We’ve gathered these resources to help point families in supportive directions. Parent Pathway to ABA isn’t connected with these organizations, but we hope you find them useful on your journey.
National Resources
These organizations provide information, services, and advocacy across the United States. They are a great place to start when looking for support beyond your local area.
A nationwide network offering advocacy, education, and referrals to local supports.
A searchable directory that connects families with service providers and supports in every state.
Developmental milestone checklists and tools to help track your child’s progress and support early intervention.
A national advocacy organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Federally funded centers in every state that help families navigate special education, IEPs, and disability rights.
A dedicated team of trained staff from Autism Speaks who provide personalized information, resources, and support by phone or email for individuals with autism, families, and caregivers.
Call 1-888-AUTISM2 or email help@autismspeaks.org
Finding Local Resources in Your State
Every state has different supports and services for autistic children and their families. The key is knowing where to look and who to ask. Here are some starting points you can use no matter where you live:
Most states have an Autism Society or Autism Alliance chapter. Search “[Your State] Autism Society” to find local advocacy, events, and services.
Each state runs programs for developmental disabilities, including autism. These agencies often manage Medicaid waivers, respite care, and family support services. Search “[Your State] Developmental Disability Services” or “[Your State] Medicaid Waiver Autism.”
Every state has a federally funded Protection and Advocacy system that provides free legal advocacy, disability rights protection, and help with issues like IEPs, discrimination, or service denials. Families can reach out to their state’s P&A agency for guidance and representation.
Find your state’s P&A here: NDRN Directory
If your child is under three, every state offers early intervention services (birth to three programs). Search “[Your State] Early Intervention Program.”
Most states have community-based resource centers that provide advocacy, training, and parent-to-parent support.
Local districts can share what’s available in your area, from special needs preschool programs to related services like OT and speech.
Jigsaw Connect Free RBT Training
Learning ABA strategies can feel like a big step, but the right training makes all the difference. Jigsaw Connect offers a free, self-paced RBT training course that follows the official BACB Task List. Parents can use this program to gain practical tools for supporting their children at home, and for those who wish to go further, it can also serve as a pathway to certification as a Registered Behavior Technician.
As a parent who has completed RBT training, I can say firsthand that it changed the way I was able to support my child and gave me confidence while navigating the challenges of therapy waitlists and service gaps. Jigsaw Connect is a resource I truly believe in, and I am proud to feature it here for other families.
Guides and Checklists
Having the right questions and tools in hand can make appointments and decisions feel less overwhelming. These guides and checklists give you a place to start, with space to add your own notes as you go.
A printable checklist covering what to ask pediatricians, speech therapists, OTs, BCBAs, supports coordinators, school staff, and state advocates. This guide helps parents uncover services and supports they may not know to ask about.
Step-by-step information on how to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid waivers, and other funding programs that may cover therapy, respite care, or adaptive equipment. Includes space to record application dates, contact names, and case numbers.
Describe a feature you’d like to share about this company or highlight a particular service it offers.
A fillable worksheet for parents to track services, appointments, and waitlists. Helps organize contacts, dates, and follow-up tasks across school, therapy providers, and community supports.
A printable guide to help you prepare for doctor, therapy, or school meetings. Includes space to note questions, concerns, recent progress, and observations so you walk in feeling organized.
A simple worksheet to record milestones, behaviors, new words, or skills at home. This log can help you notice patterns, share updates with providers, and celebrate growth over time.
Guides and Checklists
Community and Support
Navigating autism can feel isolating, but building a circle of support makes all the difference. These resources can help you find connection, encouragement, and shared understanding.
Workshops and small groups where parents learn ABA strategies, share experiences, and practice new skills together. Many are available online or through local agencies.
Some states and nonprofit organizations connect new families with experienced parents for one-on-one guidance and encouragement. Search “[Your State] parent-to-parent autism support” to find local options.
Safe spaces where parents can connect, ask questions, and share strategies. Examples include Facebook parent groups, the Autism Society forums, and specialized communities hosted by local nonprofits.
Guided journals that pair real-life stories with reflection prompts, giving parents space to process their journey and tools to share with their support networks.
Created for children and families to use together, these books encourage bonding, conversation, and fun.
Churches, community centers, and recreation programs often offer inclusive activities or support groups. Ask about adaptive programs, respite events, or volunteer-led gatherings.
A printable checklist covering what to ask pediatricians, speech therapists, OTs, BCBAs, supports coordinators, school staff, and state advocates. This guide helps parents uncover services and supports they may not know to ask about.
Step-by-step information on how to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid waivers, and other funding programs that may cover therapy, respite care, or adaptive equipment. Includes space to record application dates, contact names, and case numbers.
Describe a feature you’d like to share about this company or highlight a particular service it offers.
A fillable worksheet for parents to track services, appointments, and waitlists. Helps organize contacts, dates, and follow-up tasks across school, therapy providers, and community supports.
A printable guide to help you prepare for doctor, therapy, or school meetings. Includes space to note questions, concerns, recent progress, and observations so you walk in feeling organized.
A simple worksheet to record milestones, behaviors, new words, or skills at home. This log can help you notice patterns, share updates with providers, and celebrate growth over time.
Having the right questions and tools in hand can make appointments and decisions feel less overwhelming. These guides and checklists give you a place to start, with space to add your own notes as you go.
Guides and Checklists
Workshops and small groups where parents learn ABA strategies, share experiences, and practice new skills together. Many are available online or through local agencies.
Some states and nonprofit organizations connect new families with experienced parents for one-on-one guidance and encouragement. Search “[Your State] parent-to-parent autism support” to find local options.
