Repetitive behaviors are common features of autism, but they can present differently from person to person. Repetitive behaviors are simply behaviors that a person does repeatedly or insists on doing the same way every time. These behaviors can include asking about the same thing several times in a row, lining up objects (toys) in a particular way, spinning objects, and obsessively closing and opening doors or drawers.
The needs of children with autism change as the grow into adults with autism. As children become teens and teens become young adults, they may need help finding jobs and places to live. Below, we list places that can help with job skills training, employment assistance, and residential services by county. For autistic people who are not able to live independently, we also list Day Programs, Respite Services, and Opportunities to Socialize.
As you learn more about autism, you might come across the terms “high functioning” or “low functioning” autism. Talking about autism as high or low functioning is a dated way of talking about the ability levels of autistic people.
When people first hear the word “autism” they may not know what to think, and that can be scary if you or a loved one has recently received a diagnosis. We believe that the best way to fight fear is with knowledge, so we created the Autism ToolKit to help individuals and families learn more about autism, find resources that can help them, and learn new ways to thrive.
As your child starts school, they may need a 504 plan or be placed on a 504 plan. If you aren’t quite sure what a 504 plan is, below we discuss what 504 plans are, what they do, and how to get a 504 plan for your child.
