Autism Spectrum Center | Family Education & Support

For family education guides and fact sheets, please visit the Boston Children's Hospital Health Education Library.

Taking care of yourself allows you to take better care of your child. We encourage you to do activities to help you relax and make you feel good, like joining support groups, exercising, reading, or taking part in a relaxation or meditation program. Check out these resources offered at Boston Children’s and in the community:

• The Arc of Massachusetts
• Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
• Hale Family Center for Families Integrative Therapies program
• Mass Family Ties
• Massachusetts Autism Support Centers
• Massachusetts Behavioral Health Line (833-773-2445)
• Online meditation and mindfulness exercises
• Parent Stress Line (800-632-8188)

Children with autism may be eligible for MassHealth insurance plans, either as primary insurance or in addition to their current private insurance plan. We recommend you learn more.

• The Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health
• Exceptional Lives Website Guide to Health Insurance
• Mass.gov MassHealth Information

Because children with autism have more social and communication challenges, they are at a higher risk of being bullied. Kids who are bullied and those who bully others may have serious, lasting problems. While bullying can happen at any age, bullying during adolescent years can be really hard. Boston Children’s has a clinic to address bullying (the Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention and Advocacy Collaborative [BACPAC]). Here are some other links to help you learn more about bullying and advocating for your child.

• Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center
• Pacer Center's Teens Against Bullying
• StopBullying.gov

If you have more than one child, you know that all your children need your attention. But when you have a child with autism, it can be hard to balance your time. These resources can help.

• Massachusetts Sibling Support Network
• Sibling Support Project
• Sam's Sibs Stick Together

In the state of Massachusetts, Public Education Law, Ch. 766 M.G.L. c. 71B, §§ 1 - 16 guarantees a "free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment" to all school-aged children (ages 3 to 21) regardless of disability. For resources and more information on the IEP process, visit:

• A Parent's Guide to Special Education
• The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN)
• Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC)
• WrightsLaw
• Special Needs Advocacy Network (SPAN)