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.

What to Do After an Autism Diagnosis: The First 90 DaysA practical, ordered plan for the first 90 days after an autism diagnosis: what to file, who to call, what to request in writing, and what can safely wait.Read the guide

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

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

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

Financial & Benefits

Medicaid, waivers, and benefit pathways, with jurisdiction noted and official sources linked.

Medicaid Waivers and Autism Services: How They WorkWhat Medicaid home and community based services (HCBS) waivers are, why they can cover autism services regardless of parental income in some states, and how to get on a waitlist.Read the guide

Coming next

Speech and occupational therapy, 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.