OasisForAutism.com Resource Library
Comprehensive Resources for Caregivers of Autistic Adults | January 2026
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
DSM-5 Levels and Support Needs Classification
Official Diagnostic Resources
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| American Psychiatric Association – DSM-5 | psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm | Official publisher of DSM-5 and DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria |
| CDC ADDM Network | cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm.html | Current prevalence data, diagnostic trends, surveillance reports |
| NIMH – Autism Spectrum Disorder | nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd | Research-based overview including diagnostic criteria |
| Autism Speaks – DSM-5 Criteria | autismspeaks.org/dsm-5-criteria | Plain-language explanation of diagnostic criteria and levels |
| Interactive Autism Network | iancommunity.org/cs/about_autism/autism_diagnosis | Step-by-step diagnostic process information |
Assessment Tools and Screening
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADOS-2 | wpspublish.com/ados-2-autism-diagnostic-observation-schedule-second-edition | Gold-standard diagnostic assessment tool |
| ADI-R | wpspublish.com/adi-r-autism-diagnostic-interview-revised | Parent interview diagnostic tool |
| RAADS-R | aspietests.org/raads/ | Adult autism screening tool (self-assessment) |
| AQ Test | psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient | Adult screening questionnaire |
| CAT-Q | embrace-autism.com/cat-q/ | Measures social masking/camouflaging in adults |
Understanding Support Levels
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Autism Society – Levels of Autism | autismsociety.org/what-are-the-3-levels-of-autism/ | Detailed Level 1, 2, 3 classification explanation |
| Child Mind Institute | childmind.org/article/autism-severity-levels/ | Family-friendly guide to support level differences |
| Neurodivergent Insights | neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/autism-support-levels | Strength-based approach to understanding levels |
| ASAN | autisticadvocacy.org/ | Autistic-led perspective on support needs and terminology |
| Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism | thinkingautismguide.com/ | Support needs across lifespan |
Communication and AAC
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASHA – AAC Overview | asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/ | Professional overview of AAC systems and implementation |
| Proloquo2Go | assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2go | Leading AAC app for iOS devices |
| Tobii Dynavox | tobiidynavox.com/ | AAC devices and software solutions |
| PRC-Saltillo | prc-saltillo.com/ | AAC device manufacturer with resources |
| Communication Matrix | communicationmatrix.org/ | Assessment tool for early communicators |
| Project Core | project-core.com/ | AAC implementation for minimally verbal individuals |
| I-ASC | i-asc.org/ | Spelling-to-communicate resources |
Specialized Dental Care for Autistic Adults
Protocols, Sedation, and Provider Resources
Finding Autism-Competent Providers
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Special Care Dentistry Association | scdaonline.org/page/FindDentist | Directory of dentists trained in special needs care |
| Autism Speaks Dental Directory | autismspeaks.org/dental-professionals-directory | Searchable database of autism-friendly practices |
| AADMD | aadmd.org/ | Professional organization for DD dental care |
| NADD | thenadd.org/ | Resources for dental care with co-occurring conditions |
| Healthy Smiles for Special Needs | healthysmilesforspecialneeds.com/ | Educational resources and provider recommendations |
Sedation Dentistry
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADA – Sedation and Anesthesia | ada.org/…/anesthesia-and-sedation | Overview of sedation levels and safety protocols |
| DOCS Education | docs-education.org/ | Professional training and patient resources |
| Society for Pediatric Anesthesia | pedsanesthesia.org/ | Anesthesia safety for dental procedures |
| ASDA | asdahq.org/ | Find dentist anesthesiologists for complex cases |
Insurance and Medicaid
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid.gov – Dental Benefits | medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/dental/index.html | State-by-state Medicaid dental coverage |
| CMS – Medicare Dental | cms.gov/Medicare/Coverage/MedicareDentalCoverage | Medicare dental coverage limitations and exceptions |
| NADP | nadp.org/ | Understanding private dental insurance |
| Michigan DHHS – Adult Dental | michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-dental | Michigan-specific Medicaid dental coverage |
Sensory Preparation
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carol Gray Social Stories | carolgraysocialstories.com/ | Create custom social stories for dental visits |
| Autism Speaks Dental Tool Kit | autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/dental-tool-kit | Visual supports and preparation strategies |
