Patient and Family Education
We want you to have all the information you and your child need to understand your child’s condition and to participate in treatment. This page provides links to resources that we hope will be helpful. The resources below were created or curated by Seattle Children’s.
Resources at Seattle Children’s
- What to expect at Seattle Children's Autism Center
- Transportation and lodging
- Paying for care
- Interpreter Services
Recursos en español
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¿Qué es el autismo?
- ¿Qué es el autismo? (video, 19:49): El primero de lo que será una serie de videos El autismo y mi familia: una serie de videos en español sobre autismo con información médica importante y la historia de una familia de nuestra comunidad. Hay mucho que aprender cuando un miembro de la familia es diagnosticado con autismo y es fácil sentir mucha soledad. Esperamos que esta serie de videos sea un buen comienzo para comprender qué es y qué no es el autismo.
- Manual de los 100 días, Autism Speaks
- ¿Qué es el autismo?, Autism Speaks
- ¿Qué es el trastorno del espectro autista?: breve resumen y una lista de características del autismo en los más pequeños, Florida State University
- Signos y síntomas de los trastornos del espectro autista, Centros para Control y Prevención de Enfermedades
- Trastornos del espectro autista, National Institute of Mental Health
- Tutorial de los Primeros Signos de los Trastornos del Espectro Autista (video, 9:29): para reconocer mejor los primeros signos de los trastornos del espectro autista (TEA), para pediatras, padres, madres y terapeutas que participan en detección temprana. La Dra. Rebecca Landa, una investigadora dedicada a los trastornos del espectro autista y la directora del Centro de Autismo y Trastornos Relacionados del Instituto Kennedy Krieger en Baltimore (Estados Unidos), crearon una clase gratuita de 9 minutos explicando los comportamientos de niños y niñas con autismo al año de edad. Son seis videos que comparan niños pequeños sin signos con los signos tempranos de TEA. En cada video, aparecen en la pantalla mientras se describen y explican los comportamientos específicos indicativos de TEA o del desarrollo infantil más típico. (Kennedy Krieger Institute).
- Una breve guía para padres acerca del autismo: información para padres y madres de niños/as pequeños y en edad preescolar. (Vanderbilt Kennedy Center)
- Una guía breve para padres sobre los trastornos del espectro autista: información para los padres y madres de niños en edad escolar (Vanderbilt Kennedy Center)
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Qué hacer antes las dudas de que su niño/niña puede tener autismo o mientras espera la evaluación
- Seattle Children’s Hospital y expertos locales se enorgullecen en presentar El autismo y mi familia: una serie de videos en español sobre autismo con información médica importante y la historia de una familia de nuestra comunidad. Hay mucho que aprender cuando un miembro de la familia es diagnosticado con autismo y es fácil sentir mucha soledad. Esperamos que esta serie de videos sea un buen comienzo para comprender qué es y qué no es el autismo.
- Evaluación de autismo con proveedores médicos de la región Northwest (PDF)
- Qué hacer mientras espera su cita en el Centro de Autismo (PDF)
- Recursos escolares y educativos: cómo solicitar educación especial (PDF)
- Ayúdame a Crecer Washington es un servicio gratuito que conecta a padres, madres y cuidadores con recursos comunitarios. Llame al 800-322-2588 para recibir ayuda para acceder a los recursos y servicios que necesita. Ya sea exámenes de detección de desarrollo en la primera infancia, asistencia para solicitar seguro médico o ayuda para encontrar un banco de alimentos, una clase para padres y madres o una clínica de bajo costo. (Help Me Grow Washington, WithinReach)
- Recursos y servicios: de recién nacido a tres años, Informing Families (PDF)
- Recursos en español, Autism Speaks
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¿Qué hacer después del diagnóstico de autismo?
- El autismo y mi familia: una serie de videos en español sobre autismo con información médica importante y la historia de una familia de nuestra comunidad. Hay mucho que aprender cuando un miembro de la familia es diagnosticado con autismo y es fácil sentir mucha soledad. Esperamos que esta serie de videos sea un buen comienzo para comprender qué es y qué no es el autismo.
- Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades: información sobre el trastorno del espectro autista (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Cómo compartir el diagnóstico de su hijo/a con la escuela, Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (PDF)
- Educación Especial, por Patricia Delgado (González) (video, 1:37:34): Patricia Delgado de Arc of King County contesta preguntas: ¿qué es un plan educativo IEP o 504?, ¿cómo puede ayudar a mi hijo/a? ¿Qué apoyo tengo disponible? ¿Cuáles son nuestros derechos y qué hacemos si no estamos de acuerdo? (The Arc of King County)
- Manual para 100 días, Autism Speaks
- Programa familias primero de TRIAD (PDF): talleres gratuitos para cuidadores de niños pequeños (2 a 7 años) recién diagnosticados con trastorno del espectro autista. Para obtener información llame al (615) 615-322-7565 o por correo electrónico a first@vumc.org. línea en español: (615) 875-9850 (Vanderbilt Kennedy Center).
- Proyecto On-Time Autism Intervention Project de University of Washington: seminario en Internet en español sobre la lista de tareas pendientes después del diagnóstico de autismo. Cuatro estrategias diseñadas para apoyar el desarrollo de un hijo/a y la oportunidad de hablar sobre las recomendaciones del informe del diagnóstico, hacer preguntas y formar parte de una comunidad de padres y madres.
