Resources Library
AACP's Facts for Families
AACP's Facts for Families were developed to provide concise and up-to-date information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families.
The Child with Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorders (aacap.org)
Asperger's Disorder
Aspergers Disorder (aacap.org)
Children with an Intellectual Disability
Intellectual Disabilities (aacap.org)
Services in School for Children w/ Special Needs: What Parents Need to Know
School Services for Children with Special Needs: Know Your Rights (aacap.org)
ADHD increasing: A wealth of resources to help students
Educators find ADHD increasing: A wealth of resources to help students | Pearson Assessments US
ADHD Resources
Explaining ADHD to Kids
Explaining ADHD to Kids | Explaining Brains
ADHD increasing: A wealth of resources to help students
Educators find ADHD increasing: A wealth of resources to help students | Pearson Assessments US
CHADD's ADHD Parent Training and Support
The organization CHADD offers educational courses designed to help parents understand ADHD and learn practical strategies to support their children. These courses include short videos and helpful materials that parents can review at their own pace. Overall, the program is designed to give parents knowledge, tools, and support so they can help their child succeed both academically and emotionally.
ADHD Fact Sheets & Infographics - CHADD
NRC Toolkit - CHADD
https://chadd.org/about-adhd/overview/
The Kazdin Method for Parenting the Defiant Child by Alan Kazdin
An effective parent management program that also has free online resources available.
https://alankazdin.com/everyday-parenting-the-abcs-of-child-rearing/
10 Essential Classroom Accommodations for ADHD
Go to that IEP meeting prepared. Young people in the education system with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have the right to receive accommodations. These accommodations may help students with ADHD including getting extra time to complete assignments and having special seating arrangements.
10 Essential Classroom Accommodations for ADHD | Psychology Today
Medication in ADHD Treatment
Medication can be one helpful option for treating ADHD. It can support a child’s ability to focus, stay on task, and manage impulses. Some families choose to use medication, and others prefer different approaches — and that’s okay. Every family gets to decide what feels right for them.
Medication in ADHD Treatment - CHADD
Video Clips
For Adults
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
This video was made by the National Center for Learning Disabilities.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? (youtube.com)
Autism - what we know (and what we don't know yet)
Wendy Chung MD, PhD shares a brief summary on what we know about Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Autism — what we know (and what we don't know yet) | Wendy Chung (youtube.
For Families
What is Autism?
Dr. Meg Stone-Heaberlin, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist gives a quick explanation on Autism.
What is Autism? | Cincinnati Children's (youtube.com)
Sesame Street: Meet Julia
This Sesame Street video is helpful for parents to watch with their children.
Sesame Street: Meet Julia (Full Clip | 10 Min) (youtube.com)
Teens Guide to Autism
This video is useful for teens and parents to learn about people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
A Teen's Guide To Autism (youtube.com)
Marvelous Max - Autism Awareness for Kids
This animated video for children and their parents explain how Max, behaves differently from others.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tFuxx-I_INk
Reading List For Parents
Understanding neurodiversity, child development, executive functioning, and autism is an ongoing journey. We’ve gathered a selection of books that offer different perspectives from practical guidance for parents to personal stories and broader conversations about what it means to think, learn, communicate, and experience the world differently.
There is no single book that has all the answers. Instead, these resources invite curiosity, encourage understanding, and offer different ways to see the children, families, and individuals at the heart of this conversation.
Understanding Autism & Neurodiversity
Uniquely Human by Barry M. Prizant, PhD
A compassionate perspective on autism that looks beyond behaviors and diagnoses to understand the person behind them.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Every Parent Needs to Know by Alan I. Rosenblatt, MD, FAAP & Paul S. Carbone, MD,
A practical introduction to autism for parents looking to better understand diagnosis, development, and support.
Differently Wired by Deborah Reber
A celebration of neurodivergent children and a guide for parents learning to move beyond traditional expectations.
NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman
An exploration of the history of autism and the changing ways society has understood neurological difference.
In a Different Key by John Donvan & Caren Zucker
A deeply researched history of autism, tracing the people and events that shaped the modern conversation.
Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism by Temple Grandin
A personal account of experiencing and understanding the world through a different cognitive lens.
What I Want to Talk About by Pete Wharmby
A personal exploration of autism that challenges assumptions and offers insight into autistic experience from an autistic perspective.
