For parents. For everyday life.
Autism support,
one step
at a time.
Understand the signs, find your next step, and make everyday life a little easier. Plain-language autism guides and free printable communication tools, for your child and your family.
Free to useNo sign-upNo ads
Try meltdowns, AAC or school support
57 plain-language guides
Understand, then take a next step
Practical tools, always free
Communication cards, routines and more
Your child, as they are
Respectful, strengths-based support
You don’t need all the answers today
What would help your family right now?
Start with what is on your mind. There is no right order.
I’m noticing signs of autism
Understand differences in communication, play and sensory needs.
We’re waiting for an assessment
Prepare for the appointment and find support you can start now.
My child needs help communicating
Explore AAC, nonspeaking autism and picture communication cards.
Meltdowns are hard for us
Find ways to reduce overload, stay safe and support recovery.
We need an easier daily routine
Get help with visual schedules, sleep, eating and transitions.
I’m looking for school support
Prepare for school meetings, support plans and new starts.
The free parent toolkit
A way to say “help”.
A little more predictability.
Make printable communication cards with words your child uses, and visual schedules that show what happens next. Start with our symbols or add familiar photos.
- Personalise pictures and labels
- Download a PDF for A4 or US Letter
- Your photos stay in your browser
Everyday words. More ways to connect.
Free PDF
Picture cards are one kind of AAC. Learn how to support communication.
A little understanding goes a long way
Guidance for where you are now.
Clear answers, to start with
Questions you
might have.
A starting point for understanding autism, finding support and using our tools.
More parent questionsWhere should I start if I think my child is autistic?
Write down what you notice about communication, play, routines and sensory needs, including examples from nursery or school. Speak with your child's doctor or health visitor about your concerns and an assessment. You do not have to be certain before asking. Our signs of autism guide and first steps can help you prepare.
Can I support my child while we wait for an autism assessment?
Yes. You can try a predictable routine, reduce uncomfortable noise or light, and offer pictures alongside speech. Follow your child's preferences and ask nursery, school or your healthcare team what support is available now. Formal eligibility varies by location. See support while waiting for an assessment.
What is AAC, and can it help an autistic child?
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes gestures, signs, picture boards and devices that speak. It can support speech or offer another way to communicate. There is no minimum age or skill that a child must reach before AAC can be considered. A speech and language therapist can help choose an accessible system. Read our AAC guide for parents.
Are the printable communication cards and visual schedules free?
Yes. The communication card builder, visual schedule maker and printable templates are free, with no account or subscription. Use your own photos or our symbols, edit the labels and download a PDF. Photos you add are processed in your browser.
Does this website provide a diagnosis or medical advice?
No. Autism Parent Guide provides general educational information and practical tools. The guides link to their sources; they are not a clinical assessment or an individual treatment plan. Speak to a qualified professional about your child's needs. Our editorial policy explains how we handle sources and review information.
Careful information. Honest about its limits.
Our guides link to health and education sources, including the NHS, NICE and ASHA. They help you prepare questions and explore support; they cannot assess your child. The sources and content date are listed on each guide.