I call myself an IEP slayer. In reality, I think I slayed the poor social worker. They managed my son’s IEP – Individualized Education Plan. Hopefully, you never need a special education attorney or advocate. Hopefully, you never need to set up guardianship for your child. You might not have to apply for disability benefits. You may also not need to navigate the group home system. But if and when you do, this page will be here for you.
Know of a legal resource? Local? Online? Let me know! I’ll add it here.
LawHelp.org. Links to legal resources by state.
The Arc of the United States. Links to local disability resources in each state.
Karen Edler, Special Education Attorney on Linkedin. Karen is a NJ Special Education Attorney. She shares updates on special ed law, IDEA, and FAPE. She explains how these impact families on her LinkedIn page.
CDC — Autism Spectrum Disorder. Covers developmental monitoring, screening and diagnosis, treatment options, and resources for living with ASD including independent living and transitions.
CDC “Learn the Signs. Act Early.”. Helps parents track their child’s developmental milestones and strives to identify autism as early as possible.
IDEA — Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It guarantees every child the right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). It also supports school-based and pre-employment services for children with disabilities.
Center for Parent Information & Resources (OSEP). It serves as a gateway to resources and assistance for governments, school systems, and parents involved in special education. It is operated by the U.S. Dept. of Education.
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). A federal advisory committee coordinating all autism-related efforts within the Dept. of Health and Human Services.
Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive!. This is a coordinated federal initiative. It aims to encourage healthy child development. It also promotes universal developmental screening. The initiative includes tailored guides for families and care providers.
Medicaid / CHIP — Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Administers Medicaid, CHIP, and health insurance policy standards including autism services coverage.
NICHD — National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Researches the causes of autism, how to recognize signs, and intervention approaches.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — Autism. Provides comprehensive information for parents, patients, caregivers, and educators on ASD.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Covers treatment, prognosis, and current research, with links to related publications and organizations.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). Autistic individuals run ASAN. It provides free toolkits and guides. These resources focus on inclusion and policy advocacy at local, state, and national levels.
National Autism Association. Provides guidance for individuals with autism, aiming to help each individual reach their full potential.
National Autism Center at May Institute. Offers the free “Pathways for Parents” virtual training series and a downloadable Parent’s Guide to Evidence-Based Practice and Autism.
The Arc. A national organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy, services, and community initiatives.
Organization for Autism Research (OAR). The organization offers free resources, guides, and tool kits for parents and caregivers. These resources include materials to help neurotypical children understand their autistic peers.
Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers. Each state has at least one federally funded PTI Center. These centers support families of children birth–22 with disabilities. They provide free information to maximize their child’s education.
Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2F). This is a family-led network present in every state. It is staffed by members who have firsthand experience supporting children and youth with special health care needs.
Help Me Grow. Connects families of children birth through age 8 to developmental services that enhance development, behavior, and learning.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — Autism. Provides current information on autism prevalence, AAP policy, and resources for families and pediatric professionals.
National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT). This center helps education agencies and vocational rehabilitation services. They implement evidence-based practices to prepare students with disabilities. These practices ready them for postsecondary education and employment.
Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program. Free and voluntary program supporting career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries ages 18–64 who want to work.
PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment. Educates parents on transition to adulthood, including how to find a job, employment supports, and disability rights.
U.S. Dept. of Education — Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education. Addresses transition planning, services and requirements, postsecondary education and employment options, and supporting student decision-making.
National Autism Association — Big Red Safety Box. This initiative provides free door alarms, ID cards, and safety tips. These are essential to prevent wandering — a critical resource for families of children at risk of elopement.
Parent to Parent USA (P2P). A national network ensuring access to quality emotional support for families of individuals with disabilities.
AANE — Asperger/Autism Network. Provides free virtual support groups, webinars, and online forums for caregivers and individuals on the spectrum.