Autism Resource Library

Here, we share our own resources and some from national, state, and community organizations who support autistic individuals and their families. When possible, we provide links to third party resources. Please note, the Duke Center for Autism is not responsible for the content or security and privacy policies on third party websites. 

We invite you to scroll through our resources or use the filters below to help you search.


LIFE STAGE

Young Child (0-4)   School-age (5-18)  Adult (18+)

I AM A/AN...

Autistic Adult Parent/Caregiver  Educator  Employer 

Healthcare Professional or Early Intervention Provider

A Practical Guide to Happiness in Adults on the Autism Spectrum

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.

The IEP Toolkit

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.

Transition Toolkit - Autism Speaks

The Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit provides guidance, suggestions, and options for those on the journey from adolescence to adulthood. Topics covered include self-advocacy skills, legal issues, housing and employment options.

Challenging Behaviors Toolkit

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.

Parent's Guide to Autism

This guide will help provide parents with a better understanding of autism, and arm you with tips, tools and real life stories to guide you as you support your family immediately after the diagnosis and beyond.

Disaster Preparedness Tips for Families

During any emergency, health crisis, or natural or man-made disaster, it is necessary to be prepared with a plan and essentials. The Autism Society began the Safe and Sound initiative in 2005 to provide resources on topics such as general safety, emergency preparedness and prevention, and risk management.

Visual Supports and Autism

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.

School Safety Best Practices: Fire Drill

This information sheet gives proven strategies for working with autistic students during routine fire drills at school. Indiana University Hands In Autism Resource Center created this resource to help all students participate in school fire drills so they are prepared in the event of an actual emergency.

Grandparent's Guide to Autism

This guide will help provide granparents with a better understanding of autism, and arm you with tips, tools and real life stories to guide you as you support your family immediately after the diagnosis and beyond.