Autism Resource Library

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. 

Children and families impacted by war and displacement are likely experiencing severe trauma, and responses may include anxiety, sadness, shame, difficulty concentrating, feeling numb, insecurity, and physical pain. These responses may be heightened for autistic individuals. These Autism Focused Intervention & Resources (AFIRM) resources include social narratives, visual supports, and coping strategies, designed to help provide understanding during chaotic times and offer routines that may bring comfort or familiarity.

Living on your own for the very first time can be exciting yet nerve-wracking. Adjusting to this new life can seem especially difficult when you're on the autism spectrum. Drawing on her experiences, Lynne Soraya, one of ThAutcast.com's Most Inspiring Autistic People provides valuable advice as she guides readers through each step of transition into adulthood.

Leaving high school and going to college is complicated for everyone. Navigating College is an introduction to the college experience from those of us who've been there. The writers and contributors are Autistic adults, and we're giving you the advice that we wish someone could have given us when we headed off to college.

When traveling with a neurodiverse child or individual, It's essential to plan ahead and be ready with some useful tools along the way.  Caregivers can help make the trip as enjoyable as possible for the whole family by creating and using a travel "tool kit" to ease planning and preparation, and support the sensory needs of neurodiverse children.

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.

Knowledge is power, particularly in the days after an autism diagnosis. The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit helps families of young children make the best possible use of the 100 days following the diagnosis.

This toolkit, provided by Autism Speaks, provides helpful information for autistic individuals researching, finding, and keeping employment. It includes job-related stories, tips, and information from a collaboration of people, including autistic adults. Although this guide is written for you, we know that it will also be helpful for family members, service providers, business leaders and anyone who is helping someone with autism find and keep a job.

Over 100,000 parents have found the facts they need about high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including Asperger syndrome, in this indispensable guide, written by Duke Center for Autism Director Geraldine Dawson, PhD, Sally Ozonoff, PhD, and James McPartland, PhD.

Clear and engaging, this book offers a refreshing positive psychology approach to mental health and autism. Moving away from neurotypical views of happiness, it sets out simple techniques to help adults on the spectrum improve their mental health.