Resources
Autism Education & Skill Development Articles
Most children diagnosed with autism need educational and therapeutic support to maximize their skill development. To effectively advocate for your child, parents need to educate themselves on a variety of topics. This section contains articles that address education and skill development: therapeutic interventions, school law and procedures, and other ways to support your child.
School & IEPs
New School Year Checklist
Get your child with autism ready for an exceptional start to the new year! Download our FREE “About Me” student…
Special Education: IEP Tips
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the foundation of your child’s education. Many parents feel overwhelmed and anxious about these…
The Fundamentals of Special Education: What Parents Need to Know
In this article, Timothy A. Adams, Esq discusses what parents need to know about the fundamentals of special education so…
SMART IEP Goals
The goals on your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) lay the framework for their education, but what makes a good…
Independent Assessments
In order to develop effective goals with your child’s team, you need to know what their strengths and areas of…
IEP Transition Planning
One of the core objectives of IDEA is to prepare students for life after high school. Specifically, further education, employment,…
Behavior Issues at School: FBA, BIP, and Seclusion and Restraint
Students with autism may display challenging behaviors that interfere with their education or another student’s education. When this happens, schools…
Managing Behavior at School: FBA and BIP
Imagine a child in math class, at a time when the students are expected to work independently. With a shout,…
Special Education Conflict Resolution: Mediation and Due Process
There are times when parents may not be able to come to an agreement about what is needed for their…
Autism and Bullying
Most parents worry about their child being bullied. While statistics vary across research studies, people with autism are undoubtedly victims of…
Homeschooling Your Child with Autism
More parents of children with autism are opting to homeschool for a variety of reasons. In this article, you will…
Must Schools Provide Meal Modifications For Students On Special Diets?
Federal laws and regulations require public schools to provide meal modifications through the cafeteria service, at no additional cost, to…
Tips for Including Dietary Restrictions in Your Child’s IEP
If your child is on a special diet due to food allergies, sensitivities, or aversions, it is essential to include…
The GFCF Diet at School: Information for Awesome Teachers
If you have a student in your class who is on a GFCF diet, you may have questions and concerns. …
Early Childhood Intervention and Individualized Family Service Plans
While the average age a child is diagnosed with autism is four years old, most children show developmental warning signs…
Developing Skills
Therapeutic Interventions for Autism
Therapeutic interventions can help your child learn and develop skills that lead to independence. The most common therapeutic interventions for autism…
Therapeutic and Communication Options for Speech Issues in Autism
Providing your child with an effective means to communicate their thoughts, opinions, experiences, feelings, and knowledge is essential to creating…
In-Home Therapy Programs
Sometimes children receive therapies in their home environment instead of a therapy center, office, or school. Interventions that occur in…
Social Skills
Social skills are a person’s ability to effectively interact and communicate with others through our words, actions, and body language….
Facilitating Friendships
Friendship is an important part of life. A good friend can provide a feeling of connection, happiness, and self-worth. However,…
Life Skills
Functional life skills are the everyday tasks we all need to lead independent lives. Mastering these skills builds self-esteem and…
Executive Functioning Skills
Executive function is an umbrella term used to describe a set of cognitive skills we use to successfully navigate everyday…
Job Skills
Working gives people the opportunity to show their abilities, take pride in their accomplishments, and contribute to the community. While…
Engaging with Your Child at Home
Parents often struggle with how to help their child at home and may feel guilt that they are not doing…
What to Do During Summer Months
Many parents worry about their child regressing during the summer break from school. There are multiple ways to keep your…
Obtaining Funding for an AAC Device
For many people with autism, iPads literally give them a voice. Unfortunately, iPads aren’t cheap. Even the least expensive iPad…
Post-Pandemic Navigation
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19, a Pandemic. And just like that…. the world changed….
Toilet Training Strategies for Autism
Learning to independently use the toilet is a significant milestone for any child, but for children with autism, this journey…
Evaluating Progress
Independent Assessments
In order to develop effective goals with your child’s team, you need to know what their strengths and areas of…
How to Document Your Child’s Progress
Your child works hard every day at school, therapy, and home. However, progress can be hard to see on a…
Managing and Minimizing Behaviors
Behavior Issues at School: FBA, BIP, and Seclusion and Restraint
Students with autism may display challenging behaviors that interfere with their education or another student’s education. When this happens, schools…
Managing Behavior at School: FBA and BIP
Imagine a child in math class, at a time when the students are expected to work independently. With a shout,…
Anxiety in Autism
Anxiety is very common in autism. A meta-analysis showed that almost 40% of kids with autism have at least one comorbid anxiety…
Speech Issues in Autism: Introduction
Speech issues are common in autism. In fact, about 40% of children with autism do not talk at all. Providing your child…
Aggression and Behavior in Autism
Behavioral issues in autism may be one of the hardest issues for parents to manage. Children with autism may display extensive,…
Sensory Processing Disorder in Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and communication. A significant…
Effective Management of Sensory Processing Disorder in Autism
Let’s explore a range of therapeutic and medical interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals facing sensory challenges….
Safety
Keeping Your Kids with ASD Safe
Safety is a top priority to all parents. Having autism brings unique challenges to keeping our children safe and protected….
Risk Reduction Strategies for Physical and Sexual Abuse
Sadly, individuals with autism are more vulnerable to abuse due to challenges in communication, poor social awareness, and being viewed…
Autism and Bullying
Most parents worry about their child being bullied. While statistics vary across research studies, people with autism are undoubtedly victims of…
Water Safety
Teaching your child with autism how to swim AND helping them develop water safety skills from a young age is critical…
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Hope & Help for Autism Facebook Group
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Resources
TACA provides in-depth, comprehensive information and resources to help parents navigate all aspects of the autism...
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TACA chapters across the US hold meetings, autism learning seminars, coffee talks, and family events...
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TACA’s national headquarters office is located in Irvine, California, and has the capacity to provide extended in-person resources...