- Para quiénes: padres y madres con hijos/as con diagnóstico de autismo
- Dónde: por Zoom en Internet
- Cuándo: los miércoles de 1 a 2 p.m.
- Para registrarse: ontime@uw.edu
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Organizaciones y recursos para el autismo
Algunas de estas páginas web están en español, pero algunas tienen la opción de cambiar a español con Google Translate, que generalmente está localizado en la parte superior, a la izquierda o derecha.
- Ben’s Fund: solo para el estado de Washington. Sitio web en inglés, pero puede usar Google Translate.
- Para solicitar esta subvención en español comuníquese con Recursos para Familias del Centro de Autismo: 206-987-0299 o por correo electrónico: autismresources@seattlechildrens.org
- Centros para Control y Prevención de Enfermedades: información sobre trastornos del espectro autista.
- Parent to Parent: enterarse de que un hijo/a tiene un problema de salud o desarrollo especial puede asustar mucho y producir aislamiento. (The Arc of Washington State)
- Informing Families: sitio web en inglés, en la parte de superior derecha hay un menú donde puede cambiar el idioma.
- Open Doors for Multicultural Families: en inglés, puede usar la barra en la parte superior del sitio para cambiar el idioma.
- Recursos en español, Autism Speaks
- Recursos y servicios, ECHO Autism
- The Arc, Autism Now: recurso de alcance nacional. El sitio está en inglés, pero puede usar Google Translate (The Arc).
- The Arc of King County
- The Arc of Tri-Cities: en inglés, pero puede usar Google Translate
- The Arc of Washington
- Washington Autism Alliance: si su seguro médico no cubre la terapia ABA (análisis conductual aplicado) o tiene alguna dificultad para obtener servicios de ABA, comuníquese con Washington Autism Alliance. El sitio está inglés, pero abajo de todo hay un enlace (link) para cambiar el idioma.
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La vida con autismo
Análisis conductual aplicado
- Análisis conductual aplicado (ABA, sus siglas en inglés): una lista de la cobertura de Medicaid (PDF)
- El autismo y mi familia: una serie de videos en español sobre autismo con información médica importante y la historia de una familia de nuestra comunidad. Hay mucho que aprender cuando un miembro de la familia es diagnosticado con autismo y es fácil sentir mucha soledad. Esperamos que esta serie de videos sea un buen comienzo para comprender qué es y qué no es el autismo.
- ¿Qué es ABA? Parte 1: ¿por qué es necesario? (Video, 36:21)
- ¿Qué es ABA? Parte 2: cómo recibir terapia ABA (Video, 18:02)
- ¿Qué es ABA? Parte 3: cómo Yubisela obtuvo terapia ABA para su hijo (Video, 11:04)
- ADEPT (educación a distancia de autismo para padres y madres): educación interactiva en español, un trabajo original del Instituto MIND/CEDD con 10-lecciones interactivas para seguir a su propio ritmo. Tiene un módulo de aprendizaje por Internet con herramientas y clases que explican técnicas funcionales efectivas para autismo y otros trastornos del desarrollo neurológico utilizando análisis conductual aplicado. (UC Davis MIND Institute)
- Análisis conductual aplicado: guía para padres y madres (ABA, por sus siglas en inglés), Autism Speaks (PDF)
- Washington Autism Alliance: análisis conductual aplicado (ABA): si tiene seguro médico privado (comercial), llame para confirmar si cubre la terapia ABA y pedir una lista de proveedores. Si su plan no cubre ABA, comuníquese con Washington Autism Alliance. Si tiene Medicaid (seguro del estado), consulte el folleto a continuación: “Análisis conductual aplicado (ABA): una lista para la cobertura de Medicaid”. Si su seguro no cubre la terapia o tiene dificultades para obtener servicio de terapia ABA, comuníquese con Washington Autism Alliance. Sitio web en inglés, puede seleccionar español en la esquina superior izquierda del sitio.
Acoso y burlas (bullying)
- Acoso y burlas: señales, cómo prevenirlo y detenerlo, Autism Society of North Carolina (PDF)
Apoyo para los padres, madres y cuidadores
- Manejo del estrés: antes de que sea demasiado (PDF)
- Manual de defensa: defensoría para su hijo hija, Autism Speaks (PDF)
- Manual de Planificación Financiera, Autism Speaks (PDF)
- Open Doors for multicultural families (Puertas abiertas para familias multiculturales) es un sitio web con información, servicios y programación cultural y lingüísticamente relevante para familias de personas con discapacidad intelectual y evolutiva (desarrollo), cultural y lingüísticamente diversas. Ayudamos a muchas familias, incluyendo inmigrantes, refugiados y/o personas de color. Por medio de un modelo de “intermediación cultural” y con personal de la misma cultura y que habla el mismo idioma, nos comunicamos en el mismo idioma y contexto cultural. Además, el personal está bien informado sobre servicios para discapacitados, educación especial y otros servicios sociales importantes para cerrar la brecha entre la familia y los servicios que necesitan. A partir de 2020, nuestro personal de apoyo familiar, bilingüe y bicultural brinda apoyo lingüístico en inglés (y apoyo cultural para familias afroamericanas), español, somalí, coreano, chino, mandarín y cantonés, árabe, vietnamita, amárico y tigriña.
