Autistic Perspectives
Living With Autism: Steven Paterson on Growing Up, Support & Success
Steven Paterson talks about growing up autistic, the support that made a difference, and what success means to him.
- Captions confirmed unavailable on YouTube
ABMC AUTISM NETWORK
Amplifying autism voices through media.
Help people understand autism, hear authentic stories, and find the right help.
Not sure where to start? Pick one — that's enough.
Featured · 1:05
Welcome to the ABMC Autism Network
A short introduction to the ABMC Autism Network: what the channel covers and where to find stories, resources, and community.
- Captions confirmed unavailable on YouTube
A Media Platform Built on Trust
Authentic stories. Reliable resources. Respectful representation.
Authentic Voices
Personal stories submitted to ABMC are reviewed before publication and shared only with permission.
Verified Resources
Resource links are reviewed and point to reputable organizations and official sources. Link verification is not an endorsement of every service or claim.
Clear Editorial Standards
We distinguish lived experience and educational information from professional guidance. ABMC content does not replace qualified advice.
Privacy & Consent
Submitted stories and media remain private while awaiting review. They are not automatically published; publication requires review, approval and permission.
Accessible Media
We work toward captions, readable content, keyboard accessibility and inclusive design. Caption availability is identified where verified.
Transparency
ABMC does not claim medical, legal, organizational or professional endorsements that have not actually been established.
Our goal is simple: help people find trustworthy information, hear authentic voices, and feel less alone.
Quick watch
Short moments, real perspectives
Brief clips for discovering autism at your own pace. Swipe or scroll sideways to browse.
What Is Autism? A Simple Explanation #Shorts
0:38
Marvelous Max: Autism Awareness for Kids
3:01
From the channel
Voices on ABMC
Conversations published on the ABMC YouTube channel. Written community stories will be added to the Stories page as storytellers give consent.
Family Voices
An Autism Family's Journey | Sirena Shares Her Story and Community Support
Sirena describes her family's journey and the community support they found along the way.
- Captions confirmed unavailable on YouTube
Family Voices
Supporting Autism Families | Claire Dees of Spectrum Autism Support Group
Claire Dees of Spectrum Autism Support Group discusses how families can find connection and support.
- Captions confirmed unavailable on YouTube
Ask ABMC
Not sure where to begin?
Plain-language guides for common questions, from school and sleep to sensory needs and safety. General education and navigation only, not medical advice.
- I don’t know where to startA calm first step when everything feels like a lot.Open guide
- Newly diagnosed — start hereUnderstanding the diagnosis and the first practical steps.Open guide
- Find a provider or resourceHow to look for evaluations, therapies, and local services.Open guide
- School & IEPSpecial education rights, evaluations, and working with schools.Open guide
- Nutrition & mealtime supportSelective eating, routines, and making mealtimes calmer.Open guide
- Sensory & daily livingSensory differences and everyday routines.Open guide
Expert Corner
Helpful Tips from Professionals
A place for short, free educational videos from therapists, educators, clinicians, advocates and autistic self-advocates — made for families, autistic people and supporters.
Every submission is reviewed privately, with credentials checked where a license applies and captions added before anything appears. No expert videos have been published yet. Contributing is free; it is not advertising and ABMC does not endorse contributors.
Resources
A trusted resource gateway
Official U.S. government gateways, organized by who you are, each labeled with the date its link was last verified.
- Autistic PeopleBenefits, employment, independent living, and rights.Explore
- Parents & CaregiversEarly signs, early intervention, school rights, and coverage.Explore
- EducatorsSpecial education law and family partnership.Explore
- ProfessionalsFederal program references for referral and coordination.Explore
Link verified 2026-10-02
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Learn the Signs. Act Early.
Free information on developmental milestones and what to do if you have concerns about a child's development.
Link verified 2026-10-02
U.S. Department of Education
IDEA: Parents & Families
Information about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including special education rights and services.
Link verified 2026-10-02
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Autism Services in Medicaid
Federal overview of how Medicaid can cover services for autistic people. Coverage details vary by state.
International Resources
Autism resources around the world
Outside the United States? ABMC points to official and national autism-resource gateways for the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand — each link verified and checked for accuracy before it appears here.
- United KingdomIn the UK, people can speak with a GP about an autism assessment. These official and national sources explain the next steps.View United Kingdom resources
- CanadaProvinces and territories have primary responsibility for delivering healthcare and many autism services.View Canada resources
- AustraliaThe NDIS is the main official starting point. Eligibility depends on official criteria.View Australia resources
- IrelandThe HSE is the official starting point for health and disability supports.View Ireland resources
- New ZealandAutism New Zealand is a national organisation providing autism information, education and support.View New Zealand resources
An ABMC project
The Silent Gift
A signature ABMC series about the communication that happens without speech. Now in production.
Explore the projectCommunity
Stay connected with ABMC
Join the free ABMC Family & Community Network for occasional updates, or follow new videos on YouTube.