| Special Olympics Special Smiles | specialolympics.org/our-work/sports/special-smiles | Oral health education and screening programs |
Recognizing Pain in Non-Speaking Autistic Adults
Combating Diagnostic Overshadowing
Non-Verbal Pain Assessment Tools
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FLACC Pain Scale | healthcare.uiowa.edu/…/FLACC.pdf | Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (0-10 scale) |
| NCCPC-R | aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=1023 | 30-item checklist for non-verbal individuals |
| Abbey Pain Scale | dementia-assessment.com.au/…/Abbey_Pain_Scale.pdf | Dementia pain scale adaptable for autism |
| PAINAD | consultgeri.org/…/issue-7.pdf | Observable pain indicators |
| Pediatric Pain Profile | ppprofile.org.uk/ | Detailed behavior mapping for chronic pain |
Common Pain Sources
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Autism Science Foundation – GI | autismsciencefoundation.org/…/gi-disorders/ | GI issues affect 46-84% of autistic individuals |
| CHARGE Syndrome Foundation | chargesyndrome.org/ | Genetic condition with autism overlap and chronic pain |
| Ehlers-Danlos Society | ehlers-danlos.com/ | Joint hypermobility and chronic pain |
| Epilepsy Foundation | epilepsy.com/…/related-conditions/autism | Seizure recognition and management |
| AGA – IBS Resources | gastro.org/…/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/ | GI pain management strategies |
Behavior-to-Pain Correlations
| Behavior Observed | — | Possible Pain Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Head-banging, ear-pulling | — | Ear infection, dental pain, headache, sinus infection |
| Abdominal self-injury | — | GI distress, constipation, menstrual pain, appendicitis |
| Food refusal | — | Dental pain, throat infection, GI reflux, swallowing issues |
| Increased aggression | — | Generalized pain, frustration from inability to communicate |
| Withdrawal, decreased activity | — | Depression, chronic pain, fatigue from medical condition |
Healthcare Communication Tools
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Autism Speaks Medical Passport | autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/medical-passport | One-page emergency medical summary |
| CDC Emergency Information Form | cdc.gov/…/autismemergencyform.pdf | Standardized emergency response form |
| Communication Passport | communicationpassports.org.uk/ | Visual communication tool for healthcare |
| Boardmaker | boardmakeronline.com/ | Picture-based pain/needs communication |
Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions
Anxiety, Depression, and Finding Autism-Competent Providers
Crisis Resources (24/7)
| Name | URL / Contact | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Call or text: 988 | 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention |
| Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741 | 24/7 crisis support via text |
| SAMHSA National Helpline | 1-800-662-4357 | 24/7 treatment referral and information |
Finding Autism-Competent Providers
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology Today | psychologytoday.com/us/therapists | Search by specialty, insurance, location |
| Therapy for Autistic Adults | therapyforautisticadults.com/ | Directory specifically for autistic adult clients |
| ABCT | abct.org/ | Find CBT providers with autism experience |
| ADAA | adaa.org/finding-help | Provider directory with specialty filters |
| AANE Provider Directory | aane.org/resources/therapist-directory/ | Vetted autism-competent providers |
Anxiety Resources
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NIMH – Anxiety Disorders | nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders | Research-based anxiety information |
| Anxiety in Autism Research | anxietyinautism.com/ | Specialized research and interventions |
| CARD – Autism Anxiety | centerforautism.com/resources/autism-anxiety/ | Evidence-based anxiety interventions |
| MBSR | umassmed.edu/…/about-mbsr/ | Mindfulness-based stress reduction |
Depression Resources
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NIMH – Depression | nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression | Comprehensive depression information |
| DBSA | dbsalliance.org/ | Peer support and treatment resources |
| NAS – Depression and Autism | autism.org.uk/…/mental-health/depression | Autism-specific depression presentations |
Therapy Modalities
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CBT for Autism Research | ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4460776/ | Adapted CBT protocols |
| DBT Resources | behavioraltech.org/ | Emotion regulation skills training |
| ACT | contextualscience.org/act | Acceptance and Commitment Therapy |
| Alexithymia Resources | embrace-autism.com/alexithymia/ | Difficulty identifying emotions (common in autism) |
Medication Resources
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Medication Guides | fda.gov/…/medication-guides | Official medication information |
