Resources and plain-language glossary
National starting points, then the acronyms you'll hit in your first month.
National organisations
CDC — Autism
Screening milestones, prevalence data and a free milestone tracker app. Much of it is available in Spanish.
cdc.gov/autismCenter for Parent Information and Resources
Find your state's free Parent Training and Information Center. Many materials are published in Spanish.
Find your parent centerAutistic Self Advocacy Network
Run by and for autistic people. Their guide for newly diagnosed families is worth reading early.
autisticadvocacy.orgAutism Society of America
Local affiliates across the country and a national helpline.
autismsociety.orgAUCD
Directory of university centres on disability, which often run low-cost evaluation and family clinics.
aucd.org211
Dial 211 anywhere in the US for local services — respite, food, utilities, crisis support. Interpreters available.
211.orgThis draft links to national bodies only. Before publishing, add vetted state and local organisations — including groups serving specific language communities — and note that this site is general information, not medical or legal advice.
Your language rights, briefly
- Schools must communicate with parents in a language they understand, including interpretation at IEP meetings and translation of key documents. This comes from federal civil rights law, not district goodwill.
- Early intervention must provide evaluations and the IFSP process in your native language where feasible.
- Healthcare providers and insurers receiving federal funds must offer free language assistance.
- You should not be asked to use your child, another child, or an untrained relative as the interpreter.
- If you're refused, ask for the refusal in writing and contact your state's Protection & Advocacy agency or the US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.
Glossary
ASD
Autism spectrum disorder — the current diagnostic term.
IDEA
The federal law guaranteeing special education. Part C covers birth to 3; Part B covers 3 to 21.
IEP
Individualized Education Program — a legally binding school plan with services and goals.
504 plan
Accommodations under civil rights law for students who don't need specialised instruction.
FAPE
Free appropriate public education — the standard a school must meet.
LRE
Least restrictive environment — the requirement to educate your child with non-disabled peers as much as appropriate.
IFSP
Individualized Family Service Plan — the early intervention equivalent of an IEP.
HCBS waiver
Medicaid funding for support at home instead of in an institution. The main source of long-term help.
AAC
Augmentative and alternative communication — devices, apps, pictures or sign.
BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst — supervises ABA programmes.
SLP / OT
Speech-language pathologist; occupational therapist.
IEE
Independent educational evaluation — an outside assessment you can request at district expense if you disagree with the school's.
Stimming
Self-stimulatory movement or sound that regulates the nervous system.
Masking
Suppressing autistic traits to fit in, at a real cost.
Elopement
Wandering or running from a safe place. A major safety issue.
Echolalia
Repeating words or phrases — often meaningful communication, not empty repetition.