Special Learning was built on one belief: every person touched by autism deserves to move toward their highest possible independence. This series exists to give families the same knowledge that clinicians and specialists have — in plain language, at no cost.
The Six Chapters
Each chapter stands alone — start where you are. The chapters are designed to build on each other, but you can jump directly to whatever your family needs right now.
Early signs of autism across five age groups — from under 12 months through age 5 and beyond. An interactive checklist to help you notice patterns and know when to seek evaluation.
What an autism diagnosis actually means, how it's reached, and what comes next. Written for the first weeks after you hear the words — when everything feels uncertain.
What the research actually shows about autism therapies — ABA, speech therapy, OT, AAC, and more. An honest broker guide with evidence ratings and access pathways.
The IEP process, school-based services, insurance coverage, and how to access the support your child is legally entitled to — without getting lost in the system.
Know your child's rights and how to use them. Practical tools for navigating IEP disagreements, discrimination, and finding the right allies — at school and in the community.
Adolescence, transition planning, adult services, employment, and independent living. The destination this entire journey points toward — a full, meaningful life.
Who This Series Is For
Parents & Families
Navigating diagnosis, services, and daily life with an autistic child
Grandparents & Extended Family
Learning how to support and understand a family member with autism
Educators & School Staff
Understanding autism to better serve students and support families
Caregivers
Providing daily support and wanting to understand the whole picture
International Families
Navigating autism in countries with different service landscapes
Newly Discovering
Still in the "something feels different" phase before any diagnosis
Common Questions from Families
What should I do first after an autism diagnosis?
How do I navigate the IEP process?
What therapies have the strongest evidence for autism?
What does independence actually mean for autistic people?
What happens when my autistic child becomes an adult?
Get the Full Journey Guide
All 6 chapters compiled into a printable family resource — free, and yours to share. We'll also notify you when new chapters go live.
"As a nursing assistant and a mom of a 13 yr old who has Asperger's Syndrome, this program has really opened my eyes to how I can better help my son as well as work with other children."
— Tonya Paterson, parent
Get the Level 1 ABA Training Course ($199) →Level 1 is a self-paced beginner course covering the basics of ABA, at your own pace — not a replacement for your child's therapy team.