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Resources

The Autism Spectrum Center at Boston Children's Hospital is dedicated to supporting you as you cope with your child's autism diagnosis and navigate their care. We'll make specific recommendations for therapy plans and provide guidance for accessing those therapies in your community.

Quick tips for parents and families

Challenges are part of parenting any child. If your child has ASD, you may find yourself facing some especially tough challenges. Here is some advice that many families find helpful:

  • Maintain a consistent routine, both at home and at school.
  • Talk to your child’s teachers and therapists to learn how you can reinforce at home the strategies they are using during the day.
  • It’s perfectly OK to take breaks from therapy-related activities and allow your child free time.
  • Let your child pick what they want to do when possible.
  • Talk with your provider if you need help getting support for you or your child, including counseling, behavioral services, respite, information about special needs recreation, and mentoring.

Education and early intervention guides

  • The Federation for Children with Special Needs provides an extensive manual for Massachusetts residents, “A Parent's Guide to Special Education.”
  • For children under 3, the Massachusetts Office of Health and Human Services provides detailed information on Early Intervention, available to families with concerns about their child's development. Family Ties of Massachusetts manages a city-by-city listing of programs.
  • If you live outside of Massachusetts, our team can direct you to helpful resources.