Helpful information, gathered in one place.
Trusted national organizations, and everyday tips written for autistic people, parents, carers and relatives. Take what is useful and leave the rest.
Need to talk to someone now? The 988 Lifeline is free, confidential and open day and night. Call or text 988, or chat online.
National organizations that help
Each one publishes free information, and most can point you to local support.
Autism Society of America
The oldest national autism organization. Use it to find local affiliates, family support groups, and information and referral help.
Visit their site
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Plain-language resources and policy work written by and for autistic people, including guides on rights, health care and school.
Visit their site
Organization for Autism Research
Free, practical guidebooks built on research, written for parents, siblings, educators and autistic adults themselves.
Visit their site
Autism Research Institute
Research summaries and free webinars on health, behaviour and daily living, plus a directory of clinicians who work with autistic people.
Visit their site
The Arc
A national disability organization with local chapters that help families with services, benefits, school and adult life.
Visit their site
Child Mind Institute
Clear guides on autism, behaviour, anxiety and school support, reviewed by clinicians, plus help with finding a specialist.
Visit their site
AANE
Support groups, coaching and courses for autistic adults and teens and their families, online and in person.
Visit their site
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network
Community, resources and advocacy for autistic women, girls, nonbinary and trans people, who are often diagnosed later.
Visit their site
National Institute of Mental Health
Free, government-written overviews of autism signs, diagnosis and treatment, available in English and Spanish.
Visit their site
CDC: Autism
Developmental milestone checklists, screening information and national data, useful when talking with a doctor or school.
Visit their site
Services you can book
Therapy, coaching and courses that support autistic people and their families. Booking happens on the provider's own page, so your appointment and your details stay with them.
BetterHelp
Licensed therapists by video, phone or message, including counsellors who work with autistic adults and with parents and carers.
NAA Learning
Online courses from the National Autism Academy that walk parents through understanding behaviour and lowering household stress.
Talkspace
Message-based therapy and psychiatric appointments online, with plans that insurance may cover for the whole family.
The Autistic Advocate
Short online courses on monotropism, late diagnosis and autistic wellbeing, written and taught by autistic trainers.
These listings are sponsored: if you book through one, Puzzle may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and we only list services we believe are genuinely useful.
Helpful tips for daily life
Every autistic person is different, so these are starting points rather than rules.
Communicating clearly
- Say what you mean, plainly. Jokes, hints and sarcasm can be easy to miss.
- Allow extra time to answer. Silence usually means thinking, not refusing.
- Offer a choice of ways to reply: talking, typing, writing, sign or a picture board.
- Do not insist on eye contact. Looking away often helps someone listen.
Sensory comfort
- Notice the room before the person has to: bright lights, echoing rooms, strong smells, crowded spaces.
- Offer ear defenders, sunglasses or a quiet corner, and keep them available without asking.
- Allow stimming and movement. It is how many people steady themselves.
- Warn before a loud or sudden sound, such as a hand dryer, alarm or balloon.
Routines and change
- Show the plan for the day as a list or picture schedule, and point to where you are on it.
- Give a countdown before a change: ten minutes, five minutes, then now.
- Change one thing at a time where you can, and say what is staying the same.
- Keep a familiar comfort item, snack or pair of headphones within reach.
Out and about
- Choose quieter times for shopping, travel and appointments when possible.
- Agree on an exit plan before you go in, and where to meet if you get separated.
- Carry an ID card with a contact number and a short line about how to help.
- Ask a venue ahead of time about quiet rooms, queues and accessible entrances.
Meltdowns and shutdowns
- Turn down the input first: fewer people, less noise, softer light, more space.
- Use fewer words, and give time rather than questions.
- Do not treat it as bad behaviour. It is usually overload that has built up.
- Afterwards, look together for what was too much, so the next time is easier.
Support for the family
- Ask about respite care and parent support groups through your local Autism Society affiliate or The Arc chapter.
- Keep every report, plan and letter in one folder, and ask providers for written summaries.
- Bring a second person to big appointments so one of you can listen and one can take notes.
- Make room for strengths and interests. They are the best route to confidence and work.
This page is general information, not medical advice. For diagnosis, medication or a crisis, speak with a qualified professional, and in an emergency call your local emergency number.