- Seguro Social: la mejor manera para que las personas con acceso a Internet obtengan ayuda del Seguro Social es por medio del sitio web. (Social Security Administration)
- Servicios de Medicaid en Washington: transporte y alojamiento de Medicaid en el estado de Washington para familias con Medicaid.
- The Arc of King County: información útil para toda la vida para personas con discapacidad intelectual y evolutiva. Por ejemplo, servicios para la familia en el momento del diagnóstico prenatal, durante la infancia y en la transición a la edad adulta, hasta el fin de la vida.
- Washington Connectionofrece una manera rápida y fácil de solicitar varios servicios como alimentación, dinero, cuidado de niños, cuidados a largo plazo y el programa Savings Program de asistencia financiera para Medicare.
Asientos infantiles para vehículos (car seats)
Baño
- Ideas para el baño: cómo enseñar buenos hábitos para el baño (PDF)
- La incontinencia urinaria diurna (PDF)
- Cómo enseñar a su hijo a ir al baño solo: guía para los padres, Autism Speaks
(PDF) - El entrenamiento para ir al baño y los trastornos del espectro autista, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (PDF)
Comunicación
- Estrategias para fomentar el desarrollo del lenguaje (PDF)
- Use libros para mejorar la comunicación de su hijo/a (PDF)
- Comunicación AAC con baja o sin tecnología para niños con trastornos del espectro autista (TEA): guía para Padres, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (PDF)
- Apoyos Visuales y los trastornos del espectro autista, Autism Speaks (PDF)
- El proceso para usar tecnología de asistencia para comunicación, Autism Speaks (PDF)
Comportamiento problemático
- Extracciones de sangre más sencillas: guía para padres y madres, Autism Speaks (PDF)
- Guía formativa para cortes de pelo, Autism Speaks (PDF)
- Introducción a tratamientos de medicina conductual: guía para padres y madres, Autism Speaks (PDF)
- La pica: guía para padres y madres, Autism Speaks (PDF)
- Manual de conductas problemáticas, Autism Speaks (PDF)
Dentista
- Atención odontológica para niños con autismo (PDF)
- Bruxismo (rechinar de dientes) (PDF)
- Cómo encontrar un dentista en el estado de Washington (DentistLink)
- Guía Dental, Autism Speaks (PDF)
La enseñanza de habilidades sociales
- Creando ambientes predecibles para autistas, Luna autismo (Video, 10:03)
- Disciplina y límites en autismo, Luna autismo (Video, 10:41)
- Estimulación en casa para autismo ¡La importancia del juego!, Luna autismo (Video, 10:14)
- Historias sociales parte 1, Luna autismo (Video, 9:23)
- Historias sociales parte 2: ¿cómo se escribe una historia social?, Luna autismo (Video, 11:20)
- ¿Intereses restringidos o intereses profundos?, Luna autismo (Video, 9:39)
- ¿Qué es la neurodiversidad?, Luna autismo (Video, 9:32)
Escuela y educación
- El autismo y mi familia: una serie de videos en español sobre autismo con información médica importante y la historia de una familia de nuestra comunidad. Hay mucho que aprender cuando un miembro de la familia es diagnosticado con autismo y es fácil sentir mucha soledad. Esperamos que esta serie de videos sea un buen comienzo para comprender qué es y qué no es el autismo.
- Recursos escolares y educativos: cómo solicitar educación especial (PDF)
- Education Ombuds: apoyo para estudiantes con discapacidad de la Oficina de Educación y Resolución de Quejas de la Gobernación de Washington.
- Ayúdame a Crecer Washington: para determinar si su hijo/a reúne los requisitos para recibir educación especial llame a Ayúdame a Crecer al 800-322-2588 y pida información para comunicarse con el programa ChildFind en su distrito escolar.
- Cómo llegar a los resultados: una guía para educación especial en las escuelas públicas de Seattle, Seattle Special Education PTSA
- Cómo compartir el diagnóstico de su hijo/a con la escuela, estado de Washington (PDF)
- Discapacidades específicas del aprendizaje, Center for Parent Information and Resources)
- Discapacidades intelectuales, Center for Parent Information and Resources
- Guía de programas de educación individualizada (IEP), Autism Speaks
- Manual de la comunidad escolar: para que la comunidad escolar comprenda y apoye a alumnos con autismo, Autism Speaks
- Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment o PAVE (asociaciones activas y voces fuertes): sitio web en inglés, puede usar Google Translate.
