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A child is being assessed by a therapist during her early years.

Early Years

Guidance for Children in the Early Years

The Autism Society of North Carolina offers guidance and support for parents and caregivers who are seeking information and resources about autism for children in the early years. If you have any questions at any point of the autism journey, please reach out to one of our knowledgeable Autism Resource Specialists around the state. They offer expert advice for any questions you may have about autism in the early years.

 

A child is being assessed by a therapist.

Early Years To-Do

  • Use visual supports and social narratives.
  • Identify programs and services that will prepare the child for school.
  • Find time to take care of your physical and mental health.
  • Develop a system for organizing relevant information about your child.
  • Continue to research and implement appropriate therapies depending on the child’s needs.
  • Find opportunities to foster independence in play, self-care, and chores.

 

Blogs

 

Early Intervention Strategies and Preparing for School  
Blog: Early Intervention Strategies to Promote Communication Behaviors
Blog: Our Position on Applied Behavior Analysis
Blog: Promoting a Child’s Independence Within Daily Routines
Blog: Social Skills Start at Home
Blog: Show Me the Data
Blog: The Importance of Leisure Skills
Blog: Do Less, So They Can Do More
   
Health and Daily Living  
Blog: “Are Chicken Nuggets a Vegetable?” and other Mealtime Musings: Selective Eating in Autism
Blog: It’s Time for the Dentist!
Blog: Ten Handy Tips to Toilet Training (Without Tears!)
Blog: Integrated Care: Why It Matters and How to Achieve It
Blog: Supporting Someone with Autism in Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
   
Behavior  
Blog: A Parent’s Perspective on Handling Meltdowns
Blog: Toddler Tantrum or Meltdown?
Blog: What It’s Like to Have a Severe Autism Meltdown
Blog: Why Do I Get Overwhelmed in New Places?
Blog: Shutting Down Like an Overloaded Computer
   
Safety  
Blog: Wandering, Bolting, and Safety
Blog: Seek First Responders with CIT Training
Blog: Online Safety for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
   
Tools for Parents  
Blog: Taking Care of Yourself Benefits Your Loved One with Autism
Blog: Parent-to-Parent Support – It Will Change Your Life
Blog: Keeping Our Cool When Things Get Heated
Blog: 10 Tips for Navigating Our Journey
Blog: When Should Parents Disclose Their Child’s Diagnosis?
Blog: Diagnosing Autism – Frequently Asked Questions
Blog: Supporting individuals with autism in foster care and post-adoption contexts
Blog: Coping with Loss: Recommendations for Supporting Individuals on the Autism Spectrum through Grief
Blog: Making Halloween Fun for Individuals with Autism