What to Do After an Autism Diagnosis for Your Child

If you're child has received an autism diagnosis,course of action for treating the issue. For
you may feel like all of the hopes and dreamsinstance, does your child have sensory problems?
you had for your child's future have ended. TheseSpeech delays? Social deficits? Etc.
feelings of guilt, grief and fear are normal for6. Find out what is available - Just because you
parents when they first discover their child isdiscover what your child needs, doesn't mean
autistic. However, you need to know that you'reyou'll have immediate access to the therapies
not alone and there is help out there for both yourequired, or even know how to work them into
and your child.your lifestyle if they are available. . You also need
To help you cope with the autism diagnosis, theto find out if your medial insurance will cover any
following are 10 guidelines for you to take intoof the therapies your child will need. Once you
consideration:have everything sorted out, you can begin to set
1. Don't Panic - Feeling overwhelmed is natural atup a program that can meet your needs.
first, but this drowning feeling will pass. You need7. Stick to basic therapies - When you research
to remember autism - although a challengingtherapies, you will discover that there are
condition - is not a life threatening illness. Autismnumerous treatments. Instead of becoming
isn't the end of the world; take the time to calmoverwhelmed, focus on the basic therapies that
down and rationally think things through.are readily available, appropriate to your child, and
2. Your child is still the same - An autism diagnosisfunded. The basics usually include speech therapy,
doesn't mean your child is any different than hephysical therapy, and occupational therapy. There
she was prior to your knowledge of his/hermay also be therapies offered within schools.
condition. A diagnosis has only provided you with8. Introduce treatment slowly - Remember, most
the chance to better understand your child, sotherapies are a slow process that take weeks or
you can provide him/her with the support that willeven months until you begin to see a difference in
allow him/her to have the best life. The love youyour child. Therefore, try not to introduce too
have for your child and all the good you see inmany therapies after the autism diagnosis. When
him or her will remain their forever. No diagnosisyou take it slow you are able to observe how
can change that.your child responds to each, and determine what
3. Educate yourself - Find out everything there isis successful and what isn't.
to know about autism. You can find information in9. Relax - The wellbeing of your child is important,
books and articles in your local library, bookstorebut so is yours and the rest of your family. It's
and online. The internet is a fantastic resource forimperative that you find ways to relieve your
autism.stress, take breaks, and enjoy your own life. You
4. Ask questions - don't forget to address anywill be able to better care for your autistic child
questions or concerns you may have with yourwhen you are well rested.
doctor.10. You're not alone - There are many autism
5. Find out what your child needs - Depending onsupport groups you can join both locally and online
the type of autism diagnosis your child receivesafter receiving an autism diagnosis. Talking to
he/she may have many or few special needs.other parents with autistic children, and hearing
Carefully analyze your child's behaviors and discussand sharing your experiences can be very helpful
them with your doctor to determine the bestand therapeutic to you and your child.