Estreñimiento
- Alimentos ricos en fibra (PDF)
- Estreñimiento: preguntas más comunes (PDF)
- Tratamiento para estreñimiento crónico y defecación involuntaria (PDF)
- Aprender a ir al baño y el trastorno del espectro autista, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (PDF)
- Guía para tratar el estreñimiento para padres y madres, Autism Speaks (PDF)
- La popó dentro de ti, Children’s Hospital Colorado (Video, 5:46)
Guardería infantil y cuidados auxiliares
- Opciones de cuidado infantil para niños y niñas con autismo (PDF)
- Lifespan Respite (cuidados auxiliares): sitio web en inglés, puede usar Google Translate
Medicamentos
- Cómo ayudar a su niño/a a tomar medicamentos (PDF)
- Autismo: ¿debería mi hijo tomar medicamentos para comportamientos problemáticos?, Autism Speaks (PDF)
- Autismo y medicamentos para comportamientos problemáticos: como usarlo de segura y cuidadosa, Autism Speaks (PDF)
Pañales
Permiso de estacionamiento
- Solicitud del permiso para estacionamiento para discapacitados (PDF): lleve esta solicitud a su doctor de cabecera para solicitar un permiso de estacionamiento para personas con discapacidad, Washington State Department of Licensing
Pubertad
- Manual de cuerpos sanos: sitio web con material de lectura en formato PDF (Vanderbilt Kennedy Center)
Sueño
- Cómo dormir a un niño con alta o baja receptividad sensorial (PDF)
- Golpearse la cabeza y mecer el cuerpo (PDF)
- Higiene del sueño para niños (PDF)
- Los que se despiertan de noche (PDF)
- Problemas a la hora de acostarse (PDF)
- Melatonina para el sueño (PDF)
- Síndrome de fase de sueño retrasada (PDF)
- Consejos prácticos: cómo mejorar el sueño para niños autistas, Autism Speaks (PDF)
- Estrategias para mejorar el sueño con trastorno del espectro autista: guía para padres y madres, Autism Speaks (PDF)
- La melatonina y los trastornos del sueño con TEA: guía para padres y madres, Autism Speaks (PDF)
Transición a la edad adulta
- Transición a la atención médica para adultos: una lista informativa (PDF)
- Planeando la vida después de la escuela high school para alumnos con TEA: una guía para familias de Tennessee, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (PDF)
Vacunas y autismo
- Las vacunas y el autismo: lo que debe saber, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (PDF)
Getting Started
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What to do while waiting for an autism evaluation
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How to get early intervention services
Children with developmental delays may qualify for early intervention services even before they have an evaluation or get a diagnosis.
- For children from birth to age 5: Visit Help Me Grow Washington (ParentHelp123), or call the Help Me Grow Washington hotline at 800-322-2588.
- For children over age 5: Contact your local school district to request an evaluation for services.
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Getting started after an autism diagnosis
- Look at your evaluation report for specific recommendations for your child
- Books and Websites About Autism for Parents and Caregivers (PDF)
- Books and Websites for Talking to Your Child About Autism (PDF)
- First Steps After an Autism Diagnosis (Video. 1:04:55)
- How to Help My Kid Make Progress (Video. 1:02:33)
- What Is Autism? (Video. 1:04:20)
- First 100 days tool kits (Autism Speaks)
- Information on Autism Spectrum Disorder for Families (Centers for Disease Control)
- On-Time Autism Intervention Podcast for parents of children ages 0 to 3 (University of Washington)
- Sharing Your Child’s New Diagnosis With School (Somali) (Spanish) (Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds)
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Classes from Seattle Children's (live and recorded)
These classes are open to anyone and do not require a referral.
- Autism 101: Free 90-minute video lecture introducing families to the basics of autism.
- Conversations About Autism: Free 60-minute live-streamed sessions and recordings of conversations with experts and advocates from Washington state.
- Finding Mental Health Care in Washington State: Free 30-minute classes in English and Spanish for families seeking mental and behavioral health services for children or youth under 18.
- Legal Transitions to Adulthood: A free video class for parents and caregivers of youth in their late teens who will need ongoing support as adults or help with decision-making, disability-related benefits and other services. Watch the class in English (1:30:10), Spanish (1:47:58) or Vietnamese (2:06:22).
- Mindfulness Classes for Parents and Caregivers (Spanish): Take the time to calm your mind and learn to cope more effectively with the uncertainty and stress of these challenging times. Created by a team of parent leaders and partners from Seattle Children’s Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic and the Arc of King County. The mindfulness classes are free.
Learn about upcoming classes and read articles by autism experts on The Autism Blog.
To learn about classes that require a referral, see Autism Center Treatments and Services.
Living With Autism
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Advocacy
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Applied behavior analysis (ABA)
Getting ABA
- If you have Medicaid (state insurance), see the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Medicaid Coverage Checklist (PDF) (Amharic) (Russian) (Somali) (Spanish) (Vietnamese).
- If you have private (commercial) insurance, call your insurance provider to confirm ABA is covered and request a list of ABA providers contracted with your plan.
- Contact Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy if:
- Your insurance plan does not cover ABA.
- You want help with insurance issues.
- You have difficulty navigating ABA services.
