In the caregiver-delivered version of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), caregivers are coached to use strategies during their everyday interactions with their children that have been shown to promote social interaction, communication and learning. Free, online caregiver coaching modules are now available. 

This encouraging guide from the developers of a groundbreaking early intervention program provides doable, practical strategies you can use every day. Nearly all young kids—including autistic children—have an amazing capacity to learn. Drs. Sally Rogers, Duke Center for Autism Director Geraldine Dawson, and Laurie Vismara make it surprisingly simple to turn daily routines like breakfast or bath time into fun and rewarding learning experiences that target crucial developmental skills.

The AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit was created as part of an on-going research project by the Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE) to help improve healthcare access and quality for adults on the autism spectrum. The project was funded by the National Institute Of Mental Health, Award Number R34MH092503. 

Our understanding and acceptance of autism has evolved over the years towards a greater awareness of what we call neurodiversity - broadly, the idea that each brain is unique and what used to be considered "disorders" are not at all, but rather reflections of these uniqueness with their own strengths and weaknesses. Joining the podcast is Dr. Lauren Franz, the associate director of Duke University Center for Autism and Brain Development, for an enlightening and important conversation. 

A strong Individualized Education Program (IEP) is an important part of ensuring your child’s success at school. Empowering parents to be their children’s best advocates is the guiding principle for this toolkit, created by the Autism Society of NC, which will walk you through the process.

Visual supports can be a very effective way for children and adults with autism to communicate.This tool kit, developed by the Autism Treatment Network with the support from the Health Resources and Services Administration to Vanderbilt University, provides a step-by-step, easy-to-understand introduction to visual supports and the ways that parents and other caregivers can begin using them.

Use this social narrative, created by Hands in Autism Resource Center at Indiana University, to help autistic individuals learn about and prepared to get a shot at the doctor's visit.

From leading autism researchers, including Duke Center for Autism Director Geraldine Dawson, PhD, this accessible guide helps you put the latest advances to work for your unique child. Separating fact from fiction about causes, treatments, and prevention, the book guides you to make lifestyle choices that support the developing brain. Learn about the choices you have — and the steps you can take — to build a happier, healthier life for your child and family.

In these short videos, Duke Center for Autism Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Lauren Franz, MBChB, MPH, and Duke ADHD Program Director Scott Kollins, PhD, - both investigators on the Autism Center of Excellence study - share tips, strategies, and resources for caregivers of children with ASD, ADHD, or both.

Sometimes, autistic individuals display behaviors that are challenging to understand and address. The Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit, created by Autism Speaks, will provide you with strategies and resources to address these behaviors and help support you during difficult situations.