Families First Archived Online Resources

Welcome to the TRIAD Families First video library. Families First is a free program for caregivers of young children (ages 2-7) newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The primary goal is to equip caregivers with practical tools to support their child, to provide resources to more easily apply strategy and planning ideas, and to give caregivers an opportunity to meet other caregivers with similar questions or concerns. Learn more on the Families First Program web page.

Video and Resource Overview

Click on the categories below to explore free videos and downloadable resources related to each topic. Videos are presented in three formats, which vary in duration and level of detail:

  • Quick Tips: 1- to 10-minute videos with broad tips and general strategies
  • Back To Basics: 30-minute videos with more specific tips and strategies
  • Applications: 60-minute videos, some as 2-part series, with in-depth tips, strategies, examples, and action plans

1-hour Application Videos

Talking About Autism

<10-minute Quick Tip Videos

ABC’s of Behavior

This video was created through the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) and Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), of which we are a site. Watch "ABCs of Behavior" by Autism Speaks on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV61q2EOuyE

Reinforcement

This video was created through the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) and Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), of which we are a site. Watch "Reinforcement" by Autism Speaks on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px0hYQYu_Lo

30-minute Back-to-Basics Videos

ABC's and Antecedent Strategies

Reinforcement

1-hour Application Videos

Learning Safe Behaviors

Challenging Behaviors Part 1: Functions of Behavior and Preventative Strategies

Challenging Behaviors Part 2: Positive Reinforcement and Responding to Challenging Behavior

Additional Resources

View or download free handout and tip sheet resources on Challenging Behavior here.

<10-minute Quick Tip Videos

Following the Lead

Back into the Community

Making Engagement F.U.N.

30-minute Back-to-Basics Videos

Expanding Social Play Skills

Increasing Structure within Play Routines

Family Fun: Expanding Social Play Skills

1-hour Application Videos

Teaching Your Child to Engage During Community Outings

Enhancing Social Engagement During Daily Routines

Connecting with Your Kids: Building Positive Play Skills and Sibling Interactions

Additional Resources

View or download free handout and tip sheet resources on Engagement, Play, and Connection here.

<10-minute Quick Tip Videos

Building An Effective Team

30-minute Back-to-Basics Videos

Navigating Resources: Where Do I Start

Additional Resources

View or download free handout and tip sheet resources on Navigating Resources here.

<10-minute Quick Tip Videos

Scheduling Mealtime Ask an Expert

Social Stories

Setting up for Success

Scheduling Mealtime

Scheduling Mealtime from Vanderbilt Kennedy Center on Vimeo.

Setting up for Success

Creating a Visual Schedule

Visual Schedule

This video was created through the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) and Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), of which we are a site. Watch "Visual Schedule" by Autism Speaks on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9UtEaEoAiU

First Then Boards

This video was created through the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) and Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), of which we are a site. Watch "First Then Boards" by Autism Speaks on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E26taIXybjM

Medication Decisions and Pill Swallowing

This video was created through the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) and Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), of which we are a site. Watch "Medication Decisions and Pill Swallowing" by Autism Speaks on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8NnZdi7DmA

30-minute Back-to-Basics Videos

Scheduling Your Day: Creating Routine in a Time of Change

Promoting Daily Living Skills in Everyday Routines

1-hour Application Videos

Stepping Out of Your Routine: Back into the Community

Improving Mealtime Routines

Teaching Safety Skills

Additional Resources

View or download free handout and tip sheet resources on Developing Routines and Promoting Daily Living Skills here.

<10-minute Quick Tip Videos

Promote an Idea

Teaching Social Communication Skills!

30-minute Back-to-Basics Videos

Communication Quick Tips

Additional Resources

View or download free handout and tip sheet resources on Communication here.

1-hour Application Videos

Communication

<10-minute Quick Tip Videos

Sleep Environment

Sleep Daytime Habits

This video was created through the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) and Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), of which we are a site. Watch "Sleep Daytime Habits" by Autism Speaks on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M63TYpzB6Rs

Sleep Bedtime Routine

This video was created through the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) and Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), of which we are a site. Watch "Sleep Bedtime Routine" by Autism Speaks on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0cB-kN1BYE

30-minute Back-to-Basics Videos

Sleep Tips

1-hour Application Videos

Developing Successful Sleep Habits: Part 1

Developing Successful Sleep Habits: Part 2

Additional Resources

View or download free handout and tip sheet resources on Sleep here.

<10-minute Quick Tip Videos

Toilet Training

Toilet Training Readiness

Toileting in the Community

30-minute Back-to-Basics Videos

Toilet Training Tips

1-hour Application Videos

Beginning Toilet Training March 2023 [52 min]

Toilet Training: Part 1 Nov. 2021 [53 min]

Toilet Training Part 2 Nov. 2021 [51 min]

Toilet Training: Part 1 Nov. 2020 [68 min]

Toilet Training Part 2 Nov. 2020 [76 min]

Additional Resources

View or download free handout and tip sheet resources on Toilet Training here.

<10-minute Quick Tip Videos

Self-care Maintenance

Self-Care Importance

*This video has captioning available in Spanish.
*Este video tiene subtítulos disponibles en español.

Self-Compassion

*This video has captioning available in Spanish.
*Este video tiene subtítulos disponibles en español.

Mindfulness Practice

*This video has captioning available in Spanish.
*Este video tiene subtítulos disponibles en español.

Continuing Self-Care Worksheet

View or download a web-friendly PDF version of the Continuing Self-Care Worksheet here ⤓
for families

We are in the process of updating our resource library and sorry for any inconvenience. Updated resources and links will be available Fall 2023.

Newest Video

Talking About Autism [August 2023]

Contact Information

Local: (615) 322-7565
Toll-free: (877) ASD-VUMC (273-8862)
E-mail: families.first@vumc.org