Resources & support
Clear explanations. Practical next steps. Established sources to help you understand the person and find support where you live.
See the child
before the behavior.
01 / Understanding
A diagnosis gives context. Learning about the individual helps you understand what support could look like.
Same diagnosis. Different children. →Autism is a developmental condition involving differences in social communication, patterns of behavior and interests, and often sensory experiences. It is a spectrum: individuals can have very different strengths and support needs.
Some people live independently. Others need extensive, lifelong help with communication, safety, or everyday activities. Support should respond to the individual, including other health conditions and changing needs.
Sources: World Health Organization
The DSM framework describes support needs in two areas: social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviors. The levels can differ between those areas.
These are clinical descriptions, not a score of a person’s worth or potential. Language and intellectual abilities are assessed separately. A level alone does not tell you everything about learning, daily care, or safety.
Ask the assessor which framework was used, what the report describes in each area, and which practical supports are recommended. Support needs can vary with circumstances and over time.
Diagnostic terminology depends on the assessment framework and clinical practice. A diagnosis, a school assessment, and a funding decision answer different questions.
| Location | Where to check the framework |
|---|---|
| United States | The CDC describes DSM criteria and the numbered support levels. Read the criteria . |
| United Kingdom | UK guidance discusses DSM and ICD criteria. Ask which was used in the report. Read the assessment explanation . |
| Canada | Canadian Paediatric Society guidance discusses DSM criteria and comprehensive assessment. Read the clinical guidance . |
| Australia | The national guideline describes diagnostic evaluation alongside an assessment of needs. Read the national guideline . |
About states and regions: A location alone cannot tell you whether a particular assessment report will include a numbered level. Check the report with its author. For school or service eligibility, use the rules for the specific program and location rather than assuming a diagnostic level guarantees a service.
Start with the person and the situation. Notice changes in noise, light, routines, demands, communication, and opportunities to rest. Some repeated movements help a person regulate or feel comfortable.
Write down what you noticed and discuss patterns with the people supporting the child. A sudden or concerning change, suspected pain, injury, or illness needs appropriate clinical attention. Avoid assuming every change is caused by autism.
Sources: NHS · World Health Organization
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes ways to add to speech or communicate without speech. Examples include gestures, pictures, writing, and speech-generating devices.
A person may use several methods, with or without spoken words. A speech-language professional can assess which options fit the person’s communication, movement, and access needs, and help families and staff learn to use them.
Plan names and legal duties differ by country and region. These short explanations are starting points; follow the source for eligibility, procedures, and exceptions.
02 / Find your next step
Choose a location and a topic. Every listing identifies where it applies and links directly to the organization providing the information.
Local services currently cover the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. General information is available to readers elsewhere.
26 resources
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Find the Parent Center serving your state for information and training about education and disability support.
Next step Choose your state in the directory.
www.parentcenterhub.org · Checked Sep 17, 2026
U.S. Department of Education
Read official explanations of IEPs, parent safeguards, education records, and ways to resolve disagreements under IDEA.
Next step Read the IEP and procedural safeguards sections.
sites.ed.gov · Checked Sep 17, 2026
U.S. Department of Education
Understand Section 504 and find U.S. Department of Education civil rights guidance.
Next step Check the rules and resources relevant to your school.
www.ed.gov · Checked Sep 17, 2026
National Disability Rights Network
Find your protection and advocacy organization for disability rights information and possible assistance.
Next step Contact your local agency about its priorities and intake. Representation is not guaranteed.
www.ndrn.org · Checked Sep 17, 2026
U.S. Department of Justice
Read federal guidance on effective communication for people with hearing, vision or speech disabilities in covered settings.
Next step Use the guidance to discuss communication needs with a covered provider.
www.ada.gov · Checked Sep 17, 2026
United Way 211
Find local help with practical needs such as food, housing, caregiving, and health services.
Call 211 for community information; not emergency dispatch.
Next step Select your location for available contact methods.
www.211.org · Checked Sep 17, 2026
GOV.UK
Understand education, health and care assessments and plans, and where to seek local support.
Next step Read the assessment process and disagreement options.
www.gov.uk · Checked Sep 17, 2026
IPSEA
Independent special education information and advice, including guides and support services.
Next step Select the support service that fits your question.
www.ipsea.org.uk · Checked Sep 17, 2026
Enquire
Advice about additional support for learning in Scottish education.
Next step Explore the guidance or contact the advice service.
enquire.org.uk · Checked Sep 17, 2026
Welsh Government
Official guidance for parents and carers on additional learning needs and individual development plans.
Next step Open the relevant parent guidance and local support information.
www.gov.wales · Checked Sep 17, 2026
SENAC
Information and advice for parents navigating special educational needs in Northern Ireland.
Next step Check advice line details and service availability.
senac.co.uk · Checked Sep 17, 2026
Contact
Advice about services, benefits, and support for families with disabled children. A diagnosis is not required to contact the helpline.
Call 0808 808 3555. Not an emergency service.
