Things Autism Parents May Not Know: Resources Edition

Pauline Lopez
May 1
3 min read

When my child was first diagnosed, I remember thinking: okay… now what? No roadmap, no clear next steps, just a lot of emotions and a million unanswered questions.

Even now, a few years into this journey, I’m still learning something new all the time.

If you’re in that stage (or even years in), here are some resources that many autism parents don’t hear about right away, but can make a huge difference.

1. IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services)

If your child requires extra care at home, you may qualify for IHSS even if you’re the one providing the care.

IHSS can provide financial support for things like:

Constant supervision
Help with feeding, dressing, or safety needs

In some cases, a parent or even a step-parent can be the paid provider.

2. Regional Center Services (California)

If you’re in California, your local Regional Center is HUGE.

They can help with:

Therapy services
Respite care (yes… breaks for you 🤍)
Funding for programs and support

The process might seem slow (I'm still waiting for SJ to be approved), but once you're accepted, it provides many opportunities.

3. AAC Devices (Communication Support)

If your child is nonverbal or has limited speech, an AAC device can truly change everything.

This could look like:

iPad communication apps
Dedicated speech devices

And the best part there are ways to get one without paying out of pocket. You can go through:

Your speech therapist
Insurance
Regional Center (if you’re in CA)
School services through your child’s IEP

4. Disability Parking Placard

This one surprised me.

If your child has safety concerns (like eloping, impulsivity, or difficulty with transitions), you may qualify for a disability placard.

It can make outings:

Safer
Less stressful
More manageable

I actually just got one for SJ, and the process was way smoother than I expected .All I had to do was schedule an appointment with his doctor, have them fill out the form, and then take it to the DMV (or AAA if you have it).

5. Amusement Park & Attraction Accommodations

A lot of theme parks offer disability access programs! You just have to ask.

These can include:

Return-time passes (so you don’t wait in long lines)
Sensory accommodations
Easier ride access

Some California parks that offer these include:

Disneyland Resort (Disability Access Service – DAS)
Disney California Adventure Park
Universal Studios Hollywood (Attraction Assistance Pass)
LEGOLAND California (sensory guides + trained staff)
SeaWorld San Diego (Ride Accessibility Program)
Knott’s Berry Farm
California's Great America (boarding pass program)

For example, places like Disneyland offer a return-time system so you don’t have to physically wait in long lines, which can make a huge difference for kids with autism.

Some parks also provide sensory guides or staff trained in autism awareness to help families plan ahead.

Don’t feel guilty using these. They exist for a reason 🤍

6. School-Based Services & IEP Support

Your child is entitled to support through the school system—and it’s more than most parents are initially told.

This can include:

Speech therapy
Occupational therapy
Specialized classroom support
1:1 aide support (if needed for safety or learning)
Behavioral support plans (BIP)
Sensory accommodations (breaks, quiet spaces, tools)
Transportation services (if your child needs it)
Extended School Year (ESY) services during summer

You can also request:

An IEP meeting at any time (you don’t have to wait for the annual)
Independent evaluations if you disagree with the school’s assessment

If something doesn’t feel right you are allowed to advocate, question, and push for more.

You know your child best 🤍

Final Thoughts

Autism doesn’t come with a manual, but there are resources that can make this journey feel a little less overwhelming.

So much of this life is learning as you go, asking questions you didn’t even know to ask, and figuring things out one step at a time. It can feel heavy some days, but there is support out there and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

If you’re just starting out or even years into this, I hope something here made things feel a little clearer or a little more manageable.

And if no one’s told you lately, you’re doing an incredible job 🤍