My Child Is Diagnosed with Autism, Now What?

The percentages of Autism are growing rapidly. No one knows exactly why their child was diagnosed. Sure there are beliefs out there that vaccines cause autism, or that it is genetic, but there is no scientific research to show why people are diagnosed. The important question is what do I do after the diagnosis? My child was diagnosed by Riley’s Hospital. Although it was a bit of relief lifted off our shoulders, they didn’t give us any answers on what to do next. They gave us piles of papers and resources instead. That is what leads to the first step...

Read papers your doctor has provided.

The papers you will receive after the diagnosis will contain tons of information and resources. Autism is such a broad subject with a wide spectrum. Finding specific answers for your child could take days. Thus why they give you papers to help figure answers out on your own time. You will have to become a doctor in a way, of your own child.

Research

Do your research on these different companies. You can find websites with tons of information and certain questions you may have. My favorite is Autism Speaks. They provide “The First 100 Days of Autism.” They suggest reading this after your child was diagnosed, and so do I. They will provide many lists and charts to help keep all of your child’s information organized. Believe me, you’ll want a divider to keep your child’s information in, because you will have tons! They also provide steps to take after your child is diagnosed.

Inform your family/doctor/teachers.

Don’t keep this a secret! It’s important for everyone around your child to understand why he/she behaves this way. This way your child doesn’t get punished for something they can’t help. You will have several people stay in denial. Although you got the diagnoses, some will still say something along the lines of “they are just a little behind.” Try to have them read the research you have found, and explain everything to them.

Therapies

Talk with your doctor or even get in contact with the doctor who diagnosed your child about what therapies they will receive. A popular therapy type is ABA. They help you to figure out what your child needs as well. If you’re not looking into ABA there are other places that provide OT, PT, and speech. My child receives all of this at his developmental preschool plus an outside speech. These therapies help a ton!

Vision/Ear Exams

This is one you don’t think of because no one mentions how important it is. Maybe there is something wrong with your child’s vision or hearing to keep them from certain expectations. This is something every child will receive, but if you have any concerns of your child’s development I feel it needs to be done ASAP.

Track your child’s behaviors.

Keeping lists and videos of how your child plays, eats, sleeps, almost anything will help when you are explaining to doctors how your child does something. We’re not figuring out much when we just say, “he doesn’t sleep during the night.” There are so many questions that can be asked. Be specific, and the easiest way is keeping a chart. Videos are even better for actions you find hard to explain.

This is just a little list to help. There is SO much more to this list, but to write a list on everything could take DAYS. Remember ASD has a huge spectrum, what might work for someone else’s child, may not work for your child. Autism shouldn’t be taken lightly. It can get stressful, but don’t give up! If you want more information on Autism, keep up with my posts in the future.