Support for family members

One of the most critical roles family members play in the lives of their loved ones with autism is that of an advocate. Parents, siblings and other caregivers are often the best advocates for children and adults with autism.

We want to arm you with the information and tools you need to be the strongest advocate you can be.

Our Advocacy Tool Kit provides basic information about advocacy skills and ways to apply these skills in different situations.

It includes information about advocacy at school and in the community. It also covers the importance of teaching self-advocacy skills to people with autism.

Read an excerpt, Basic Advocacy Skills, Step by Step, or download the full tool kit.

People with autism and the families that support them rely on a range of options throughout their life spans to live, remain safe and participate in their communities. This includes residential and day supports, respite, recreation, transportation and others. Autism Speaks is committed to promoting lifelong supports for people with autism by advocating for support for caregivers, home and community-based services, financial planning resources and more.

Learn more about Autism Speaks advocacy efforts for lifelong supports.

As part of our Family Support Tool Kit series, we also developed A Friend's Guide to Autism for friends of parents of children with autism. This guide provides an overview of autism, how your friend might be feeling and how you can support your friend, his or her child and entire family.