Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can be a deeply complex and emotional experience. Learning to navigate the beginnings of this journey can be overwhelming, even daunting at times. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Many families have walked this path and will continue to do so. There are countless resources available to help your family make sure your child thrives.
Taking practical steps early on is one of the most important things to ensure the best possible outcome for your child after their diagnosis. According to Autism Speaks, early intervention can improve learning, communication, and social skills for children with autism.
By taking proactive steps now, you can provide your child with the tools they need to reach their full potential. This guide aims to provide newly diagnosed families with practical steps to navigate those early stages.
Step 1: Take Time to Process the Autism Diagnosis
It is perfectly natural for something that impacts your child’s development to trigger a whirlwind of complex emotions. These can range from anxiety to sadness to guilt to relief, and everything in between. All of these feelings are valid. Remember, there is no "right" or "wrong" way to feel at this moment.
It’s important to give yourself time to process the diagnosis and avoid rushing into decisions out of fear or anxiety. This is the time to learn, reflect, and understand what the diagnosis means for your child and your family.
- First Step Arkansas is an easy-to-navigate and comprehensive informational source for education and support services for children with autism.
The most important thing to remember is that neither you nor your child are alone. Whether online or in your local community, consider reaching out to local counselors or support groups. There are those that specialize in helping parents or guardians of children with autism. These groups will help you process and express your emotions in a safe, supported space.
Step 2: Learn About Available Resources
Once you’ve given yourself sufficient time to process, a valuable second step is seeking out accessible resources. The amount of information given to parents both online and by others can be overwhelming or all-at-once. Exploring effective ways to help support your child is one of the best ways to empower them, yourself, and your family.
- Therapies: Many children with autism benefit from therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy to help develop social skills, ease of day-to-day living , and communication.
- Early Intervention Programs: For children younger than school-age, early intervention programs are typically tailored services. There are invaluable, often free resource to help set children and families up for success. These often encompass assistance such as physical or speech therapy and social skills training.
- Educational Resources: Online resources like the Autism Society and First Step offer extensive information on the diagnosis and disorder itself. In addition, they provide how to locate or provide additional resources and support.
Step 3: Build a Support Network
- Seek medical involvement if necessary: Along with therapists, other medical professionals are an invaluable resource for discerning how best to support your child’s specific needs. Autism is a wide spectrum. Pediatricians, neurologists, and/or developmental specialist can help determine the extent of care your child might need.
- Work with your child’s educators: Whether your child is currently attending school or soon will be, collaborating with their teachers and school staff to develop accommodations like an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will help create a learning environment that is inclusive and aware so your child can thrive.
- Connect with other parents: As previously mentioned, other families with autistic children can offer valuable insight and support for both yourself and your child. They may recommend local resources, empathize with shared experiences, or help in navigating the complex emotions that come with life after a diagnosis.
Remember, you do not have to do this on your own. Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of and a solid support network can help both you and your child thrive.
Step 4: Explore Early Intervention Programs
Research has shown that early intervention can be one of the most beneficial and impactful resources for the mental and social development of children on the autism spectrum. The necessity and impact of different early intervention services vary per a child’s individual needs. Early intervention is one of the most valuable and significant ways to ensure the best possible outcome once an Autism diagnosis is made.
Depending on your child’s age, First Step offers a variety of early invention programs specifically curated to address the varying needs of both child and family. Far from a bandaid solution, our programs are meticulously developed with nurturing a child’s self-confidence and capability to it’s highest potential. We work with parents to make the process accessible, convenient, and easy to navigate.
- Early Intervention Serives for children newborn to the age of three. This is a flexible, often no-cost resource for families with children currently navigating developmental delays.
- Our Developmental Preschool & School Age Developmental Treatment services help cover an array of medical, emotional, or practical needs. This includes needs such as transportation, day treatment, and helping develop daily tasks such as Hand-washing and self-feeding.
For further information, First Step offers an Early Intervention Guide. The guide offers an in-depth explanation into Autism Spectrum Disorder, how to recognize early symptoms, and the value of and options for early intervention.
Step 5: Plan for the Future
This diagnosis is a lot to take in, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But thinking about the long-term can help you support your child’s future in the best way possible. It might seem scary, but planning ahead can give you a sense of direction and help you make informed decisions.
Depending on your child’s needs, First Step Arkansas offers many lifelong services that support a wide range of accommodations for both children and adults with autism. These include accommodations such as transition services, educational resources, and a broad array of accommodation programs, including Day Treatments for adults, supported employment, and residential living.
To keep up to date with available resources in-state and online, consider signing up for First Step’s newsletter.
Start Your Journey
While the first stages after a diagnosis can feel incredibly overwhelming, it is also a new opportunity to better understand your child. This will help support them as they set off into the future.
For further information and resources, connect with First Step today for compassionate, comprehensive support for your family’s needs.
