, imitation, and play skills within meaningful activities and daily routines

• What is Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC)?

• AAC Language Lab
  Free and subscription-based AAC lesson plans, activities, and materials

• Explore AAC
  Free interactive learning modules and information about specific AAC apps

• AAC apps

• Learn AAC Guide

• Emergent AAC: Hierarchy of Learning Needs

Websites

• Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking Site

• Jill Kuzma’s SLP Social and Emotional Skill Sharing Site

• Autism Teaching Strategies – Social Skills Activities

• Do2Learn – Social Skills Activities

• Autism Games for Social Engagement

• Social Skills Jeopardy Game - Jeopardy Labs

• NetSmartz- Online Safety and Etiquette

• Social Times
  Free issues of Kari Dunn Buron's social skills magazine, along with teacher materials

Printables

Friendship

• • Circle of Social Boundaries

  • How to Make a People File 

  • What's In a People File? 

  • Different Types of Friends

Behavior Maps

• • Social Behavior Map – Unexpected

  • Social Behavior Map - Expected

  • Behavior Contingency Map Templates 

Perspective-Taking

• • Printable Photographs with Thought Bubbles

Videos

• Everyday Speech
  Comprehensive subscription-based video modeling curriculum with supplemental activities

• Model Me Kids 

• Social Emotional Acuity Bridge 

Neurodiversity-affirming online social learning curriculum

• PEERS Social Skills for Young Adults (free)

• TD Social Skills Video Modeling (DVD or streaming)

• Speech Dude 

Playlist of You-Tube videos to use for social instruction

Websites

• Coping Skills for Kids - Calming Anxiety

• Incredible 5 Point Scale

• Do2Learn - Behavior Management

• Autism Level Up/All the Feelz
  Visual self-regulation supports, including an app called All the Feelz, developed by autistic people

• Me and My Emotions
  Free online lessons for mental wellness (ages 13+)

• Online Token Board 

Printables

• Mrs. Moe's Modifications - Free Token Boards 

• Free Printable Behavior Charts

• Challenging Behavior Tool Kit

• Emotional Regulation Hierarchy 

• Child Always Dyregulated? Try This

• Not Flipping Your Lid when Your Child is Flipping Theirs 

• Addressing Student Behavior Reproducible Forms

• Numbered Scales 

  • 5 Point Scale Check-in

  • 5 Point Scale Regulation Plan 

  • 3 Point Scale Check-in

  • 3 Point Scale Regulation Plan 

• Coping Skills Checklist/Cue Cards 

• Visual Supports for Deep Breathing 

Videos

• Self-Regulation Series
  Kid-friendly 4-Part series (22 min total)

• Virtual Calm Corner

• Learn Behavioral: Autism Help at Home Series 

Websites

• Free Autism Resources
  Free visual supports, tasks and worksheets, including a customizable worksheet generator

• The Autism Helper 

Leveled curriculum in all subjects, along with visual supports and other classroom resources

• Creative Learning 4 Kidz
  Downloadable visuals, social stories and activities for a small price

• Enchanted Learning
  Printable activities, worksheets and lessons on various topics in a variety of formats

• Do2Learn - Academic Activities

• Super Star Worksheets Free worksheets for PK-5th grade

• Graphic Organizers
  Over 100 free graphic organizers on a variety of topics

• Scratch
  Kids program their own interactive stories, games, and animations

• Set Up Independent Work Station for Free
  Sign up for Simply Special Ed's email list and get access to a free resource library

• Fun and Free Educational Websites for Kids (All Ages)

Websites

• OCALI Grab and Go Resource Gallery 

Extensive collection of free resources that span 20 categories of visual supports. How-to videos included.