About ABA
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- Applied Behavior Analysis – What Parents Need to Know (Video. 1:32:38)
- How to Access and Implement ABA Services in Schools (Video. 1:23:52)
- Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder (Video. 1:30:33)
- ADEPT (Autism Distance Education Parent Training) Interactive Learning: A free, online 10-lesson class for parents. Available in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese. (UC Davis MIND Institute)
- Parent’s Guide to Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism (Autism Speaks)
- Tips for Choosing a Provider for Applied Behavior Analysis (Indiana Resource Center for Autism)
- What Is Applied Behavior Analysis? (Autism Speaks)
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Autism resource guides
- Supporting the Autism Community in Central and Eastern Washington (Video. 1:35:05)
- Top Resources All Families in Washington State Should Know About (Video. 1:04:24)
- AS360 Resource Database
- Developmental Screening and Referrals: Community Resource Guide for Families of Children With Autism in Washington State (PDF) (Somali Health Board)
- Family ECHO Autism: A virtual class for families and caregivers raising children with autism (Nationwide Children’s)
- Informing Families
- Northwest Autism Center, serving the Spokane area
- Organization for Autism Research
- Project ECHO Autism Resources
- The Arc of King County Resource Guide
- The Arc of Tri-Cities Resources
- University of Washington Medical Center Resources for Families
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Families First Online Resources
- Vietnamese Family Autism Advisory Board Resources
- Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy Resource Directory
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Bullying
- Bullying (Autistic Self Advocacy Network)
- Bullying Tool Kit (Autism Speaks)
- StopBullying.gov (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
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Camps and recreation
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Car seats
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Challenging behaviors
- A Voice for Severe Autism (Video. 1:35:39)
- Addressing Challenging Behaviors: Strategies for Families (Video. 2:10:29)
- Books and Websites: Challenging Behavior and Emotion Regulation in Children With Autism (PDF)
- Crisis Supports and Autistic Individuals Without Intellectual Impairment (Video. 1:34:08)
- Parent Training to Address Problem Behaviors of Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Video. 1:46:08)
- Use of Applied Behavior Analysis to Assess and Treat Disruptive Behavior (Video. 1:27:46)
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Child care
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Constipation
- Constipation: Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) (Spanish)
- Constipation: Treatment of Chronic Constipation and Soiling (PDF) (Spanish)
- High-Fiber Foods (PDF) (Spanish)
- The Poo in You (Video. 5:45) (Children’s Hospital Colorado)
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Dental
- Dental Care for Children With Autism (PDF) (Spanish)
- Center for Pediatric Dentistry (University of Washington)
- Dental Education in the Care of Persons With Disabilities (DECOD) (University of Washington School of Dentistry)
- Dental Health Guidance for Parents and Caregivers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (PDF): Preparing a child with autism for their dental visit (Center for Pediatric Dentistry)
- Dental Tool Kit (Autism Speaks)
- My Visit to the Dentist Social Story (PDF) (Center for Pediatric Dentistry)
- My Visit to the Dentist Social Story (Video. 1:46) (Center for Pediatric Dentistry)
- Oral Health Resources (Washington State Medical Home Partnerships Project)
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Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
- Apply to be a client of DDA at the DDA website, or use the DDA Application Packet created by Seattle Children’s Autism Center Family Resources team (Amharic) (Arabic) (Russian) (Simplified Chinese) (Somali) (Spanish) (Tigrinya) (Vietnamese).
- You will need these 3 forms to apply (all are available in multiple languages through these links from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, or DSHS):
- DDA Brochures: Information about many DDA waivers and services (multiple languages)
- DDA Services: Resources to help families understand DDA services, including how to apply and why. To get information in multiple languages, click “Menu” in the upper-left corner, then select the language under “Translate.” (Informing Families)
- Eligible Conditions With Age and Type of Evidence (multiple languages)
- Service and Information Request to formally request DDA services after becoming eligible
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Diapers
- Diapers and Incontinence Supplies Covered by Medicaid (PDF) (Amharic) (Arabic) (Russian) (Somali) (Spanish) (Tigrinya) (Vietnamese)
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Disabled parking permit
- Certificate of Fact (PDF) to submit with the application. In the box “I certify that,” write: “I am the parent/guardian of [child’s name] and am signing the disabled parking permit application for them.”
- Disabled Parking Application for Individuals (PDF) (Washington State Department of Licensing)
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Driving
- Teens With Autism and Driving
- Driving With Autism (Autism Speaks)
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Education
- But I Don’t Wanna Go to School!: Strategies for Addressing School Avoidance (Video. 1:40:09)
- How to Access and Implement ABA Services in Schools (Video. 1:23:52)
- School and Education Resources: How to Get Your Child Tested for Special Education (PDF) (Spanish)
- Social Inclusion Through Person-Centered Planning (Video. 1:25:10)
- Contact your local school district to request an evaluation for services
- Education and Autism (Autism Speaks)
- Getting to Results: A Guide to Special Education in Seattle Public Schools (Amharic) (Arabic) (Chinese) (Oromo) (Spanish) (Somali) (Tagalog) (Tigrinya) (Vietnamese) (Seattle Special Education PTSA)
- Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment (PAVE) (multiple languages)
- Sharing Your Child’s New Diagnosis With School (Somali) (Spanish) (Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds)
- Special Education Resources (The Arc of King County)
- Special Education Resources (Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction)
- Supports for Students With Disabilities (Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds)
