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Updated June 10, 2015.
For most parents, a diagnosis of autism is like a kidney punch. You feel breathless and overwhelmed. Your world has been turned upside down. But remember that autism, despite its many challenges, is not a dangerous condition. There's no need to panic! You and your entire family will benefit if you can think clearly and calmly.
Remember That Your Child has not Changed
Updated June 10, 2015.
Yesterday, your child was not labeled autistic. Today, he or she has been handed that label by a professional. But the label doesn't change your child or your love for him or her. All the good things you saw in your child yesterday are still there today -- and will be there forever. Part of your job will be to help him or her build on those strengths to compensate for the challenges of autism.
Don't Rush Into Action
Updated June 10, 2015.
The research says that early intervention is important. By the same token, however, autistic children grow and develop over time just like everyone else. It's tempting to leap into as many therapeutic treatments as you can. But until you know what's best for your child, it's a good idea to take it slow.
Read and Ask Questions
Updated June 10, 2015.
A huge number of websites, books and resources are available about autism. Select a few (take a look at 10 Top Websites as a starting place) and dig in. Find a local support group and get involved. Learn how other parents have managed situations similar to yours.
Determine Your Child's Needs
Updated June 10, 2015.
What exactly are your child's needs and deficits? Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that your child may have many needs or just a few. Does your child have speech delays? Sensory issues? Social deficits? By asking all of these questions of your medical practitioner, your family and local support groups, you can start to create a picture of the services your child might need.
Updated June 10, 2015.
Now that you know what your child needs, you need to determine whether those therapies are immediately available to you -- and if they are, how to put them in place. If you are in a rural area, you may have fewer options available than if you're in a city. Your medical insurance may cover only a fraction of the therapies you've discovered. Your school district may have specific options available. Once you know what's immediately available, you can set up a program that suits at least some of your needs.
Updated June 10, 2015.
Literally dozens of treatments are available for autism. Start with the basics -- the treatments that are easily available, funded, and appropriate. For most families, the basics include speech, occupational and physical therapy. For younger children, home-based therapeutic programs are often available; preschoolers and school-aged children may be offered therapies through the school system.
Updated June 10, 2015.
If you decide your child is not getting all he or she needs, you may be tempted to jump into many different interventions at the same time. Of course, there are interventions that have an immediate impact for the better or worse, including some pharmaceuticals. Most treatments, however, require days, weeks or even months to really make a difference. By making changes slowly and observing your child's reactions, you can see what works and what doesn't.
Updated June 10, 2015.
Your child's diagnosis is important. But so is your own life, your other children, your health, and your finances. It's ok to take a break from time to time, and to just be. Only when you're at your best can you hope to give your child all he or she needs to grow, develop and enjoy life!
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