A curated collection of resources for autistic individuals and their families — covering diagnosis, school advocacy, therapies, New York State services, adult supports, and crisis lines. Compiled by GRSCorp, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Clifton Park, NY.
The path to an autism diagnosis can feel long and confusing. These resources help families understand the evaluation process, find qualified providers, and understand what a diagnosis means.
Step-by-step guide to requesting and navigating a comprehensive autism evaluation — who to ask, what to expect, and how to prepare.
Read the Guide →Observable developmental red flags from 12 months to 5 years, organized by age. The earlier a family notices, the sooner services can begin.
See the Signs →Plain-language explanation of how autism is diagnosed under DSM-5 criteria, what evaluators look for, and how to interpret a diagnostic report.
Understand the Criteria →A no-cost online screening tool for families concerned about developmental milestones. Not a diagnosis — but a helpful first step and conversation starter for pediatrician visits.
Take the Screening →Free developmental milestone resources from the CDC, including milestone checklists and a free milestone tracker app. Trusted by pediatricians nationwide.
Visit CDC Resource →Guides on how to find an autism specialist, what a comprehensive evaluation includes, and what to do after a diagnosis is received.
Autism Speaks Diagnosis →New York State's Early Intervention (EI) Program provides services to children from birth to age 3 at no cost to families. It is one of the most important and underutilized systems available to families of young autistic children.
The official NYS DOH Early Intervention Program — eligibility, how to refer a child, service coordinators, and what services are available under EI.
NYS EI Program →When a child turns 3, they transition from EI to CPSE. Learn how to navigate this transition, what evaluation to request, and what services are available ages 3–5.
NYS School Resources →Research-based resource on early language development, communication red flags, and research-backed parent strategies for supporting communication in young children. Free, accessible content.
First Words Project →Web-based tools and courses for families and providers supporting young autistic children. Developed by researchers at Florida State University. Offers practical guidance grounded in naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention.
Autism Navigator →Our free autism screening tool helps identify developmental red flags. It takes about 5 minutes and is a helpful starting point for a conversation with your child's doctor.
Take the Free Screening ToolThe Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the cornerstone of special education services in public schools. Understanding your rights and how to advocate effectively can make an enormous difference in your child's education.
Comprehensive guide to the IEP process — evaluations, meeting preparation, your legal rights, how to advocate effectively, and what to do when you disagree with the team.
Read the IEP Guide →An overview of New York State's school-based support system — from CPSE through high school transition planning, including Extended School Year services.
NYS School Resources →UDL, sensory modifications, visual supports, and IEP collaboration guidance for classroom teachers. Also useful for parents to share with their child's school team.
Teacher Strategies →Advocates for Children of New York (AFC) and Resources for Children with Special Needs serve as NYS's PTI centers — providing free advocacy, information, and support to families of students with disabilities.
Advocates for Children →The definitive resource on special education law and advocacy — IDEA, Section 504, FAPE, LRE, due process, and parent rights. Trusted by families and advocates nationwide.
Wrightslaw →For families considering homeschooling, including what services remain available through the school district and how to structure effective home-based learning.
Homeschooling Guide →A range of evidence-based therapies support autistic individuals across the lifespan. Understanding what's available, what the evidence says, and how to access services is essential for families building a support plan.
An honest, evidence-based look at picky eating, GI issues, special diets (GF/CF reviewed), nutritional deficiencies, and feeding therapy strategies.
Nutrition Guide →Why SIB occurs, assessment approaches, and intervention strategies — for families and providers navigating one of autism's most challenging co-occurring behaviors.
SIB Guide →The 10 best sensory toys and tools for autistic children — from weighted items to fidgets to visual supports. Sensory accommodations support regulation, learning, and daily function.
Sensory Resources →Free, comprehensive online modules covering evidence-based practices for autism — ABA, social narratives, visual supports, PECS, naturalistic intervention, and more. Trusted by professionals and families.
AIM Modules →Evidence summaries and reviews of autism interventions. Helps families distinguish evidence-based approaches from interventions with weak or no scientific support.
ASAT →The "services cliff" — the dramatic drop in support many autistic individuals experience when they age out of school-based services at 21 — is one of the most critical challenges facing the autism community. Planning ahead matters.
Many adults receive their autism diagnosis in their 20s, 30s, or beyond. This guide covers what autism looks like in adulthood and how to pursue a late diagnosis.
Adult Autism Signs →New York's primary funder of services for adults with developmental disabilities including autism. Housing, day services, employment support, respite, and more — starting with OPWDD eligibility determination.
OPWDD.ny.gov →Adult Career and Continuing Education Services provides job training, workplace accommodations support, college funding assistance, and employment support for autistic adults with vocational goals.
ACCES-VR →Housing, employment, benefits, healthcare, and relationships resources specifically focused on autistic adults and their families planning for the future.
Adult Resources →New York State has one of the most robust autism service systems in the country — but navigating it requires knowing where to look. These resources are specific to families in NYS.
A comprehensive pillar page covering Early Intervention, CPSE/CSE, OPWDD, Medicaid waivers, ACCES-VR, and how to navigate the NYS system from birth through adulthood.
NYS Services Guide →ESY services, specialty camps, therapeutic day programs, OPWDD-funded options, and funding sources — by region across NYS.
NYS Summer Programs →Connecting with other autism families in New York State — local chapters, parent support groups, and peer-to-peer programs across the state.
Parent Support Networks →Protects vulnerable individuals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Includes a reporting hotline for suspected abuse of individuals with developmental disabilities in NYS care settings.
NYS Justice Center →GRSCorp is a Clifton Park, NY-based 501(c)(3) providing resources, community connections, and advocacy for autism families in the Capital Region and beyond.
Visit GRSCorp.us →Connection with others who understand your experience — whether as an autistic person or as a family member — is one of the most powerful support tools available. These communities offer genuine peer support.
Run by and for autistic people. Advocacy, resources, and community from an autistic-led perspective. Essential for understanding neurodiversity and disability rights.
ASAN →Local chapters throughout NYS provide community events, support groups, family resources, and peer connection. Find your chapter at autismsociety.org.
Find Your Chapter →Resources specifically for brothers and sisters of people with autism and other disabilities. SibShops locator, online communities, and resources for sibling supporters.
Sibling Support Project →Active online communities for autistic adults and parents of autistic children. Real-world experience, peer advice, and genuine community — moderated for respect and inclusion.
r/Autism →When you or someone you love needs immediate support, these resources provide 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors.
Global Relief And Support Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to improving quality of life for autistic individuals and their families in New York and beyond. Explore our resources, connect with our community, or support our mission.
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