| Obtaining assistance for children with autism can | | | | Get the child's name on every waiting list |
| certainly be a full time endeavor. Parents are | | | | What normally happens is the the parent signs the |
| constantly interacting with a variety of | | | | child up for waiting lists for many services. Even if |
| professionals of all different specializations and it | | | | the services don't seem necessary at this time, |
| can be easy to become completely disorganized. | | | | suspend judgement for now and sign up for the |
| Following are some suggestions to help parents | | | | waiting list. There will be many types of therapies |
| remain organized while advocating for children with | | | | and treatments and they take time to explore, |
| autism: | | | | learn about and judge. For now, just get on the |
| Obtain a five inch locking three ring binder | | | | waiting list because it often takes years for the |
| This will be the master binder that will contain all | | | | child's turn to come. One simple signature on a |
| the child's information. It can really help when all | | | | waiting list today can become a major answer to |
| relevant information is in one place. Obviously, the | | | | prayer tomorrow. |
| binder can be broken down with colored tab | | | | Obtain a business card holder |
| sections in whatever manner is most | | | | The best type of business card holder is leather |
| understandable for the parent, but here are some | | | | bound and opens up like a book. Any kind will do, |
| organizational suggestions: | | | | though. Keep all doctor's business cards in it |
| - Psychological Reports | | | | together. The doctor's business cards can be |
| - Report Cards | | | | sorted by specialization if desired. The main thing |
| - Allergy Testing Information | | | | is to have all the doctor contact information in |
| - Vaccine Information | | | | one place in order to be able to grab it quickly. |
| - IEPs | | | | Some parents also keep business cards for special |
| - Speech Evaluations | | | | autism schools too. That is up to the parent's |
| - Occupational Therapy Evaluations | | | | personal preference. Do not forget to include |
| - Physical Therapy Evaluations | | | | business cards of all pharmacies that dispense |
| - Doctor Reports | | | | medication for the child. That way, medication |
| - Inspirational Stories From time to time, | | | | refills will go smoothly. |
| newspapers and magazines will run stories about | | | | By using the strategies above, parents of children |
| exceptional people with autism who have either | | | | with autism can remain organized. This sense of |
| achieved great things or recovered from the | | | | having everything in one place can really make |
| disorder entirely. Keep these clippings in a section | | | | parents more efficient. That way, parents can |
| in order to provide hope and inspiration. This is | | | | direct more energy toward their child's treatment |
| very important | | | | program. |