Here are some next steps that you can take after an autism diagnosis.
Whether finding out your child has autism completely took you by surprise or you had been expecting it for years, getting an autism diagnosis can be daunting at first. The good news is that children with autism can live full and happy lives with the right support. Here are some next steps that you can take after an autism diagnosis.
Talk to the School
One of the biggest areas where autism can affect a child’s life is at school. So, it’s important to make sure that your child is being educated in a way that is helpful for them, so that they won’t fall behind. Talk to your child’s teachers, guidance counselor, or even principal about any changes that need to be made. Maybe your child will need to enroll in special needs classes, or an after school program, or your child might already be comfortable in a regular classroom with certain accommodations. You might even consider volunteering at the school so that you are nearby. Every child is different, so you won’t know what your child needs until you ask about the options.
Find a Community
With autism, you might need to take your child to different doctors or therapists, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what is best for your child. Fortunately, there is a large community of parents who have children with autism. You should look for ways to plug in, either with a support group or a fun meetup. With the right community, you will find friends who know exactly what you and your child are going through and you’ll probably find more places for your child to get involved, like where to find sensory-friendly events, such as at movie theaters.
Changes at Home
Sometimes you might have to change the way you used to do everyday activities. If you haven’t before, you should create a daily routine, which works well for many children who have autism. You can also look into adding autism-friendly coping strategies into your home, like building a sensory hideout. Although an autism diagnosis might seem heartbreaking at first, ultimately it is good news because it helps you know which direction to take so that your child has a happy and healthy life.
The Connections Therapy Center
The Connections Therapy Center serves families of children and adolescents with disabilities and special needs. We are a team of experts in the fields of pediatric speech, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and behavioral sciences. As a team, we offer intensive hands-on therapy for children and adolescents, as well as informative and useful resources for families. If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to help your family, visit us online or give us a call at (301) 577-4333. Want to get more information on how to help your child thrive? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.