New Resources from the DC Autism Collaborative

The DC Autism Collaborative (DC-AC) has developed several resources for parents of young children and professionals (including health providers, early childhood educators, and community leaders) on topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). All materials have been, or are in the processes of being, translated into both Spanish and Amharic. The resources can be accessed on the DC-AC website here.

Please see below for a summary of these materials and distribute to your networks. The materials are organized based on target audience.

Resources for parents & caregivers

• What to do While you are Waiting for a Medical Diagnosis of Autism: Provides tips for how to make the most of your time before receiving a medical diagnosis of ASD, including getting started with other services and preparing for your visit.
• Do You or Your Child’s Provider Suspect That Your Child May Have Autism? Provides some clear steps that can be taken once a caregiver or your provider has suspected that a child may have autism.

Resources for professionals (e.g., pediatricians and health care providers, early childhood educators, community leaders):

• Autism Resource Guide for Community Providers: A toolkit/resource guide for community providers in DC to support early childhood families with resource navigation around ASD concerns.
• Developmental Monitoring, Screening, and Evaluation Guide for Health and Early Education Providers in DC: Recommended best practices and procedures for providers on developmental monitoring, screening, and evaluation that can be used across health and education sectors.
• DC Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO) Processes and Guidelines Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder Services for Children: Outlines clear guidelines and processes across all of the D.C. MCOs regarding autism and behavioral health coverage. You'll also learn what requirements and documentation are needed for ASD evaluations, ASD diagnosis, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) services; and the process of transitioning between MCOs.

Tips to Help Parents Keep Calm During the Holidays



The end of the year, and all of its festivities, can be overwhelming, especially for parents. Click here to learn tips and access meditation and yoga videos to help you keep calm during the upcoming holidays.

Click here to access the toolkit in Spanish.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Tips for Buying Toys for Babies and Young Children

In November 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a national membership organization of pediatricians, offered guidance on how to navigate the toy aisle.

The AAP states that “the best toys are those that match your children’s developmental skills and abilities and encourage the development of new skills”.

AAP Recommendations

• Get back to the basics with traditional toy categories
• Symbolic/pretend
• Fine-motor/adaptive/manipulative
• Art
• Language/concepts
• Gross motor/physical
• Use caution when you see “educational” on the label
• Be aware of the potential for toys to promote race or gender-based stereotypes
• Limit video game and computer game use



To learn more, please read “Toy Buying Tips for Babies & Young Children: AAP Report Explained”

If you have any questions, please discuss with your child’s pediatrician.