CDRC Autism Parent Packet (Autism Family Guide)

The Autism Family Guide is a printed packet of about 90 pages given to families after an autism diagnosis at the Child Development & Rehabilitation Center (CDRC) Autism Clinic in Portland, Oregon. A parent, Misti Moxley, compiled it based on what families actually receive at diagnosis. Dip into it as questions arise — don't read it all at once.

The services sections are Oregon/US-specific, but most of the content travels well — check your local health and education services, since names, ages, and entitlements differ by region.

What's inside

1. What Do I Do Now? — A getting-started checklist: see your child's primary doctor with the evaluation summary; if your child is under 5, contact your local early intervention program (often free in the US); if school-age, tell the teacher and special-education team; talk to another parent of an autistic child. It also covers grief stages, siblings and grandparents, and the reminder that "the child you knew before the diagnosis is exactly the same child after."

2. Understanding and Diagnosing Autism — Autism explained (written when subtypes like Asperger's were separate; now merged under autism spectrum disorder), evaluation tools (ADOS, Vineland, Sensory Profile), associated characteristics (sensory differences, anxiety, sleep and gut problems), causes (vaccines, parenting, and diet are ruled out), and the distinction between a medical diagnosis and educational eligibility.

3. Public Services Birth–21 — Early intervention (0–3) with an IFSP, school special education (K–21) built around the IEP, and state disability supports — with the caveat that, unlike special education, there may be no legal entitlement to some state services.

4. Therapy and Treatment — The most reusable section, with six questions to vet any therapy:

1. Could the therapy harm my child in any way?
2. Will it cause undue hardship on my family?
3. Is it scientifically based and widely accepted?
4. How will success be measured?
5. Am I learning so I can work with my child at home?
6. Is the person qualified to do the therapy?

It then profiles twelve therapies by evidence classification:

Therapy	Classification
ABA	Scientifically based; highly recommended
TEACCH	Promising practice
Floortime (DIR)	Limited supporting information
RDI	Limited supporting information
PECS	Promising practice
Sensory Integration (OT)	Promising; possibly better for younger children
Social Stories	Promising practice
Prescription medications	No medication treats core autism; symptom-targeted only, specialist-managed
Vitamins & supplements	Little/no supporting research; some can be toxic
Dietary interventions (GF/CF, yeast-free)	Not scientifically based; malnutrition risk — work with a doctor/nutritionist
Heavy metal detox (chelation)	Not recommended — can be harmful; child deaths reported
Music / art / animal therapy	Limited evidence for treating autism; valued for self-esteem and relationships

5. Developmental Milestones — Tables from birth to 36 months across social-emotional, movement, speech, and cognitive domains, from the CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." campaign.

6. Appendix — A plain-language "who does what" guide to providers, a standout essay by autistic self-advocate Jennifer McIlwee Myers (functional is the goal, not "normal"; don't wait for "recovery" to love and accept your child), book suggestions, and a glossary.

Caveats

The packet is dated: old subtypes and prevalence figures are superseded, some listed programs may no longer exist, and the services sections are US-specific. Its "autism is treatable" language pre-dates today's neurodiversity conversation. This is general information, not medical advice — talk to your child's professionals.