- Washington Homeschool Organization
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Feeding
- Autism and Feeding: Emotional and Behavioral Support (Video. 1:02:28)
- Autism and Feeding: Nutrition Considerations (Video. 1:02:48)
- Autism and Feeding: Safety and Medical Considerations (Video. 1:02:45)
- Autism and Feeding: What Makes Eating Such a Struggle? (Video. 1:01:16)
- Nutritional Considerations in Children With Autism (Video. 1:27:25)
- Pediatric Feeding Program: Patient and Family Education
- What to Do While Waiting for Treatment in the Pediatric Feeding Program (PDF)
- Nutrition Network for Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs in Washington State
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Financial resources
- 2-1-1 Washington, or call 211 (available in multiple languages): A free, confidential service to connect families to the local services they need, including utility assistance, food, housing, health, child care, after-school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and much more
- Ben’s Fund to apply for grants to cover items or services that will help a person with autism reach their full potential
- Charity care and financial assistance at Washington state hospitals:
- ParentHelp123 (English, Spanish and other languages)
- Parks access:
- Public transportation reduced-fare permits:
- Telecommunication Equipment Distribution: For augmentative and alternative communication devices (Washington State Department of Social and Health Services)
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Genetics
- Autism and Genetics: What Parents Should Know (Video. 1:32:39)
- Blood Collection: Tips to Help You Prepare Your Child (PDF)
- Insurance Coverage for Genetic Testing (PDF)
- Medical Genetics: What You Need to Know About Genetic Testing, Inheritance and How Genetics Can Affect Your Health (PDF)
- SNP Array: Pre-Test Counseling Information (PDF)
- Is Autism Genetic? (Video. 56:40) (SPARK: Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge)
- What Causes Autism? Researchers ID 102 Genes Linked to Condition (Healthline)
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Health insurance and Medicaid
- Medicaid
- Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) to learn about and apply for free or low-cost health insurance
- Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) Premium Payment Program (PDF) to help pay premiums and copays for those with private health insurance from their employer
- Medicaid Services in Washington (PDF) (Amharic) (Arabic) (French) (Somali) (Spanish) to help your family find transportation to your child’s medical appointments and a place to stay nearby if your family is approved for Medicaid coverage
- Health Plan Finder Washington to apply for or renew coverage
- Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
- How to Appeal a Health Insurance Denial if your insurance company says no to a treatment or a bill
- File a Complaint if you feel your insurance plan is not providing you with the services you need
- Medicaid
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Housing
- Housing Resources (PDF) (Amharic) (Arabic) (Russian) (Simplified Chinese) (Somali) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
- Housing Stability Program (The Arc of King County)
- In Need of Housing or Shelter?: Resources for emergency help (King County Department of Community and Human Services)
- Rental Assistance Resources (PDF) (Public Health-Seattle and King County)
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Medication
- Helping Your Child Take Medicine (PDF) (Russian) (Spanish)
- Portable Medical Summary (PDF) (fillable version)
- Perspectives on Psychiatric Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Video. 1:22:44)
- Medication Decision Aid (Autism Speaks)
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Mental and behavioral health
- Crisis Supports and Autistic Individuals Without Intellectual Impairment (Video. 1:34:08)
- Depression: Facts for Families (PDF) (Spanish)
- Finding Mental Health Care in Washington State: A Class on Where to Start
- Mental Health and Autistic Adults With Intellectual Impairment (Video. 1:33:04)
- Mental Health and Autistic Adults Without Intellectual Impairment (Video. 1:27:46)
- Mental Health Resources
- Mental Health Therapy: Child and Family Therapy Options For Your Child With Autism (PDF) (Spanish)
- Mood and Anxiety in Autism (Video. 1:19:58)
- Perspectives on Psychiatric Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Video. 1:22:44)
- Psychologists and Therapists Specializing in Autism-Related Disorders (PDF)
- Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens
- Anxiety Tool Kit (Autism Speaks)
- Autism and Mental Health in Young People (Autism Speaks)
- What's the Connection Between Autism and Depression? (Autism Speaks)
- Wraparound With Intensive Services (WISe) (Washington State Health Care Authority)
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Occupational therapy
- Recognizing and Treating Trauma-Related Symptoms in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Video. 1:36:36)
- What Is Occupational Therapy? (Autism Speaks)
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Parent and caregiver support
- A Call for Compassion
- A Panel Discussion: Multicultural Perspectives on Autism Spectrum Disorder (Video. 1:39:18)
- Autism and the African American Experience (Video. 1:29:46)
- Discussing the Father’s Role in Raising Children With Autism (Video. 1:06:59)
- Stress Management: Before It Gets to Be Too Much (PDF) (Farsi) (Russian) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
- Support Groups for Parents or Caregivers of a Child With Autism (PDF) (Somali) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
- Supporting the Autism Community in Central and Eastern Washington (Video. 1:35:05)
- “My Child Has Autism” Wallet Cards (Pathfinders for Autism)
- Open Doors for Multicultural Families (multiple languages)
- Parent to Parent (P2P) Support Programs State Map (The Arc of Washington State)
- Taking Care of Yourself: A Parent’s Guide to Self-Care (Autism Speaks)
- Washington State Fathers Network
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Research
- Research and Clinical Trials at Seattle Children’s Autism Center
- Organization for Autism Research
- Research (Autism Speaks)
- Research Projects (University of Washington Autism Center)
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Respite
Respite is not the same as child care. Respite care is an occasional break or relief while caring for a child with a disability. See child care section above for more information.
