USEFUL RESOURCES
For pieces which help make the big picture clearer
For links you may need to 'right-click' & then choose "open link in new tab"
TO FIND SERVICES In Massachusetts
https://disabilityinfo.org/ - searchable by town! as well as by need
http://massfamilyties.org/info/directory.php
Family TIES of Massachusetts produces this annual Directory of Resources
Autism Insurance Resource Center provides information about insurance coverage under the law -An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (ARICA), including what treatments are covered and how to access coverage, information and support for self-advocates, family members, providers, employers and educators on issues related to medical insurance for autism treatment.
TO FIND SERVICES In Massachusetts
https://disabilityinfo.org/ - searchable by town! as well as by need
http://massfamilyties.org/info/directory.php
Family TIES of Massachusetts produces this annual Directory of Resources
Autism Insurance Resource Center provides information about insurance coverage under the law -An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (ARICA), including what treatments are covered and how to access coverage, information and support for self-advocates, family members, providers, employers and educators on issues related to medical insurance for autism treatment.
USEFUL 'Beginner' sites
Parent Information Packet for Families of Children with Autism Disorders (pdf) –Published by Autism Consortium. It is a guide for families that have recently received the diagnosis and includes information about services, treatments, legislation, educational options and a list of valuable resources.
Teaching Students with Autism - Guide for Educators
This FREE downloadable handbook provides a brief summary of how K-12 educators might think differently about students with autism, capitalize on their strengths, provide supports to address their challenges, and facilitate positive social relationships among students with and without autism.
http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/Autism_Guide_final.pdf
SUPER LIST of SITES (but note that some links may no longer work as from 2016)
by Special Needs Resource Blog
https://specialneedsresourceblog.com/2016/04/22/40-autism-teaching-resources-you-should-know-about/
Recommended Books
If you can buy only 1 book- this is it
Understanding the Nature of Autism: A Guide to the Autism Spectrum Disorders - third Edition by Janzen M.S., Janice E (Author) and now with Catherine B Zenko
This book by Janice Janzen has been my 'bible'. I'm on my 3rd copy! It is PRACTICAL, explains everything in 'plain English" from what ASD is to how to set up your environment, address sensory, behavior, executive functioning, academic and emotional regulation & social issues, has "real life behavioral examples" and material ideas and includes a CD with reproducible forms, sample social stories and visual supports and other resources. It is well organized so you can easily find what you need. AMAZING BOOK EVERY TEACHER/ THERAPIST & PARENT SHOULD OWN
Learning to get Along Series by Cheri Meiners
--Fantastic for teaching social & emotional skills
For years I have used all of the books in the Learning to get Along Series by Cheri Meiners. I have found them extremely useful. Occasionally I will modify the presentation & have cut & pasted to make an individualized version for a student, but usually not. The point is these are well written with simple and concrete pictures (Also useful for working on recognition of body language/ facial expression social cues.
The Cool Down (Anger management) book also ties in with several behavior techniques programs (Cog-Behav, 5 point, etc.)
Sites with Useful Materials
SUPER LIST of SITES (but note that some links may no longer work as list is from 2016)
by Special Needs Resource Blog
https://specialneedsresourceblog.com/2016/04/22/40-autism-teaching-resources-you-should-know-about/