Resources

The resources listed here are for everyone who wishes to increase their understanding of and ability to advocate for people on the spectrum, regardless of their relationship to the autism community

PDFs For Educators PDFs For Employers PDFs For Parents PDFs For Self-Advocates

Online Resources and Organizations How to Get a Diagnosis Local Providers

Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy How to Apply for Disability

PDFs For Educators:

Behavior:

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Behavior Log
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The Pitfalls in Behavior Modification Plans

Classroom Management

Accommodations, Modifications and Adaptations

Individual Education Plans

Inclusion in Schools

SPED, Charter School and 504s

The Law

Miscellaneous

PDFs For Employers

PDFs For Parents

Behavior

Classroom Management

College and Post Secondary School

Employment

Vocational Rehabilitation

Healthcare and Healthcare Transition

Transition to Adulthood

Housing and Independent Living

Accommodations, Modifications and Adaptations

IEPs

Inclusion

Sample Letters

SPED, Charter School and 504s

The Law

Miscellaneous

Parenting

Department of Developmental Disabilities and AZ Long Term Care

Social Security

Insurance

PDFs For Self-Advocates

Services

Behavioral Health Providers in Tucson

Employment

Vocational Rehabilitation

Healthcare and Healthcare Transition

Transition to Adulthood

Housing and Independent Living

Accommodations, Modifications and Adaptations

Department of Developmental Disabilities and AZ Long Term Care

Social Security

Insurance

Online Resources and Organizations

ASAN (Autistic Self Advocacy Network) https://autisticadvocacy.org/

This is an organization that is operated entirely by autistic people

Autism Society of Southern Arizona https://www.as-az.org/

An organization in Tucson that does the Tucson Autism Walk and has many other resources and programs

Tucson Alliance for Autism https://tucsonallianceforautism.com/

An organization in Tucson that offers support groups, resources and other programs

Autism Now https://autismnow.org/

The Autism NOW Center provides high quality resources and information in core areas across the lifespan to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, and professionals in the field

Autistic Women and Non-binary Network https://awnnetwork.org/

An autism organization specifically for women and non-binary individuals on the spectrum

Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) https://www.sabeusa.org/

The United State’s national self-advocacy organization for individuals with disabilities

Disability Law Handbook http://www.southwestada.org/html/publications/dlh/index.html

This is a handbook that helps you understand the American Disability Act which is civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities

AWN Parent Packet https://awnnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Parent_Packet.pdf

This packet has great information for parents/guardians of girls who were recently diagnosed

Welcome to the Autistic Community ASAN book https://autisticadvocacy.org/book/welcome-to-the-autistic-community/

This is a book written by autistic individuals with great information for people who were recently diagnosed

How to Get a Diagnosis

Contact your insurance to see if they cover an autism evaluation (some insurance companies even have an "autism team" that will help you every step of the way)

Ask your insurance for approved providers for the evaluation
Call the providers to see who you can get in to and schedule an appointment.
Prepare:
1. Write down characteristics or symptoms that you can think of
2. For adults being evaluated: Have anyone you know write a letter of what they have observed from you (especially helpful from your parents to discuss childhood signs)
3. Bring in any screening tools you may have used
4. Bring in any scientific articles that may be relevant
Attend your appointment
1. Bring anything you may need to get you through a 2-3 hour appointment
2. Make sure you are well rested and have a good meal beforehand.

Why is getting a diagnosis important?

Having an official diagnosis helps the individual get needed accommodations at school, work and other places. It helps to have a diagnosis so that they can also get any needed services such as speech therapy, art therapy, occupational therapy, communication devices and other services. A diagnosis can help the individual have a greater understanding of themselves and their struggles and strengths, therefore empowering them.

How to Apply for Disability

Go directly through the social security administration, do not use a third party, even if it is provided by your insurance. These third party organizations often make things more difficult
Utilize the guide on the social security administration’s website here: https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/
Keep in mind that almost EVERYONE is denied the first time they apply. Do not get discouraged, there is an appeal process
Part of this process is seeing a judge at court to have them determine if you will qualify or not, this is a normal part of the process
The paperwork they send you can be confusing, but you can always call to speak to someone at social security to help you understand the paperwork and ask any questions.
It is always a good idea to apply for your children BEFORE they are adults. This makes the process a lot easier.