DDA is a main source of respite in Washington state. Other resources for families not in DDA include:
- Care and Respite Resource Guide (The Arc of King County)
- Lifespan Respite
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Safety
- Autism and Police: Staying Safe Together (Video. 1:34:47)
- Autism Support Form (PDF) (Amharic) (Arabic) (Russian) (Somali) (Spanish) (Vietnamese) to share with staff at medical and emergency visits
- Car Seat Options for Children With Behavior Challenges (PDF) (Spanish)
- Conversations About Autism: Safety (Video. 1:06:19)
- Interacting With Law Enforcement (Autism Speaks)
- Learning Disabilities, Autism and Internet Safety: A Guide for Parents (PDF) (CEREBRA)
- National Autism Association
- About Autism and Wandering: Safety resources for caregivers, first responders and teachers, including Be REDy tool kits
- Big Red Safety Box: Free safety tool kit for autism families who need tools to prevent wandering
- Prepare Yourself: Disaster Readiness Tips for People With Developmental or Cognitive Disabilities (PDF) (National Organization on Disability)
- Safety Videos for Families of Children With Special Needs (Safe Kids)
- Smart 911
- Think Safety (Organization for Autism Research)
- 10 Facts Law Enforcement Needs to Know When Serving and Protecting People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) (PDF) (The Arc)
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Self-care and life skills
- Transition to Adulthood – “My Physical Body and Mind Started Shutting Down”: Autistic Burnout and the Costs of Coping and Passing (Video. 1:31:54)
- Life Skills and Autism (Autism Speaks)
- Self-Care (Organization for Research Autism)
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Sexuality
- Gender Dysphoria and Autism: Exploring Identity, Healthcare and Advocacy (Video. 1:25:29)
- Puberty and Sexuality Education Resources for Youth With Autism (PDF)
- Autism in Teens: Helping Your Child Through Puberty (Autism Speaks)
- Health Needs for Young Adults: Transition Tool Kit, including information on puberty and sexuality (Autism Speaks)
- Healthy Relationships Program (The Arc of King County)
- Relationships and Sexuality and Gender (The Arc of King County)
- Social Stories: Appropriate Behaviors (Living Well With Autism)
- The Healthy Bodies Tool Kit (Spanish) (Vanderbilt Kennedy Center)
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Sibling support
- Autism From a Sibling’s Perspective: Panel Discussion (Video. 1:30:12)
- Sibshops at Seattle Children’s
- Supporting Siblings Both On and Off the Spectrum (Video. 1:04:29)
- Autism, My Sibling and Me: For young children with siblings with autism (Organization for Autism Research)
- Brothers, Sisters and Autism: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Siblings (Organization for Autism Research)
- Life as an Autism Sibling: A Guide for Teens (Organization for Autism Research)
- Sibling Support Project
- What’s Up With Nick? (PDF): Teaches about autism for children and teens (Organization for Autism Research)
- What’s Up With Nick? (Video. 2:52) (Organization for Autism Research)
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Sleep
- Autism and Sleep Issues (Video. 1:11:21)
- Bedtime Problems (PDF) (Spanish)
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) (PDF) (Spanish)
- Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (PDF) (Spanish)
- Head Banging and Body Rocking (PDF) (Spanish)
- Helping Your Overly or Under-Sensory Responsive Child Get to Sleep (PDF) (Spanish)
- Melatonin for Sleep (PDF) (Spanish)
- Nightwakings (PDF) (Spanish)
- Pediatric Sleep Log (PDF) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
- Sleep and Autism: The Bumpy Road to the Land of Nod (Video. 1:35:46)
- Sleep Hygiene for Children (PDF) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
- Sleep Resources (Autism Speaks)
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Social stories
- Blood Draw Visual Aid (PDF) (Spanish) (Somali)
- My Visit to the Audiology Clinic Social Story (PDF)
- What to Expect During Your Outpatient EEG Test at Seattle Children’s (PDF)
- Social Stories (Carol Gray)
- Social Stories for Going to the Dentist (Pathfinders for Autism)
- Social Thinking
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Speech and communication
- Early Communication: How to Communicate With Your Child With Autism: Includes nonspeaking autistic advocate Grant Blasko (Video. 1:05:27)
- First Steps After an Autism Diagnosis: Includes nonspeaking autistic advocate Tariq Jones (Video. 1:31:38)
- Frequent Questions About Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) (PDF)
- Strategies to Promote Language Development (PDF) (French) (Spanish)
- Using Books to Enhance Your Child's Communication (PDF) (Spanish)
- Visual Supports: Tools That Help With Communication (PDF) (Spanish)
- Assistive Technology for Communication Roadmap (Autism Speaks)
- ATN/AIR-P Visual Supports and Autism (Autism Speaks)
- Autism (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Communication Problems in Children (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders)
- Programs for Parents (The Hanen Centre)
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Sports
- Finding the Best Exercise to Fight Obesity With Autism (Autism Parenting Magazine)
- Physical Fitness (Autism Speaks)
- The Challenge of Physical Fitness for People With Autism (Kennedy Krieger Institute)
- Weighing Up Autism’s Obesity Crisis (Spectrum News)
Local programs offering adaptive activities:
- Water Safety for Children With Autism and Resources for Adaptive Swim Lessons (PDF)
- Outdoors for All
- Parks and Recreation Specialized Programs: Contact your city or county agency for fitness opportunities
- Special Olympics Washington
- TOPSoccer (Washington Youth Soccer)
- We Rock the Spectrum
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Supplemental Security Income
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (Spanish) (other languages) (Social Security Administration)
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Talking to your child about autism
- Books and Websites for Talking to Your Child About Autism (PDF)
