Autism Resources (Local and National)

Finding the right assistance relating to autism can be a challenge.

Learn how to be an Ally for Autism and find more resources for children ages 0-5 put together by our Child and Family Library Services team.

Below is a collected list of local and national autism resources and their links to help get started!

Local (Colorado)

• Facing Your Fears Program, opens a new window – University of Colorado JFK Partners School of Medicine’s FYF – Facing Your Fears (FYF) is a program aimed toward youth with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) who need assistance managing anxiety symptoms that interfere with daily life. The program is based on more than 8 years of funded research, and uses cognitive behavioral principles to assist youth in identifying their anxiety and/or fears, as well as learning strategies to manage their anxiety symptoms. FYF is currently offered in a group-setting, although it may also be used in individual contexts.
• Children’s Hospital (Neuropsychiatric Special Care Program), opens a new window – Provides care for kids with an autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability. The Neuropsychiatric Special Care (NSC) Program provides short-term inpatient and intensive day treatment care for children and adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder and/or an intellectual disability. Children aged 4 through 17 years with co-morbid (medical and/or psychiatric) conditions are eligible. 

• Firefly Autism, opens a new window – Offers autism and Applied Behavior Analysis, assessments, early start Denver model, opens a new window, school age programs, intensive treatment program, after school/summer programs, home programs, school consultations, program development and training. 
• The Joshua School, opens a new window – The Joshua School is an accredited, Colorado Department of Education approved facility school that partners closely with over 20 local school districts to provide the intensive services many of our students need. Their nationally recognized approach has achieved superior results through our structured environments, teaching strategies based on behavioral intervention, and data collection. Using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), an evidence-based science, they identify, with families and teams, the needs of each student to create an independent and fulfilling life. These might include social skills, communication and language, academics, daily living and community skills, vocational skills and more.  
• Jumpstart Autism Center, opens a new window – Provides ASD evaluation and diagnosis, full-day service, half-day service, and afterschool services.  The organization is located in Englewood, Colorado providing ABA services consistent with national standards.

• Austism Society of Colorado, opens a new window – ASC’ vision is for ALL Coloradans affected by autism have ready access to services and supports needed to be safe, educated, healthy, productive, and lead fulfilling lives. We serve individuals with autism, families, providers, and educators throughout the state of Colorado. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability; signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate, and interact with others. 

National (United States)

• Autism Speaks, opens a new window – Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. 
• The Arc US Autism Now, opens a new window – The Autism NOW Center provides high quality resources and information in core areas across the lifespan to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, and professional in the field. Focus areas include: Early detection, Early intervention, and Early education; Transition from high school into early adulthood; Community based employment; Advocacy for families and self-advocates; Community Inclusion; Aging Issues; Policy; Implementation of Health Care Reform, including Long Term Care Services and Supports; Family and Sibling Support; and Networking in local, state, and national arenas. 
• How to Decide Between Autism Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs, opens a new window - Autism Speaks includes an article outlining considerations when trying to decide if a service animal would benefit a person with autism.

• Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, opens a new window – Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) serves families, educators, and professionals working with students with autism and low-incidence disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairments, other health impairments, and traumatic brain injuries. 
• SingleCare, opens a new window – A guide on teaching children on the autism spectrum how to take medication. 
• HLOOM Careeer Assistance for People with Autism, opens a new window – Many people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) look forward to the satisfaction and independence that come with being employed. Unfortunately, the majority of people with ASD struggle to get hired. One reason is that employers aren’t educated about the abilities and skills autistic job seekers possess. Another is that successfully navigating the job search process can be challenging for someone with ASD if they don’t have the right guidance and assistance. If you’re a job seeker with autism or their caregiver, take advantage of the resources, advice, articles, and other information provided in this guide. 

Looking for more resources about autism, developmental delays or have early childhood-related questions? Our Child and Family Library Services team would love to help!  

Submit a request through Ask-A-Librarian or call 303-542-7279 (303-LIBRARY) for more support.