Resources


Some of the resources below name autism in the title— the strategies used to support learners with autism are not disability-specific and can be effective with learners with a wide range of abilities and ages.  Don’t miss out on an awesome opportunity because the resource named a diagnosis that’s different from your child’s diagnosis.

ADEPT Modules – Create a login and begin free, self-paced training from the comfort of your home. ADEPT Modules are designed for the busy parent so you can start and pause your learning whenever you need. There are 2 main learning paths with 10 lessons each. Register today to start learning how to teach functional skills and use positive behavior strategies!

AFIRM Modules – Create a login and begin free, self-paced training from the comfort of your home. AFIRM Modules are designed for the busy parent so you can start and pause your learning whenever you need. All of the modules teach how to use evidence-based practices (meaning lots of research studies found that the practices help kids learn).

AIM Modules – Just like with AFIRM, create a login and begin free, self-paced, training on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Start and pause your learning as you need. Modules can be sorted by category such as practices to use at home, in the community, in the classroom, and in the workplace. For those impacted by autism, there are detailed modules on characteristics of autism and relevant teaching practices.

Evidence-Based Instructional Practices – Researchers and practitioners at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center developed a user-friendly website with videos and simple instructions for how to use evidence-based practices to teach children. Find videos on improving peer interactions, improving communication skills, using reinforcement and prompting procedures, and toilet training.

Evidence-Based Practices – This document, published in 2014, includes fact sheets about all evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism spectrum disorder.
It explains how something is determined to be evidence-based and lists practices that have limited or no data to support their use.

The Barton Lab – Dr. Erin Barton and her team at Vanderbilt University provide info for parents and providers on understanding and managing challenging behavior as well as building play and social skills. The Barton Research Lab is developing and testing an app to support families in understanding their child’s behavior and teaching critical life skills.

VELA – Austin-area families, register for a free Vela course on: special education, autism, or taking care of you. Vela graduates are invited to 3 Family Fun Days each years and can take advantage of the monthly support group.

What Works Clearinghouse – Evidence-based practices for teaching math, science, literacy skills and more. The What Works Clearinghouse lets you filter by topic to review interventions and how effective they are based on the research base. Great tool for prepping for your next IEP or ARD meeting.