• Able2Learn
  Free visual supports, social narratives, recipes and more

• The Noun Project 

Free icons and stock photos for everything

• Twinkl
  Monthly subscription for access to a large collection of visual supports (some free downloads)

• Lesson Pix 

Symbols, templates and tools to create custom visual supports ($36 per year)

• Sources for Images to Make Materials (some free, some for cost)

• Autism Little Learners Visual Supports Starter Set

Printables

• Free At Home Visual Supports 

• Visual Supports Tool Kit

• 44 Free Schedules for Home and School 

• LBL ESD Social Narrative Bank

• Social Story/Narrative Resource List

Websites

• Interoception - Kelly Mahler
  Information, training and products related to the 8th sense that allows us to feel internal body sensations

• OT Toolbox Free Resources

• Sensory Diet Information and Activities

• OT Mom Learning Activities
  Comprehensive information and free activity ideas in the areas of sensory processing, fine motor, gross motor, pencil grasps, and more

• Qigong Sensory Training Institute
  Learn about Qigong massage, a touch-based treatment for autism

• Young Minds Handwriting Lessons and Specialized Paper

• Typingweb.com
  Free keyboarding program for all ages, including games and tools to monitor progress

• Typing Games - ABCya.com

Printables

• Helping the Body Regulate with Sensory-Based Interventions 

• Sensory Friendly Space Checklist 

• Changing How Alert You Feel

• Heavy Work Activities for Home

• Heavy Work Activities for School

• Printable Adaptive Paper Pack

Websites

• Smart But Scattered Kids - Definition of Executive Function
  This site also presents products and blogs created by experts in the area of executive function

• Executive Functioning Issues - Strategies You Can Try At Home
  This site has many more useful infographics and strategy lists for parents and teachers regarding executive function

• Online Executive Function Assessment – K & M Center

• Cognitive Connections
  Sara Ward's resources pertaining to an innovative method for teaching executive skills

• Goblin Tools Magic To Do
  Tool that breaks down complex tasks into manageable subtasks

• Unstuck and On Target
  Parent support videos and training for families and teachers on how to implement this executive function curriculum

Printables

• Homework: Problems and Solutions

• Monthly Calendar

• Weekly Calendar

• Assignment Tracker

• Work Checklist

• My Work Plan

• Need Help? - Visual

• SMART Goal Description

• SMART Goal Worksheet

Websites

• Best Autism Apps for Kids

• Goally
  Tablet with dedicated apps targeting routines, life skills, emotional regulation, and more

• Learning Works
  Find the best apps and video games for learning and executive function

• Recommendations for Virtual Accommodations
  Software, Google extensions, etc.

• Sped Adulting Made Easy
  Resources and ideas for teaching ages 18+

• Autism Grown-Up 

Offers a wide range of strengths-based strategies and resources that are easy to prep and ready to go for across the spectrum and across the lifespan 

• Oregon Transition Education Resources 

TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD PLANNING

• Transition to Adulthood Guidelines (OCALI)
  4 online or downloadable booklets about various aspects of transition-planning

• Transition Resources for Students with Autism and Other Disabilities
  Timelines, assessments, and other transition tools compiled by Cascade Regional’s autism consultants

COLLEGE

• Supports for College Students
  Hub of information and advice about college, including free guidebook

EMPLOYMENT/VOCATIONAL SKILLS

• Transition Abilities - Job Skills Videos 

LIFE SKILLS HOW-TO VIDEOS

• RACHEL PANKOWSKI How-To Videos

• Transition Abilities (animated)

• Let's Talk About Life Skills (animated)

• Video Jug
  Database of how-to videos on topics ranging from self-care to cooking to making friends

HYGIENE/TOILETING

• Autism and Bathing/Showering: Tips

• Hygiene Visual Supports 

• How to Teach Your Child with ASD: A Visual Toileting Routine (4 Part Video) 

• How to Teach Your Child with ASD: A Visual Toothbrushing Routine 

• Dental Tool Kit 

COOKING

• Visual Step-By-Step Recipes (free)

• Visual Recipes (free and for purchase)

• Easy Cooking - Kids with Autism (free videos)

OTHER LIFE/ADAPTIVE SKILLS

• Feeding Tool Kit

• Quick Tips: Improving Sleep 

PUBERTY/SEXUALITY

• Sex Ed for Self-Advocates
  Users, ages 15 and up, read articles and watch videos about varied topics, then test their knowledge

• Puberty and Adolescence Tool Kit