If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism, you likely feel overwhelmed, concerned, and even a little fearful. Having such a heavy diagnosis placed on your child and family can seem like the world is crashing down around you, but knowing how to proceed and what steps to take next can help you handle the diagnosis without panic or anxiety. Below are the top things you’ll want to consider and do as you move forward after your child is diagnosed with autism.
Don’t Panic
Panicking is the number one way to make any problem seem much more frightening than it is. There are many therapies and treatments that have been developed to help autistic children and adults, and many autistic children go on to live full and rewarding lives. While there are certainly unique struggles that accompany your current situation, there isn’t any need to panic. Take a deep breath and keep moving forward.
Remember That Your Child is Still the Same Person
Just because you know your child is autistic doesn’t change who he or she is. Up until now you’ve been living life knowing who your child is. Sometimes when children are diagnosed with autism parents feel as though they suddenly don’t know how to approach their child, how to relate to them, and so on. This feeling is not necessary, though, because your child hasn’t changed at all. The only thing that has changed is that you now have a professional “label” telling you that there will be unique challenges ahead. Everything else is the same.
Don’t Bombard Your Child with Therapies Immediately
Early intervention is key to successful therapy outcomes and autism is best treated early; so it’s certainly important to start looking into therapy options and treatments. However, autistic children have to grow and develop over time just like every other child does. Sometimes in an effort to do the most they can for their children parents rush into a battery of testing, therapies, behavioral interventions, and so on in a very short period of time. Take a deep breath and find a specialist or team who can help you develop a balanced, strategic plan for your child’s specific case.
Learn and Inquire
The two most important things you can do to help your child and family move forward in a productive manner is to read everything you can get your hands on about autism and to ask questions as often as possible. Books, articles, online databases, support communities, doctors, and other individuals with autism are all great resources. Read research studies, take notes, and always have an investigative mindset about autism. No one doctor or source knows everything there is to know about autism, so learning and staying inquisitive can help you and your child immensely.
Start Simply
There is a long list of treatments, therapies, and other sources of help that is available when it comes to deciding how best to treat your child’s autism. However, starting with the most widely available, best funded, and appropriate treatments is your best bet. Every child is different and each has their own individual needs. Not sure where to start, consult with the professional who diagnosed your child with autism or your child’s pediatrician. If they are not available many communities have local autism resources and support groups. Common therapies that are evidenced based approaches to autism include applied behavior analysis (ABA Therapy), speech, occupational, and physical therapy.
These five tips are certainly not a comprehensive source of things you’ll want to remember and consider as you deal with the initial diagnosis of autism. However, they do give you a good starting point from which you can move on, and they are practical tips that will help you cut through the initial emotions that often come with learning that your child has autism. Keep learning, maintain a clear mind, focus on your child’s individual needs, and start with the basics. Doing these things will help you set up a foundation for success for you, your child, and your entire family.