- Talking to Your Kids About Their Diagnosis of Autism (Video. 1:02:23)
- Ten Tips for Discussing Autism With Your Child (PDF) (University of Washington)
- 13 Tips for Talking to Your Child About Their Autism (ParentMap)
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Toileting
- Daytime Wetting (PDF) (Spanish)
- Tips for Toileting (Video. 1:02:23)
- Toilet Training for Individuals With Autism and Developmental Disabilities (Video. 1:56:33)
- Toileting Tips: How to Teach Your Child Good Potty Habits (PDF) (Spanish)
- A Parent’s Guide to Toilet Training Children With Autism (PDF) (Autism Speaks)
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Travel
- Invisible Disabilities (Port of Seattle/Seattle-Tacoma International Airport)
- Tips for Flying (Marcus Autism Center)
- Travel Tips for People With Autism (Port of Seattle/Seattle-Tacoma International Airport)
- Traveling With Children (Transportation Security Administration)
- Wings for Autism (The Arc of King County)
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Vaccines and Autism
- Autism and Vaccines (Autism Science Foundation)
- Autism and Vaccines (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Common Questions About Vaccines (Spanish) (KidsHealth)
- Measles (multiple languages) (Public Health-Seattle & King County)
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Voices of Autism
- In Our Own Words: A Panel of Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Video. 14:20)
- We Have a Voice: A Panel of Individuals With ASD (Video. 1:31:11)
- How Autism Freed Me to Be Myself (Video. 6:12) (Rosie King/TED)
- My Autism and Me (Video. 14:20) (Rosie King/BBC)
Transitioning to Adulthood and Adult Services
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Adult autism resources and transitioning to adulthood
- Autism and Transition to Adulthood: Overview and Planning Tools (PDF) (Spanish)
- Next Steps: Transitioning to Adulthood for Youth With Autism (PDF)
- Transition to Adulthood: Behavioral Support for Adults (Video. 1:36:20)
- Transitioning to Adult Healthcare
- A Guide for Transition to Adulthood (Spanish PDF) (Organization for Autism Research)
- Open Doors for Multicultural Families (multiple languages)
- Transition Into Adulthood Resources Guide (The Arc of King County)
- Transition Tool Kit (Autism Speaks)
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Adult day programs
Ask your local Arc for adult day programs, or contact your local Parks and Recreation Department about specialized programs.
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Autistic self-advocacy
- In Our Own Words: A Panel of Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Video. 1:29:43)
- Transition to Adulthood – Autistic Burnout and the Costs of Coping and Passing (Video. 1:31:54)
- We Have a Voice – A Panel of Individuals With ASD (Video. 1:31:11)
- Asperger Experts
- Asperger/Autism Network
- Autism Network International
- Autism Society of America
- Autistic Self-Advocacy Network
- Self-Advocate (Autism Speaks)
- Self-Advocates (Organization for Autism Research)
- The Art of Autism
- The Mighty Autism Blog
- Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism
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Employment
- Social Inclusion Through Person-Centered Planning (Video. 1:25:10)
- Transition to Adulthood: Finding a Job (Video. 1:32:15)
- Transition to Adulthood: Keeping a Job (Video. 1:17:29)
- Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology (University of Washington DO-IT Program)
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (Washington State Department of Social and Health Services)
- Preparing for the Transition From School to Supported Employment (University of Washington)
- Transition Into Adulthood Resources Guide (The Arc of King County)
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Guardianship and supported decision-making
- Guardianship and Alternatives Guide (The Arc of King County)
- New Washington Adult Guardianship Law (Informing Families)
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Healthcare
- Checklist for Transitioning to Adult Health Care (PDF) (Spanish)
- Adolescent Health Transition Project (University of Washington)
- Graduating From the Pediatrician to the Adult Doctor (Autism Speaks)
- Healthcare for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Tool Kit
- Transition: Adolescent Autonomy (University of Washington)
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Higher education
- Achieve (Highline College)
- Associate Degree in Occupational and Life Skills (Bellevue College)
- College Guide for Students With Disabilities (Best Colleges)
- Community Employment Program (Shoreline Community College)
- Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology (University of Washington DO-IT Program)
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (Washington State Department of Social and Health Services)
- Neurodiversity Navigators (Bellevue College)
- People Accessing Careers and Education (PACE) (Community Colleges of Spokane)
- Post-Secondary Education (Autism Speaks)
- Preparing for the Transition From School to Supported Employment (University of Washington)
- Responsibility Opportunities Advocacy and Respect (ROAR) Program (Washington State University)
- Transition Into Adulthood (The Arc of King County)
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Housing
- Transition to Adulthood: Housing Options – A Panel Discussion (Video. 1:28:10)
- Community Residential Services for Adults: Washington state housing options (Developmental Disabilities Administration)
- Creative Housing Solutions: Person-centered planning principles for homes for people with disabilities
- Housing (Informing Families)
- Housing and Community Living (Autism Speaks)
- Housing Resource Guide (The Arc of King County)
Contact Us
If you would like an appointment at the Autism Center, ask your child’s primary care provider to refer you.
Learn more about how to get services at the Autism Center.
Providers, see how to refer a patient.
To add or update a resource, please email us.
Disclaimer: If you have questions about links on this page, see our statement about linking from seattlechildrens.org.