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.

Talk With a Specialist

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.

Programs

Autism Resource Specialists

Support Groups

Camp Royall

ABA & Clinical Services

Skill-building & Support

Resources & Webinars

Social narratives

Social Recreation

Autism Treatment page

Resource Directory

North Carolina Family Navigation Guide

Webinar:	Start Where They Are, Part 1: Understanding My Child’s Autism
Webinar:	Start Where They Are, Part 2: Promoting Self-Advocacy and Joy in Social Interactions
Webinar:	Start Where They Are, Part 3: Building Independence in Daily Life
Webinar:	Start Where They Are, Part 4: Heading Off Problem Behaviors with Positive Support Strategies
Webinar:	Let’s Play! Best Practices in Early Intervention
Webinar:	Promoting Communication in Young Learners
Webinar:	ABC’s of Autism Intervention: How Can I Choose What is Best for Our Family?
Webinar:	Do Less So They Can Do More – Teaching Independence
Webinar:	Impact of Autism: Taking Care of the Caregivers
Webinar:	Making the Parent/Professional Relationship Work
Webinar:	Navigating Services: Where and How to Get Help
Webinar:	Planning for an Autism-Friendly Holiday
Webinar:	Safety Considerations for Caregivers
Webinar:	Toileting without Tears
Webinar:	Supporting Children and Adolescents with Autism in Foster and Post-Adoption Contexts
Webinar:	Taking Autism on the Road
Webinar:	Visual Schedules: The Strategy that Keeps on Giving

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