Safe spaces where parents can connect, ask questions, and share strategies. Examples include Facebook parent groups, the Autism Society forums, and specialized communities hosted by local nonprofits.
Guided journals that pair real-life stories with reflection prompts, giving parents space to process their journey and tools to share with their support networks.
Created for children and families to use together, these books encourage bonding, conversation, and fun.
Churches, community centers, and recreation programs often offer inclusive activities or support groups. Ask about adaptive programs, respite events, or volunteer-led gatherings.
Navigating autism can feel isolating, but building a circle of support makes all the difference. These resources can help you find connection, encouragement, and shared understanding.
Community and Support
A nationwide network offering advocacy, education, and referrals to local supports.
A searchable directory that connects families with service providers and supports in every state.
Developmental milestone checklists and tools to help track your child’s progress and support early intervention.
A national advocacy organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Federally funded centers in every state that help families navigate special education, IEPs, and disability rights.
A dedicated team of trained staff from Autism Speaks who provide personalized information, resources, and support by phone or email for individuals with autism, families, and caregivers.
Call 1-888-AUTISM2 or email help@autismspeaks.org
These organizations provide information, services, and advocacy across the United States. They are a great place to start when looking for support beyond your local area.
National Resources
Discover our Parent Pathway community on Skool
Our Skool learning space offers guided courses and a supportive community for parents navigating the autism journey. Inside, you can explore lessons based on Parent Pathway to ABA Journals, connect with other parents, and find practical tools that turn understanding into action. Learn at your own pace and feel supported every step of the way.
Entertainment
Life isn't just about routines. It's important to get out and enjoy the world with our kids. This list includes theme parks, movie theaters, and even cruise lines that understand and welcome families with autistic children. These places are ready to make your experience joyful, supportive, and stress free, even out at sea.
When flying, the TSA Cares helpline lets you request assistance and special accommodations ahead of time for children with autism. They can help you navigate security more easily.
Many big airports have sensory rooms or quiet areas specifically for autistic travelers. They also often offer lanyards or programs to signal staff that you might need extra help.
More and more arenas now have sensory rooms or sensory kits available. You can usually request these at guest services, and they might have things like noise-canceling headphones or a quiet zone.
Many large aquariums and zoos have sensory-friendly days or offer sensory maps and quiet areas. For instance, places like the Georgia Aquarium have dedicated sensory events.
Many Marriott properties offer autism-friendly rooms and have staff trained in autism awareness. They provide quieter room options and can help with special requests.
These cruise lines offer autism-friendly services like sensory-friendly films, trained staff, priority boarding, and more to help your family enjoy a smooth and supportive vacation at sea.
Visit these cruise line websites for more information:
On the first Sunday of every month, many Chuck E. Cheese locations open two hours early with reduced noise and dimmed lighting for kids with autism.
AMC offers sensory-friendly movie showings nationwide, where they turn the lights up and the sound down so kids with sensory sensitivities can enjoy films in a more comfortable environment.
They have Disability Access Service (DAS) passes that allow families with autistic children to schedule return times for rides rather than waiting in long lines. They also have quiet spaces and can provide sensory guides for different attractions.
Both LEGOLAND Florida and California are Certified Autism Centers. They offer sensory guides, quiet rooms, and Hero Passes to help families have a more comfortable visit.
It’s a Certified Autism Center and offers special sensory guides, quiet rooms, and trained staff who can help families navigate the park comfortably.
KultureCity partners with a variety of venues nationwide, including professional stadiums and arenas, to offer sensory-inclusive spaces and kits. This means families can find sensory rooms, noise-canceling headphones, and trained staff at many sports venues across the U.S.
Most states have an Autism Society or Autism Alliance chapter. Search “[Your State] Autism Society” to find local advocacy, events, and services.
Each state runs programs for developmental disabilities, including autism. These agencies often manage Medicaid waivers, respite care, and family support services. Search “[Your State] Developmental Disability Services” or “[Your State] Medicaid Waiver Autism.”
Every state has a federally funded Protection and Advocacy system that provides free legal advocacy, disability rights protection, and help with issues like IEPs, discrimination, or service denials. Families can reach out to their state’s P&A agency for guidance and representation.
Find your state’s P&A here: NDRN DirectoryIf your child is under three, every state offers early intervention services (birth to three programs). Search “[Your State] Early Intervention Program.”
Most states have community-based resource centers that provide advocacy, training, and parent-to-parent support.
Local districts can share what’s available in your area, from special needs preschool programs to related services like OT and speech.
Most states have an Autism Society or Autism Alliance chapter. Search “[Your State] Autism Society” to find local advocacy, events, and services.
Each state runs programs for developmental disabilities, including autism. These agencies often manage Medicaid waivers, respite care, and family support services. Search “[Your State] Developmental Disability Services” or “[Your State] Medicaid Waiver Autism.”
Every state has a federally funded Protection and Advocacy system that provides free legal advocacy, disability rights protection, and help with issues like IEPs, discrimination, or service denials. Families can reach out to their state’s P&A agency for guidance and representation.
Find your state’s P&A here: NDRN Directory
If your child is under three, every state offers early intervention services (birth to three programs). Search “[Your State] Early Intervention Program.”
Most states have community-based resource centers that provide advocacy, training, and parent-to-parent support.
Local districts can share what’s available in your area, from special needs preschool programs to related services like OT and speech.
Every state has different supports and services for autistic children and their families. The key is knowing where to look and who to ask. Here are some starting points you can use no matter where you live: