Your Child was Just Diagnosed with Autism: Now What?

Author note: Logan Waggoner. I am the Marketing Director for Children’s Behavioral Services, where we provide therapeutic services to children with special needs. Please note that I am not a medical professional or an expert in autism. For medical advice, consult your doctor. The content below is based on research and interviews with individuals experienced in the field of autism.

Introduction:

According to the CDC, 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or ASD (Amna Nawaz, Courtney Norris, 2023). What does that mean? First, it means that you are not alone. Second, because of improved autism awareness and acceptance, it also means that there is more support available to parents and families affected by ASD. Autism affects individuals differently, and that is why parents or advocates need to remain active in understanding their child’s unique diagnosis. Everyone’s path in life is different, and we believe that just like neurotypical doesn’t mean “normal,” neurodivergent doesn’t mean less than. “Normal” is living the right path for you and your family, and only YOU can decide what that best looks like for your neurodiverse child. The following steps are intended to help parents with children who have been recently diagnosed with autism.

1.      Understanding the Diagnosis

What does it mean to “understand the diagnosis?” It simply means to remember that autism is a spectrum, meaning symptoms, strengths, and challenges vary for each person. Ask the behavioral development professional or physician who confirmed your child’s diagnosis specific questions about the symptoms and/or areas they identified that need support. For example, were any of the following characteristics noted or acknowledged:

·       Reduced Eye Contact

·       Delayed Language Development

·       Delayed Motor Skills

·       Problematic Behaviors (aggression or self-harm)

·       Difficulty Understanding Emotions

·       Over- or Under-Sensory Sensitivity

Understanding your child’s strengths and areas for improvement will help your child’s confidence and ability to live life more independently and fulfilling.

2.      Initial Reactions and Emotions

Every parent’s response differs after learning their child’s diagnosis, and ALL reactions are okay. Some may feel relieved to have an answer, while others may feel angry, sad, or confused. All responses are a natural part of the process. Take time for yourself at this moment. Please take comfort in knowing that you have done everything right. You have been advocating for your child and have sought help in a challenging situation so that you and your family can live quality lives. You need to give yourself praise and love because you have physically illustrated the role of active parenting.

3.      Seek Information and Resources

Gathering resources and identifying your support network will help you feel more confident in parenting your child with ASD, and staying informed can significantly reduce your stress. In addition to family and friends, seek additional support by joining autism community groups (online or in-person) so that you and your family can gain access to more resources and develop relationships with families going through similar journeys. Here is a list of some great online resources that can offer insightful information as well as care and support:

·        https://www.childrensbehavioralservices.com/milestones

·        https://www.childrensbehavioralservices.com/parentscorner

·        https://www.missouriparentsact.org/,

·        https://www.mofirststeps.com/,

·        https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities,

·        https://thompsoncenter.missouri.edu/autism-training-modules/

4.      Educational Considerations

One of the most important steps to consider is creating an Individualized Education Program (IEP) plan for your child. IEPs are typically created through the collaboration of parents, teachers, physicians, therapists, and sometimes the students. The plan becomes an outline to consistently meet your child’s developmental and educational goals.  The IEP is a legally binding document created to hold all parties accountable for ensuring your child is treated with dignity and respect and that their education is customized to meet their needs. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the United States, schools must abide by the accommodations and learning requirements outlined in the IEP (ABSI, 2023).

5.      Therapeutic Interventions

Once your child is diagnosed with autism, the doctor may suggest therapies to help develop essential skills and abilities that are delayed or not yet developed. Studies show that ABA, Speech, and Occupational therapies have helped improve neurodiverse children’s fine motor and communication skills and produce positive behavioral changes (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2014). To learn more about these therapies, please visit our website, which provides an overview of each treatment service: www.cbshelps.com

6.      Navigating Daily Life & Preparing for the Future

All parents experience different sets of challenges and successes when caring for their children. Remember that your journey is unique to you and your family, and focusing on your child’s strengths and accomplishments will create a supportive and safe environment for them to continue to grow and develop. Healthy habits like prioritizing self-care, open communication, establishing routines, and becoming adaptable to change will reduce stress for you and your family.

To effectively help your child prepare for the future, encourage reasonable independence as often as possible. Motivating your child to practice and perform tasks that challenge them will create moments of confidence, growth, and meaningful progress. That said, creating a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable exploring and making mistakes is essential. Highlight their accomplishments, no matter how small, and offer support and feedback to help them improve. Empowering your child through obstacles will help them adapt and be more prepared to carry out tasks independently, ensuring they have a bright future ahead. Share your experiences with your friends and community and offer tips to other parents who are on this path with you. Together, we can strengthen the bond between the neurotypical and neurodiverse families to create a world that embraces differences.

References:

ABSI. (2023, November 27). Understanding the IEP for Children with Autism. Autism Treatment | Autism Behavior Services, Inc. https://autismbehaviorservices.com/guide/understanding-the-iep-for-children-with-autism/

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2014). Therapies for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder | Effective Health Care Program. Ahrq.gov. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/autism-update/consumer

Amna Nawaz, Courtney Norris. (2023). Why more children are being diagnosed with autism and what it means for their families. In PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/why-more-children-are-being-diagnosed-with-autism-and-what-it-means-for-their-families