Families

Creating positive learning experiences for students with autism is a collaborative effort, one that thrives on strong partnerships between families, educators, and the students themselves. This page is designed specifically for families, offering essential information and resources to support your child throughout their lifespan.

The Autism Roadmap: A Family's Guide

Getting an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your child marks the beginning of a unique and meaningful journey for your family. Like any journey worth taking, this one will have its challenges, discoveries, and countless moments of growth.

This course will equip you with knowledge, strategies, and confidence to make informed decisions and serve as your roadmap. The sections of this course are designed to guide you through each phase of your child's development from diagnosis to independent adulthood. Think of it as a trusted GPS that will help you navigate the terrain ahead, offering clear directions and practical tools for each stage of the journey.

We encourage everyone to review all lessons, but feel free to navigate to lessons that are most important to you right now. You can always return and visit othe sections at a later time.

Early Childhood Website

The Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Education (ACE) Early Childhood website provides a wealth of resources for those raising, caring for, or educating young children with ASD. Resources can help families and providers understand Autism Spectrum Disorder, identify useful strategies to support a child's development, and know when and how to use these strategies at home, in the community, and in the early childhood classroom.

MyACE Dashboard

Want an easy way to keep track of your trainings? Click here to access your personal dashboard, where you can see what training options are available and track your progress! You'll need to create a free account, and then you'll be able to access training opportunities by topic.

Ask the Expert Series

The Ask the Expert Series discusses important topics for parents and others by providing a very brief overview of the topic, discussing why it is important, and giving practical tips that are relevant to the topic.