Whether your child just received an ASD diagnosis, or you are a veteran special needs parent looking for more information, here are some links/resources to check out. Please let me know if you have suggestions for additions in the comments section!

For the Newly Diagnosed:

• Autism Research Institute
• Autism Society of America
• Autism Speaks–100 Days Kit for Newly Diagnosed Families of Young Children
• Interactive Autism Network
• Talk About Curing Autism–Newly Diagnosed
• Virginia Autism Project

Books and Publications:

• Autism Advocate
• Autism Society of North Carolina Bookstore
• The Autistic Brain
• The Everything Parent’s Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder
• The Mighty
• Not My Boy
• The Out-of-Sync Child
• Rossingnol Medical Center: “Simple Approach” informational brochures.
• What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Vaccinations (Disclaimer: I am not pro- or anti-vaccine, but support educated decision-making. We use a modified vaccination schedule for our children, which I blogged about here).

Finances:

• ABLE Act Overview (Virginia was the first state to enact an ABLE program. Similar to 529 savings plans, you can ask your financial advisor about establishing an account for your child).

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs):

• Autism Society of Central Virginia: IEP bootcamp classes offered at least yearly.
• IEP FAQ’s
• US Department of Education Office of Special Education
• Virginia IEP Forms
• Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy

Swimming and Sports: (Central Virginia specific)

• Aqua-Tots: Special Needs Aquatics Program (SNAP) and adaptive aquatics.
• Jacob’s Chance Buddy Ball: Flag football, tennis, basketball, and baseball schedules offered year round.
• The Miracle League of Richmond: Baseball.
• Miracles in Motion and Dance Destination: Dance troupes.
• RVAccess: FREE soccer program for children with disabilities.
• Special Olympics Virginia
• Sportable: Adaptive cycling, fencing, tennis, lacrosse, track, soccer, and swimming.
• SwimRVA Autism Swims
• Upward Sports: Challenger programs for basketball, cheerleading, and soccer.
• YMCA of Greater Richmond: Inclusive programs and swim lessons.