
This resource list contains a variety of resources associated with supporting children with autism in childcare and at home.
IEL Resources
- Tip Sheet: Autism: Be Aware of the Signs
- Podcast: Supporting Children with the Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Preschool Classrooms
Web Resources
-
Autism
Source: Center for Parent Information and Resources
This site provides a link to the Autism Navigator which is a unique collection of web-based tools and courses that integrate the most current research in autism with an interactive web platform and lots of video footage showing effective evidence-based practices. It’s intended for professionals as well as families.
-
Autism Awareness and Acceptance in Early Childhood Education
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
This page provides information and resources regarding autism awareness and acceptance in early childhood education. Links to a tips and concepts document and a parent’s guide are also provided.
-
Autism Resource Guide
(also in Spanish)Source: Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse
This resource guide includes books, videos, organizations, articles and other resources related to Autism.
-
Autism Spectrum Disorder
(also in Spanish)Source: KidsHealth
This article explains that children with autism have differences in the way their brains develop and process information. This can cause language delays and behavior problems. Symptoms and severity vary from child to child. New research can help diagnose and begin treatment for an autism disorder in a child at an early age.
-
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
(also in Spanish)Source: Centers on Disease Control (CDC)
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities that are caused by an abnormality in the brain. Children with ASDs tend to have problems with social and communication skills. They also are likely to repeat certain behaviors and resist change in their daily activities. ASDs begin during childhood and last throughout a person’s life. This online source discusses symptoms, prevalence, treatment, and additional resources.
-
Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children
(also in Spanish)Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
This article includes early signs of ASDs, definitions of the different types, diagnosis methods, and strategies to help a child with an ASD.
-
Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders)
Source: National Institute of Mental Health
This provides information and resources regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Included is information on signs/symptoms, causes/risk factors, diagnosis steps, treatments and finding help.
-
Challenging Behavior
Source: Interactive Autism Network (IAN)
Challenging behavior will vary according to the severity of a person’s autism and their age, however there are core issues that affect most people with an autism spectrum disorder. In this resource, aggression, self-injury, social and communication problems, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and other topics are addressed.
-
Early Childcare Provider’s Guide to Managing Challenging Behaviors
Source: Autism Speaks
The purpose of this toolkit is to present ways for early childcare providers to better manage challenging behaviors in a childcare setting.
-
Educating Children with Autism
Source: National Academies Press
This online book includes chapters on problem behaviors and instructional strategies for children with autism.
-
Strategies for Working with Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Source: IRIS Center
In this 8-minute audio recording of an interview with Dr. Ilene Schwartz, she discusses getting to know the students and family, providing instruction in autism-specific skills and areas, using evidence-based practices and data-based decision making, creating structured environments, and creating social opportunities.
-
Support You Can See (and Feel): Teaching Children with Autism
Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
This NAEYC Teaching Young Children article focuses on how implementing visual supports in an early childhood classroom can help a young child with autism, and other children, understand expectations, routines, and reduce frustration.
-
Using Visual Supports for All Children
Source: StarNet
This 6-minute video podcast explains the benefits of using visual supports in the classroom and provides a variety of examples that can be used to support all children.