Whether you’re a parent preparing a child for grade school or an adult transitioning into or out of college, the back-to-school season can present unique challenges for families and individuals with autism. Not only do schedules and priorities change, but social and sensory processing skills are tested in new environments with new people. As with any transition period, it can be challenging to navigate and cope with these changes. Take a look at these informative articles and webinars to gain insight and tips on what to expect from these transitions.

Diet & School Lunch Planning
Research suggests that individuals with autism may experience gastrointestinal problems more frequently than their peers. Learn tips for transitioning to school routines while maintaining hydration and nutritional needs with these helpful videos and articles.
Scheduling & Planning
Deadlines, schedules and events can be difficult to manage for students on the spectrum. Learn how to stay organized by using your/your loved one’s strengths and learning abilities to schedule and plan this school year.
Therapy & Education Plans
Working effectively with schools to implement educational plans can be a daunting task for parents and students with autism. Learn about evidence-based, positive therapies and teaching techniques that have proven effective for some individuals on the spectrum.

Bullying & Mental Health
Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities for autistic students and can be exacerbated by bullying and transition periods. It is important to understand the consequences of mental health issues and learn how to recognize and handle bullying quickly.
- Teasing, Bullying & Cyberbullying
- Mind Your Mind: Mental Health Series
- Bullying Significantly Increases Suicidality in Teens
- Stress & Anxiety Reduction
- Research on Bullying and Victimization in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Aide Canada)
Safety
Safety precautions can be difficult to address in any setting. Learn what precautions to take and how to adapt those to different environments with these informative webinars.
Social Skills
Social skills are important at every stage of development and can increase quality of life. Check out these webinars and articles for tips on teaching social skills to students at every age.

Employment
The transition to work from school can be difficult for some individuals. Discover what support systems exist for those on the spectrum and get tips on training yourself for the workplace from other neurodiverse people in these articles.
Life Stage Transitions
Life stage transitions can help you focus on personal strengths and master practical skills. Learn from other autistic adults who have successfully navigated life stage transitions and discover what universities have to offer for your transition to college.
Identity & Self Advocacy
Self identity and advocacy are difficult aspects of life, especially for individuals on the spectrum. Find your voice and learn to understand your loved ones on the spectrum with these panel discussions and presentations on self-advocacy and identity.
Microbiota Transfer Therapy Research Updates – Adults
Free webinar at 1 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Learn research updates about how Microbiota Transfer Therapy—and its possible interactions with bacteria—may impact gastrointestinal and autism-related symptoms in adults.
Screen Time and Social Engagement
Free webinar at 1 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday, September 13, 2023 Learn about emerging research on the impact of screen time on social engagement of autistic children during early childhood development.
How Age – and Age of Diagnosis – Affect Quality of Life
Free webinar at 1 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday, May 3, 2023 A significant proportion of autistic adults today were not diagnosed until later in life, a group referred to as the
Aquatic Therapy Programming for Individuals with Autism
Free webinar at 1 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday, April 26, 2023 Learn about aquatic therapy programming for autistic individuals aimed at removing barriers to involvement and expanding recreation repertoire to build
Gestational Influences and Autism – 2023
Free webinar at 1 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday, April 19, 2023 Learn updates about emerging research on gestational influences on the etiology of autism. The speaker: Judy
Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autistic Patients
Free webinar at 1 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Federico Balzola, MD, shares findings on gastrointestinal symptoms and pathological microscopic histological alterations found during upper and lower endoscopy with