BASEcamp
The BASE knowledge center for caregivers. Every guide starts with a direct answer, cites primary sources such as the CDC, NIH, and Medicaid.gov, and carries a visible last-reviewed date. Written by parents doing this work, never by anyone pretending to be a clinician.
Educational information only. Nothing here diagnoses, and nothing here replaces your child's licensed care team.
Autism 101
What autism is, how it is identified, and the language families and autistic people use.
- Autism 101: A Plain-Language Guide for FamiliesWhat autism is, how it is described and diagnosed, the language families and autistic people use, and where to go next. Written for caregivers, sourced from the CDC and NIH.Read the guide
- Early Signs of Autism, by Developmental StageEarly signs of autism from infancy through preschool, what developmental screening actually involves, and exactly how to request an evaluation. Sourced from CDC milestone guidance.Read the guide
Newly Diagnosed
An ordered plan for the first weeks, so nothing time-sensitive gets missed.
Therapy & Services
What each therapy actually involves, and how to evaluate a provider before you commit.
- ABA Therapy: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Evaluate a ProviderA balanced caregiver guide to ABA therapy: what it is, what a BCBA and an RBT each do, what the debate is about, and the specific questions to ask before signing with a provider.Read the guide
- Speech Therapy for Autism: What It Is and How Parents Can HelpWhat speech-language therapy for autistic children involves, what an SLP works on beyond talking, how AAC fits in, and simple ways to carry therapy goals into everyday life at home.Read the guide
- Occupational Therapy for Autism: A Plain-Language GuideWhat occupational therapy (OT) does for autistic children, including daily living skills, fine motor work, and sensory needs, plus questions to ask before you start.Read the guide
School & Education
IEPs, evaluations, accommodations, and your rights in the special education process.
- How an IEP Works: A Caregiver's Guide to Special EducationWhat an IEP is, how eligibility works under IDEA, what belongs in the document, your rights as a parent, and how to prepare for the meeting. U.S. federal law, sourced from ED.gov.Read the guide
- IEP Meeting Prep Checklist for Autism ParentsA practical IEP meeting prep checklist for autism parents: what to request before the meeting, what to bring, what to say in the room, and what to follow up on afterward.Read the guide
- IEP vs. 504 Plan for Autism: What's the Difference?The difference between an IEP and a 504 plan for autistic students: which law covers each, who qualifies, what each includes, and how to decide which to request.Read the guide
Caregiver Support
Coordination, records, appointment prep, and keeping every adult working from the same information.
- Care Coordination for Autism Families: A Practical SystemHow to organize records, share updates across therapists, school, and family, prepare for appointments, and track progress without living in a paperwork spiral.Read the guide
- How to Track ABA Therapy Progress at Home as a ParentA simple, parent-tested way to track ABA therapy progress at home: what to log, how often, and how to turn everyday notes into something your child's BCBA can actually use.Read the guide
- Autism Care Coordination: What It Means and Why It MattersAutism care coordination explained in plain language: who is on a care team, what usually breaks down between them, and practical ways for families to keep everyone working from the same information.Read the guide
- Free Autism Caregiver Templates: Appointment Prep, Care Team Updates, and Progress LogsFree, copy-and-use templates for autism caregivers: a doctor and therapy appointment prep sheet, a weekly care team update, a daily progress log, and a care team contact sheet.Read the guide
Financial & Benefits
Medicaid, waivers, and benefit pathways, with jurisdiction noted and official sources linked.
Coming next
AAC, sleep, feeding, sensory support, safety and elopement, caregiver burnout and respite, SSI and ABLE accounts, insurance coverage, autism across ages, and state-by-state resource hubs. Each one ships only once it is genuinely useful and properly sourced.
Looking for organizations rather than guides? Browse the resource directory.