Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started in the Autism Navigator How-To Guide for Families course

Where can I find out more about the Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families?

For families who suspect their child has ASD — get started right away to better understand how the early signs of autism can impact development and to learn how to use intervention strategies in everyday activities to support their child’s learning and development.

How do I access the Autism Navigator How-To Guide course?

Find out how to enroll at [email protected].

Would you like a guide to walk you through getting started in the Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families?

Contact our How-To Guide for Families Support Team to schedule time that works for you.

Getting Started with Intervention

Why should I get started in intervention right away?

You can find the answers to these questions in Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families in Tools. Look for a document titled:
It All Comes Down to How You Use Your Marbles… because what matters is the time between intervention sessions.

How much intervention time does my child need? How do I make that happen?

You can find the answers to these questions in Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families in Tools. Look for a document titled:
It All Comes Down to How You Use Your Marbles… because what matters is the time between intervention sessions.

Can the early interventionists or therapists do all of the intervention with my child?

You can find the answers to these questions in Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families in Tools. Look for a document titled:
It All Comes Down to How You Use Your Marbles… because what matters is the time between intervention sessions.

What if an early interventionist cannot come to my house? Can this intervention be done virtually?

You can find the answers to these questions in Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families in Tools. Look for a document titled:
It All Comes Down to How You Use Your Marbles… because what matters is the time between intervention sessions.

Guide Book 1 — Social Communication Milestones and How Autism Impacts Development

Where can I learn more about social communication milestones and development?

Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families-Guide Book 1 has 6 chapters for you to learn about key social communication milestones:
  • Chapter 1. Overview of Social Communication Milestones
  • Chapter 2. Play
  • Chapter 3. Language and Communication
  • Chapter 4. Social Competence
  • Chapter 5. Emotional Regulation and Self-Directed Learning
  • Chapter 6. Promoting Active Engagement in Toddlers with ASD

When will my child learn to talk?

  • Refer to Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families, Guide Book 1, Chapter 3, Slides 14-30, Development of Language and Communication

Guide Book 2 — Collaborating to Make Intervention Work for You

What can I do if I suspect my child has Autism?

The following Autism Navigator Resources may be helpful:

I am struggling with a roller coaster of emotions. How do other parents feel when they suspect something is not quite right with their child’s development?

  • Refer to Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families, Guide Book 2, Slides 6-8

Guide Book 3 — Getting Started with Early Intervention Right Away

Why is learning in the natural environment so important?

The following Autism Navigator Resources may be helpful:
  • Refer to Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families, Guide Book 3, Chapter 1 where you will learn why early experiences are so critical for your child, what makes learning in the natural environment so important, how the early signs of autism can impact active engagement and learning, and the critical ingredients of early intervention. You will hear a parent of a child with autism reflect on what makes early intervention work for her family.

Where can I learn more about active engagement?

  • Refer to Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families, Guide Book 3 Chapter 3 Slide 22 & 23
  • Video-Brian at 32 Months – Play Ball, Book 3 Slide 23

What are the strategies that research says will promote my child’s active engagement?

  • Refer to Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families, Guide Book 3 Chapter 4 Slide 24-28
  • Video- Brian at 34 Months – Play Ball, Book 3, Slide 29

Guide Book 4 — Addressing Challenging Behavior

Is challenging behavior different from the terrible twos?

The following Autism Navigator Resources may be helpful:
  • Any child can have behavior that is challenging to parents and other caregivers- and during specific times or situations, most children do.
  • Refer to Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families, Guide Book 4 Slide 3

Where can I find information about emotional regulation (managing feelings) and the impact on learning?

  • Refer to Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families, Guide Book 4 Slides 8 & 9
  • Video — Guide Book 4 Slide 8 Recognizing the Role of Emotional Regulation
  • CSBS — windup toy Left Video: Jimmy at 15 months
  • Video — Guide Book 4 Slide 8 Recognizing the Role of Emotional Regulation CSBS- windup toy Right Video: Stephen at 22 months

Can I prevent challenging behavior?

  • Refer to Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families, Guide Book 4 Slide 12
  • Video — Library of Change with Intervention, Child 7, Katie, Early Signs of Autism and Change with Intervention

Why does my child have challenging behavior?

  • Refer to Autism Navigator How-to Guide for Families, Guide Book 4 Chapter 2 Slide 13-21
  • Video — Library of Everyday Activities, Transitions, Recovering from Dysregulation, Alternative Activity, Caleb, 22 months

Library of Change with Intervention

Where can I see video clips of children with autism over time to see the impact early intervention can have on development and learning?

Refer to the How-to Guide for Families Library of Change with Intervention

Library of Everyday Activities

Where can I see video clips that show parents interacting with their toddlers with ASD in a variety of everyday activities?

Refer to the How-to Guide for Families Library of Everyday Activities

Have more questions?