The First Three Things to Do When Your Child Is Diagnosed With Autism
1) Breathe. Take a deep breath. This is the same child you woke up to this morning. The only difference now is that the feeling in your gut…you know what I am talking about….that thing, that was not right, but you could not put your finger on it? That feeling has a name, and it is called autism. Your child may have challenges but they also have many gifts, too. Your job, as their parent, is to support them so they can reach their full potential.
2) Get educated. Autism is a spectrum disorder, because it varies from person to person. They say, “When you know one child with autism, you know one child with autism”. I know this is true, because I have seen it over the last decade. Even in my son’s current classroom none of his classmates look the same. Some talk more than others. Some have behaviors. It really runs the gamut, which is why it is important for you to get educated about autism and how it manifests in your child. You are the key, because you, as the parents, are the expert. You just need supports to help them thrive. Two great resources, that were not available when my son was diagnosed, are the Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit, and the Hussman Institute’s Presuming Competence Guide. The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit provides a step by step guide on steps to take on a weekly basis, as well as offers call logs, and contact sheets for you to fill out. It even provides information about all the different types of therapies/services your child may need. I learned about the Hussman Institute and Presuming Competence when I attended a Transition Workshop in May 2017 and was blown away! Dr. Hussman, who has an adult son with an autism diagnosis, created a guide about presuming competence, meaning that a person with an autism diagnosis has “the capacity to think, learn and understand-even if we don’t see any tangible evidence”.
3) Get organized. The autism journey is not easy or clear. Depending on the supports your child needs, you may be interfacing or case managing a lot of therapists, services, and appointments. If your child received a medical diagnosis, are they also receiving services at school? If your child was “diagnosed” at school and receiving autism services there, do they also have a medical diagnosis? If the answer is no to either of these question, that is a great place to start. Medical and school* diagnoses are different and your child should have access to both to maximize resources. If your answer is yes, were you provided with a treatment plan or recommendations for therapy or services? If so, have you started exploring this plan? There is no time like the present to get started.
If you need guidance and support as you get started, reach out to an autism support group in your area. For families in the DC Metro area, I offer a monthly support call on the second Tuesday of the Month from 7–8pm through my non-profit organization, DC Autism Parents. Please CLICK HERE to register.
*To clarify: in school, the child receives a classification of autism, not a diagnosis.
