Trusted resources
The internet is full of autism content; much of it is noise or worse. This is a short, curated list — every entry is free, reputable, and genuinely useful to a concerned parent.
Screening & milestone tools
M-CHAT-R/F — official site
The standard, validated autism screener for ages 16–30 months, free from its authors in many languages. Twenty yes/no questions, about five minutes. Take the result to your child's doctor. See the screening guide for how to interpret it.
CDC — "Learn the Signs. Act Early."
Milestone checklists from 2 months to 5 years, the free Milestone Tracker app, and printable material to bring to appointments. The reference point most U.S. pediatricians use.
CDC — State early intervention contacts
Direct phone numbers to refer your child (under 3) to your state's free early intervention program — no diagnosis or doctor's order needed. The single most useful link on this page. How to use it: next steps.
Understanding autism & guidance for parents
HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)
The AAP's parent-facing site: what screening should happen when, what evaluations involve, and evidence-based guidance without hype.
NICHD / NIH — Autism overview
Plain-language summaries of what research actually shows about autism's causes, early signs, and interventions.
First Words Project (Florida State University)
Excellent free materials on early communication: the 16 gestures by 16 months, lookbooks showing real videos of early signs, and activities that support communication at home.
Zero to Three
Broad early-childhood development resource — helpful for understanding what typical development looks like, which is half of recognizing differences.
Community & the autistic perspective
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Run by and for autistic people. Their "Start Here" guide for parents of newly diagnosed children is one of the most valuable documents you can read — it reframes the road ahead through the eyes of people who've lived it.
Autism Society of America
National helpline and local affiliates — useful for finding services, parent groups, and navigating systems in your area.
How these were chosen
Every resource here is: free to families, aligned with the scientific consensus (no cure claims, no vaccine misinformation), and either an official health body, a university program, or an established nonprofit. I deliberately include autistic-led organizations, because the perspective of autistic adults is essential context for every decision you'll make.
Red flags in any autism resource: promises of recovery or cure, secret protocols, supplements or "detox" products for sale, vaccine blame, or pressure to buy before you can learn. Close the tab. See myths & facts for why.
Disclaimer: External links are provided for information; I have no commercial relationship with any listed organization. Educational information only — not medical advice.