Next step Read eligibility and current opening hours before contacting the team.
contact.org.uk · Checked Sep 17, 2026
NHS
Guidance on supporting an autistic child’s health, well-being, daily life, and school participation.
Next step Use the suggestions to prepare questions for the child’s care team.
www.nhs.uk · Checked Sep 17, 2026
Public Health Agency of Canada
Federal autism information and links to supports and services. Availability and eligibility depend on where you live.
Next step Follow the links relevant to your province or territory.
www.canada.ca · Checked Sep 17, 2026
211 Canada
Find community, social, and government services by location.
Call 211 for community information where available; not emergency dispatch.
Next step Choose your location to check local services and contact methods.
211.ca · Checked Sep 17, 2026
Canadian Paediatric Society
Professional guidance on diagnostic assessment and understanding a child’s broader needs.
Next step Discuss your child’s report with the assessing clinician.
cps.ca · Checked Sep 17, 2026
Amaze • Autism Connect
Independent autism information by phone, email, and webchat, including help finding relevant services.
Call 1300 308 699. Not a crisis or emergency service.
Next step Check current hours and communication options.
www.amaze.org.au · Checked Sep 17, 2026
Australian Government Department of Education
Official resources explaining the Disability Standards for Education and reasonable adjustments.
Next step Use the caregiver resources to prepare for a school discussion.
www.education.gov.au · Checked Sep 17, 2026
Disability Gateway
Education information and links to services across early learning, school, and further education.
Next step Select the education stage and location you need.
www.disabilitygateway.gov.au · Checked Sep 17, 2026
Disability Gateway
Information about healthcare, mental health, and planned or emergency respite services.
Next step Follow the relevant service category for local options.
www.disabilitygateway.gov.au · Checked Sep 17, 2026
National Disability Insurance Agency
Official information about NDIS access requirements. An autism diagnosis alone is not a complete eligibility decision.
Next step Check the current eligibility requirements with the NDIA.
www.ndis.gov.au · Checked Sep 17, 2026
Autism CRC
National guidance covering autism assessment, diagnosis and individual needs. Some detailed content requires registration.
Next step Start with the public overview and plain-language information.
www.autismcrc.com.au · Checked Sep 17, 2026
World Health Organization
An international overview of autism, different support needs, health, and participation.
Next step Use the language selector for available translations.
www.who.int · Checked Sep 17, 2026
National Autistic Society
Understand the DSM and ICD frameworks and tools discussed in UK autism assessment guidance.
Next step Check the framework named in your own assessment report.
www.autism.org.uk · Checked Sep 17, 2026
Communication Health Support Association / ASHA
Learn about communication methods that supplement or replace speech and the role of a speech-language professional.
Next step Ask about an individualized communication assessment.
helpingyoucommunicate.org · Checked Sep 17, 2026
CDC
Understand wandering or elopement and preparation steps for families, schools, and care teams.
Next step Plan with caregivers and local responders before an emergency.
www.cdc.gov · Checked Sep 17, 2026
Choose “All topics” for local organizations that may help you find the right service. This directory is selective and does not list every available service.
General information can be useful across borders. Legal rights, eligibility, funding, and service availability are specific to the location and program. Check the provider’s page for current hours, costs, and access arrangements.
03 / Prepare for support
Use these prompts alongside advice from the professionals who know the person. Involve the child or individual in the way that works for them.
Gather your child’s strengths, communication methods, daily support needs, current plan, and questions. Ask which assessment process and rights apply.
U.S. parent rights and IEP information Explore the school tool →Discuss wandering risks, supervision, communication, and an emergency plan with caregivers and local responders. Keep a current photo and essential information available.
Read wandering safety guidance Explore the first responder tool →Prepare information about communication, sensory needs, medicines, allergies, and signs of discomfort. Ask the care team about appropriate adjustments and communication support.
Read U.S. communication access guidance Explore the hospital tool →04 / Urgent help
If a person is missing and at risk, seriously injured, or in immediate danger, contact local emergency services now. This website cannot receive emergency reports.
Numbers apply within the listed country. In Canadian areas without 911 coverage, use the local emergency number. Elsewhere, use the emergency number for your location. Check the linked provider for accessible contact options.
These services offer a different kind of support from emergency dispatch or autism information services. Use emergency services for immediate danger.
Suicide, mental health, and emotional crisis support, 24/7. Online chat is also available.
Contact the serviceSuicide crisis support, 24/7, including if you are worried about someone else.
Contact the serviceLifeline provides crisis support around the clock. See its website for text and chat.
Contact the serviceThese resources were selected from public agencies, clinical and professional organizations, and established support organizations. Summaries are introductory information, not an individual medical assessment or legal advice. Listing a source does not imply that the organization endorses these books or this website.
Links and described services were checked on September 17, 2026. Organizations can change pages, services, and eligibility. Each listing names the provider and its website so you can identify the source. If a page moves, use the organization’s official site to find the named resource.
Please send only the page name and link. Do not send medical records or urgent requests.