You Don't Have to Do This Alone

The oldest autism advocacy organization in the U.S. Their local affiliate network is the best way to find in-person support groups, social events, and resource fairs near you.

Local chapters run family support programs, advocacy training, social groups, and transition services. Especially valuable for families planning for adulthood.

Parent training and advocacy with a focus on education. Free workshops, one-on-one IEP help, and downloadable resources. Their Champions for Children program connects experienced advocates with newly diagnosed families.

Run by and for autistic people. Their resources help parents understand autism from the inside: what it feels like, what helps, what harms.

The leading source of free, confidential guidance on workplace accommodations. JAN helps autistic employees figure out what accommodations to request and how to request them. They also help employers understand their ADA obligations. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. Contact them before your child starts their first job. Phone: 1-800-526-7234

Every state has a VR agency providing free job training, placement, coaching, and assistive technology for people with disabilities. Pre-Employment Transition Services are available starting at age 14 in most states. Connect while your child is still in school — don’t wait until after graduation. Search “[your state] vocational rehabilitation” to find your local office.

Helps employers build disability-inclusive workplaces. Useful for understanding what good employers look like when your child is job searching. Also provides resources on disclosure, interviewing with a disability, and workplace rights.

1-800-328-8476. Resource navigation, referrals, and emotional support.

Connects you with local disability support, respite care, financial assistance, and therapy providers.

Find your state's free Parent Training and Information Center for IEP help and advocacy training.