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.
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.
- Research on Children with Autism and their Transition Between Primary and Secondary School (Aide Canada)
- From Just Surviving to Thriving in Highschool (Aide Canada)
- Beyond High School: Self Identity and Managing Life (Aide Canada)
- Transition to College
- Transition to Adulthood
- Transition to Adulthood Services (Aide Canada)
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.
The Science of Making Friends for Autistic Youth: Lessons from the UCLA PEERS Program
Free webinar at 5 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday August 28, 2024 Learn research updates on evidence-based strategies to support adolescents and young adults develop social skills that encourage lasting friendships.
Autism and Trauma
1 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Gray Atherton, PhD discusses emerging findings on gender differences and autism. The speaker: Dr. Connor Kerns has conducted and
Autism and Sleep – Research Updates
New day and time: at 1 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Learn research updates on co-occurring sleep disturbances and autism. The speaker: Dara S. Manoach,
How Games Can Help Teach Social Skills
Free webinar at 1 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Playing games is a key part of child development. Children with autism often have difficulty forming peer relationships, but fostering
The Gut, Autism, and Mental Health
Free webinar at 1 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday, March 6, 2025 Learn about the relationship between the gut-brain axis, mental health, and autism. The speaker: Calliope Holingue,
The Low-Hanging Fruit: Exploring Monogenic Syndromes with Elevated Rates of Autism
Free webinar at 1 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday, February 21, 2024 Learn research updates on how genes associated with autism are functioning in the brain and how changes in these genes