As any parent of a child with autism knows, your life changes and you take on new roles after your child receives a diagnosis of autism. Ready or not, you are now expected to be an expert on interventions, support professionals, and special education. Suddenly, your concerns and worries are different from the parents around you. While they may be concerned with the everyday path of education issues, you are left to determine your own path over the unfamiliar ground of special education services and learning how laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) affect your child. Navigating the special education system is no easy task, but as an advocate for your child, and by extension other children with autism, there is no task more important. The fundamental intent of special education is to provide instruction to meet each child's unique needs. "Life Journey through Autism: Navigating the Special Education System" offers information, tools, and tips that will help you become an even more effective advocate for your child. Many state education departments offer pamphlets with specific information about the special education system in their state. What is different about this Guide is its national perspective and specific focus on the needs of children with autism. This Guide is designed as a resource for parents. Its purpose is to give each family the information and tools needed to successfully navigate the education system anywhere in the country. More specifically, it offers: (1) Background on special education in the United States; (2) An understanding of the laws and regulations about special education; (3) An overview of the timeline of services; (4) A detailed explanation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs); (5) Tips and techniques for being an effective advocate; (6) Sources and links that will help you identify state specific resources and find more in-depth information; and (7) Lists and definitions of terms that are frequently used in school systems. Appended are: (1) IEP Meeting Notes; (2) Information for Meetings; (3) Related Services; (4) Writing IEP Goals; (5) IEP Goal Worksheet; (6) Organizing IEP Paperwork; (7) Common Accommodations; (8) Using a Functional Behavior Assessment; (9) Using an Advocate; (10) Contact Log; (11) State Resources; and (12) Recommended Reading. A glossary is included. [Contributing authors include Julie Swanson and Julie Augeri.]