| NIMH – Mental Health Medications | nimh.nih.gov/…/mental-health-medications | Psychiatric medication overview |
| Autism Speaks Medication Tool Kit | autismspeaks.org/…/medication-decision-tool-kit | Autism-specific medication considerations |
| MedlinePlus | medlineplus.gov/druginformation.html | NIH drug database |
De-escalation and Sensory Regulation
Evidence-Based Meltdown Management
Meltdown Education
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Autism Society – Meltdowns vs Tantrums | autismsociety.org/meltdowns-versus-tantrums/ | Key differences and appropriate responses |
| NAS – Meltdowns Guide | autism.org.uk/…/behaviour/meltdowns | Comprehensive UK-based resource |
| ASAN – Meltdowns and Shutdowns | autisticadvocacy.org/…/Meltdowns-and-Shutdowns.pdf | Autistic perspective on overwhelm responses |
| SPD Foundation | spdfoundation.net/ | Sensory overwhelm triggers and interventions |
Sensory Tools and Equipment
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weighted Blanket Guide | sleepfoundation.org/…/weighted-blanket | Deep pressure therapy research |
| Noise-Canceling Headphones | autismparentingmagazine.com/noise-canceling-headphones/ | Reviews of autism-friendly headphones |
| Sensory Direct | sensorydirect.com/ | Comprehensive sensory equipment supplier |
| Fun and Function | funandfunction.com/ | Sensory tools, weighted items, fidgets |
| National Autism Resources | nationalautismresources.com/ | Specialized autism products |
| ARK Therapeutic | arktherapeutic.com/ | Chewelry and oral motor tools |
Prevention and Trigger ID
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boardmaker | boardmakeronline.com/ | Visual schedule templates |
| Carol Gray Social Stories | carolgraysocialstories.com/ | Prepare for challenging situations |
| Zones of Regulation | zonesofregulation.com/ | Self-regulation curriculum |
| Incredible 5-Point Scale | 5pointscale.com/ | Emotion rating and intervention matching |
De-escalation Training
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CPI | crisisprevention.com/ | Crisis Prevention Institute training |
| Handle with Care | handlewithcare.com/ | Autism-specific crisis intervention |
| Mandt System | mandtsystem.com/ | Relationship-based crisis prevention |
| SAMA | sama.org.au/ | Safe Aggression Management |
Safety Planning
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AWAARE | awaare.org/ | Wandering/elopement prevention and response |
| Big Red Safety Tool Kit | nationalautismassociation.org/…/big-red-safety-toolkit/ | Comprehensive safety strategies |
| First Responder Training | autismsafety.org/ | Resources for police/EMS interactions |
Protection from Financial Exploitation
Scams, Safeguards, and Legal Protections
Scam Recognition and Reporting
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FTC Scam Alerts | consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts | Current scam warnings and reporting |
| AARP Fraud Watch | aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/ | Fraud prevention resources |
| FBI IC3 | ic3.gov/ | Report cybercrimes and online scams |
| SSA Scam Awareness | ssa.gov/scam/ | Government impersonation scam info |
| IRS Tax Scams | irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts | Tax-related fraud prevention |
Financial Protection Tools
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Freeze – Equifax | equifax.com/ | Freeze at all 3 bureaus to prevent unauthorized credit |
| Credit Freeze – Experian | experian.com/ | Freeze at all 3 bureaus |
| Credit Freeze – TransUnion | transunion.com/ | Freeze at all 3 bureaus |
| True Link Financial | truelinkfinancial.com/ | Limited-use prepaid cards with restrictions |
| ABLE National Resource Center | ablenrc.org/ | Tax-advantaged savings without affecting benefits |
| Representative Payee – SSA | ssa.gov/payee/ | Designated person manages benefits |
| EverSafe | eversafe.com/ | Automated account monitoring |
Legal Protections and Reporting
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Protective Services | napsa-now.org/get-help/help-in-your-area/ | Report financial exploitation |
| National Center on Elder Abuse | ncea.acl.gov/ | Resources for adults with disabilities |
| CFPB Complaints | consumerfinance.gov/complaint/ | Report financial institution violations |
| State AG Directory | naag.org/find-my-ag/ | State-level consumer fraud reporting |
| LTC Ombudsman | ltcombudsman.org/ | Advocates for care facility residents |
Special Needs Planning
| Name | URL | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Special Needs Alliance | specialneedsalliance.org/…/find-a-special-needs-planning-attorney | Find special needs trust attorneys |
| Academy of Special Needs Planners | specialneedsplanners.com/ | Certified planning professionals |
| SSA – Special Needs Trusts | ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-trust.htm | How trusts affect SSI eligibility |
| Pooled Trust Information | specialneedsalliance.org/pooled-trusts/ | Pooled trust options by state |
| CFPB Financial Education | consumerfinance.gov/…/youth-financial-education/ | Financial literacy resources |