It's that time of year again! The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time, but for some it can also create anxiety. Autism Speaks® has compiled resources to help to start the school year off right.

Foster understanding and acceptance with the Autism Speaks School Community Tool Kit

The kit provides helpful information, tools and strategies to help increase learning for all members of the school community. Other Autism Speaks resources to help get ready for the new school year include the Community-based Skills Assessment to help develop comprehensive personalized transition plans, and the Transition Tool Kit, a roadmap for the journey from adolescence to adulthood. Read More

Advocate for your child with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Guide

IEP: Summary, Process and Practical Tips, developed after months of research by a team of lawyers at Goodwin Procter LLP, clearly lays out the steps to take throughout the IEP process starting with the request for special education eligibility. The guide contains an IEP timeline, sample letters to your school district, answers to frequently asked questions and other helpful resources? Read More

Understanding IEPs with tools and information from Understood.org

Creating an effective IEP often takes time, effort and patience. Understood.org will walk you through the legal language and procedures so it'll be easier for you to participate. The more you know about the process, the better you can advocate for your child. Read More

13 ways to help prep a child with autism for back-to-school season

The end-of-summer countdown has begun, and while most kids aren't thrilled with the prospect of going back to school, the change can be especially tough for those with autism. In a feature article for Johnson & Johnson, three experts share their best tips for making the back to school process easier for children of all ages. Read More

Advice from an autism mom: Tried and true back to school tips

"I've used many of these strategies over the years with both of my autistic boys, who are on different ends of the autism spectrum. Number one: Talk to your child frequently about what to expect in the upcoming year. It's the simplest tip, and perhaps the most important one to help reduce your child’s anxiety." Read More

For additional resources, contact our Autism Response Team at 888-288-4762 (en Español 888-772-9050) or familyservices@autismspeaks.org.