Regardless of whether you’ve just heard the diagnosis, are afraid to, or have been more or less comfortable with it for years, these are some sites, books, and resources that have helped me over the years.
Blogs
The Autism Advocate – Psychology Today
Stuff With Thing – Social Stories
Social Skills & Pragmatics Social Stories
Organizations
National Resource Center on ADHD
The Arc – look for a chapter in your area
National Down Syndrome Congress
There are many more local and state agencies that have great resources. Your local Arc chapter will help you find these resources, including advocacy, therapies, and social outlets. Many universities have community-based outreach programs for kids with special needs of all kinds, so contact them and find out what they are offering in your area. Some other places to look include your state’s special education website or page, your local parks and rec program, and even your local school district. It never hurts to ask!
Books
Please keep in mind that my son is on the autism spectrum, so my personal resources will pertain to his diagnosis. If you would like to recommend some resources to add to my list, let me know, and I would be glad to do so!
A Mind Apart by Peter Szatmari, M.D.
The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.
The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.
Teach Me to Do it Myself by Maja Pitamic – not really a special needs book, but great ways to teach someone with special needs
1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders by
Veronica Zysk and Ellen Notbohm
I Love You Rituals by Becky A. Bailey, Ph.D. – again, not a special needs book, but full of great ways to connect with your children
Simple. I Just Do. 