Parenting, Development & Everyday Life
Autism Out Loud: Life with a Child on the Spectrum, from Diagnosis to Young Adulthood by Kate Swenson, Adrian Wood & Carrie Cariello
Personal stories and reflections on the realities, challenges, discoveries, and joys of raising an autistic child.
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel, MD & Tina Payne Bryson
Practical ideas for understanding children's developing brains and supporting emotional growth.
Love That Boy by Ron Fournier
A father's personal journey toward understanding his son and discovering that parenting isn't about changing a child—it’s about learning how to see them.
Executive Functioning & Learning
Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson, EdD & Richard Guare, PhD
A practical approach to understanding executive skills and helping children develop strategies for organization, focus, planning, and self-regulation.
The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Executive Functioning Disorders by Rebecca Branstetter, PhD
A parent-friendly resource for understanding executive functioning and supporting children who may struggle with everyday tasks and demands.
Practical Support
Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism or Other Developmental Issues by Maria Wheeler, MEd
A practical resource offering strategies and guidance for families navigating toileting challenges alongside developmental differences.
The Independent Woman's Handbook for Super Safe Living on the Autistic Spectrum by Robyn Steward
A practical guide to navigating independence, safety, relationships, and everyday life as an autistic woman.
Personal Stories & Broader Perspectives
Nobody Nowhere by Donna Williams
An autobiographical account of growing up autistic before having the language to understand her own experiences.
Mad in America by Robert Whitaker
An examination of the history and controversies surrounding psychiatric treatment and the experiences of people living with mental health conditions.
Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker
A broader examination of psychiatric medications, treatment practices, and questions surrounding long-term outcomes.
Books For Children & Teens
Stories that help children understand themselves and each other. Books can be a wonderful way for children and teens to explore emotions, friendships, identity, self-advocacy, and the many different ways people experience the world.
We’ve gathered stories and practical resources that can help young readers build emotional awareness, strengthen everyday skills, and see themselves reflected in the pages they read. Some offer helpful tools for navigating big feelings and executive functioning, while others tell stories about autism, difference, belonging, and discovering your own strengths.
Building Skills & Understanding Feelings
Ninja Life Hacks: Self-Management Collection
A fun, accessible series that introduces skills like impulse control, motivation, self-discipline, and emotional regulation.
Little Spot of Feelings
A colorful series that helps children recognize, name, and better understand their emotions while building skills for
managing big feelings.
Eat the Frog and Thrive!
A planner and journal designed to help students strengthen executive functioning, organization, motivation, and overall wellbeing.
Stories About Autism, Identity & Belonging
Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin
A thoughtful coming-of-age story told from the perspective of an autistic teenager, exploring communication, family, and what it means to be understood.
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
A moving story about grief, family, and seeing the world through the eyes of a young autistic girl.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
A mystery told through the perspective of Christopher, a teenager whose unique way of understanding the world shapes the story.
A Day With No Words by Tiffany Hammond
A beautifully illustrated story celebrating communication beyond spoken language and showing the everyday connection between an autistic child and his mother.
Rules by Cynthia Lord
A story about friendship, family, and learning that people and relationships don't always fit neatly into rules.
3,500: An Autistic Boy's Ten-Year Romance with Snow White by Ron Miles
A personal and deeply human story about autism, childhood interests, family, and the ways passions can become meaningful parts of a person's life.
Can You See Me? by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott
A story offering insight into the experiences of an autistic girl navigating school, friendships, anxiety, and the challenges of being misunderstood.
Confidence, Feelings & Self-Acceptance
The Boy With Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee
A gentle story about a child who experiences emotions intensely and learning that big feelings can be part of who we are, not something to be ashamed of.
All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism by Shaina Rudolph & Danielle Royer
A reassuring story about accepting the different parts of ourselves and recognizing that autism is one part of a much bigger picture.
I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism by Shaina Rudolph & Danielle Royer
An accessible introduction to autism that helps children understand neurological differences with curiosity, empathy, and acceptance.
Growing Up & Becoming More Independent
The Autism Friendly Guide to Periods by Robyn Steward
A straightforward, accessible guide designed to help autistic young people understand puberty, periods, body changes, and personal care with greater confidence and independence.