Autism Action Plan

First Steps

The following is a suggested list of actions to take following an autism diagnosis. Many resources exist to guide you along the journey and provide treatment options.

1. Research Government Services

Early intervention services are available at a local and state level. The services provided vary depending on the age of the individual and the state in which they reside. For example, if a child is 3 years or older it is recommended to first contact your local school district, as they will likely have the best knowledge of community services available.

Early Intervention Services Include:

2. Research Funding Sources

Depending on the current family financial situation, there are several funding sources available with regard to treatment. If private health insurance is an option, this is the first place to call and investigate what coverage, if any is provided by a current plan:

3. Explore Traditional Therapy

Depending on the diagnosis, several traditional therapies may be available in the local area. Insurance or government support may be available to access the following programs, such as:

4. Utilize the Programs & Services from Generation Rescue

Generation Rescue is here to provide support for treatment, guidance, education and hope for recovery through the journey with autism. Apply for our treatment grant, find a physician and connect with a parent mentor:

5. Explore an Allergen Free Diet

Improvement has been seen with the removal of certain allergens such as gluten, casein, or soy from the diet. Explore a variety of special diets, including the gluten-free, casein-free diet and other allergen free diets through the following resources:

6. Consider Supplementation with multi-vitamins and other beneficial nutritional support

7. Read, read, and continue to read

New articles, books and published science in the field of autism are available:

Live a Non Toxic Lifestyle
Achieving a non-toxic life in today's world is almost impossible. Understanding what is toxic, how the particular toxins are harmful and how to avoid toxins will help reduce toxic intake.  
Reasonable home health improvements include: non-toxic paints, carpets, bedding, mattresses, cleansers, aluminum free deodorants, soaps, non-aluminum cooking utensils and pans, stainless vs. plastic water bottles, decrease electronic frequencies that contain radiation (EMF) no cell phones next to bed or in your pocket, and decrease electronics in the bedroom. 22
Use common sense, read labels and research the ingredients.
Studies have shown genes that each parent gives to the baby in the first early days of development, during "genomic imprinting" can be changed by environmental factors, altering the function of the gene for the fetus. This is called epigenetics. Epigenetics is when a gene in our body is altered by an environmental factor that changes the function of the gene but not the actual DNA sequence. 23
Genes can be changed due to a toxic environment, stressors, infections and other factors. Thus meaning it is not always the parent's genetic make-up that influenced the predisposition to autism or other developmental delays, it could be many other controllable factors.24
In the 1950's there were many papers on the role of early development, pregnancy, birth and it's effects on mental health, development and behavior of the child through their lifetime. These ideas weren't used again until the late 1990's where they showed a link between prenatal environment and metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.25
Additional information can be found on the following websites;
The Environmental Working Group is the nation’s most effective environmental health research and advocacy organization. They offer information on the latest research in the fields of environmental health as well as listings for families to make safer choices in skincare, foods and household items.  -
Healthy Child Healthy World is a nonprofit organization that empowers parents to take action and protect children from harmful chemicals. They offer easy steps and resources towards healthier living.
Studies have shown that risks for potential off gassing and toxic chemicals may be linked to overall health issues, that concern led the makers of Intellibed to create a nontoxic mattress and pillows including the IntelliGEL technology.  To learn more and read the research visit

8. Live a Non Toxic Lifestyle




**None of the information presented here should be considered medical advice or a "cure" for Autism. The information presented represents strategies for dealing with Autism that have been reported as successful by professionals and/or families with Autism. While we believe this information to be accurate we are not in a position to independently verify it and cannot guarantee that it will work in any particular case. No treatment for Autism should be attempted without prior consultation with a physician familiar with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 

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