Autism Foundation of America
Loading pageExplore information that helps individuals and families understand autism, prepare for next steps, locate support, and make informed decisions with greater confidence.
Designed to Be Useful
Searching for help can quickly become exhausting. People often find long lists, unfamiliar language, and information that does not clearly explain what to do next.
Our resource center is organized around real needs so visitors can begin with the subject that matters most to them.
Understanding Autism
Autism can look different from one person to another. Individuals and families may have questions about communication, development, daily life, education, evaluations, therapy, and available support.
AFA is building a resource center that helps people begin with understandable information and move toward practical next steps.
Browse the Resource Library
Reviewed National Support Links
August 1, 2026
These independent organizations provide national information, referral services, family guidance, local-resource connections, workplace assistance, or crisis support.
Federal health information
Official information about autism, signs and characteristics, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and accessing services.
Visit the CDCInformation and referral
Speak with an Information and Referral Specialist who can help identify autism resources and services. Call 800-328-8476.
Open the HelplineEducation and family advocacy
Locate the Parent Training and Information Center or Community Parent Resource Center serving your state or territory.
Find a Parent CenterLocal essential-needs support
Connect with local assistance for housing, utilities, food, healthcare, transportation, caregiver support, and other essential needs.
Find Local HelpEmployment and accommodations
Find free, expert, and confidential guidance about workplace accommodations, disability employment, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Explore Workplace SupportImmediate crisis support
Free and confidential emotional and crisis support is available 24 hours a day by call, text, or online chat.
Open 988 SupportThese links lead to independent organizations. Listing a resource does not establish a partnership, endorsement, or guarantee of eligibility, availability, service quality, or outcomes. External organizations control their own information and services.
Connected Resources
Information is most useful when it connects people to a clear next step. AFA helps bring together resources, programs, guidance, assistance, and community opportunities.
Finding one helpful resource can open the door to many more.
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The beginning can feel overwhelming. Clear information can make the next decision feel manageable.
A Clear First Step
Helpful information for individuals and families who are beginning their journey or trying to determine what to do next.
Understanding autism
Identifying immediate needs
Questions worth asking
Planning practical next steps
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Education works best when families and educators have useful information and a shared understanding of the student.
Learning and Advocacy
Information for students, families, educators, and school communities working to create stronger learning experiences.
Educational planning
School support
Learning resources
Working with educators
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Families need more than information. They need encouragement, practical direction, and people who understand.
Guidance and Connection
Practical guidance and community connections for parents, caregivers, siblings, and extended families.
Caregiver support
Family guidance
Community connections
Practical assistance
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Finding financial help should not require families to navigate confusing information alone.
Support When It Matters
Information about assistance opportunities, eligibility, essential needs, and additional support options.
Assistance programs
Eligibility information
Essential needs
Additional support options
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Daily life becomes more manageable when people have practical tools that respect individual needs.
Everyday Life
Information that supports health, communication, independence, routines, and everyday wellbeing.
Daily living support
Health information
Communication resources
Independent living
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Adulthood should include meaningful choices, useful support, and opportunities to participate fully.
The Road Ahead
Resources for employment, personal development, independent living, and planning for adulthood.
Employment support
Workplace guidance
Transition planning
Adult resources
A Simple Place to Begin
Explain the question, need, or challenge in your own words.
Our team can help determine which area may be relevant.
Connect with useful information, programs, or support.
More Than Information
Learn how Autism Foundation of America supports individuals and families through education, assistance, guidance, and community programs.
