1: BUY The Child with Special Needs by Dr. Stanley Greenspan. It's a big book. You'll want to get started reading right away.
2: READ two takes on dealing with a new diagnosis: one that advocates treatments and cures, and another that specifically discourages them (scroll down to "Introduction for Parents of Autistic/AS Kids").
3: JOIN an online support group like Families of Children with Autism to meet and share with others who have been where you are.
4: DOWNLOAD a "100 Day Kit" from Autism Speaks for some advice for getting started with services.
5: VISIT our listing of Autism Spectrum Disorder links for more information and ideas.
Do you have suggestions for parents of children newly diagnosed with autism? Tell them about that book that explained everything, that website full of resources, that e-mail group you still lean on, that experience with your child that made you see things differently. Those of us who have been there have important gifts to give those who have not yet done that. Offer your words of wisdom and experience where you see "Tell Your Tips" below.
