From the article: First Five Things to Do After Your Child Is Diagnosed with Autism
If you're the parent of a child with autism, chances are you've gotten quite an education since you first heard that diagnosis. What would you say today to parents who are just getting the news? 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 here. Tell Your Tips
My Success (Parents of Non-Verbal Kids)
- I have 3 kids who were (now all recovered) ranging from Aspergers to severely non-verbal. We developed a method of targeted video modeling that was a major key in their recovery, and it is now available through the Internet. The initial trials have been rather remarkable. There was actually a documentary made on the US testing, I can send anyone the link if they contact me directly. Here is a 2 minute segment from the documentary. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu20J2Bx08k I wanted to try to find parents who will really use the program, and not just waste it. If your child is having difficultly with language, this appears to work better than anything else. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJUO6FIRaeY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7mGTtCCmoY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXQT2ZEQEN4 (reach me at laurakasbar@gmail.com)
- —Guest Laura Kasbar
You Are Not Alone
- Everyone needs someone to talk to. Let someone know what you are going through and how you feel. Find someone who is or has been through what you are going through and feeling now who can just listen and be a source of strength. Parents that are juggling the same things you are can offer tips on how they juggle the days routines and may be able to give you different ideas to try that could work for you. But never isolate yourself from the real world, let others in to provide you help and strength. Join a Support Group or start one yourself.
- —Guest Michelle Poe
new diagnosis-autism resources
- The first thing you need to do is find out as much as you can about your child's condition. Exceptional Parent magazine has an annual national resource guide on disability specific conditions, including autism. You can get one free copy by calling (800)E-PARENT. Also, "Educating Children with Autism" was a national study on all the clinically researched interventions proven effective for autism. You can download it free at www.nap.edu or buy it in book form at www.amazon.com.
- —Guest Lauren Agoratus
Seek out others
- If you find other parents who have gone through this you will not feel like you are alone. That was my problem I felt so alone like I was the only one in the world who had a child with autism. So I decided to come out and do a story for the paper about my son. I met lots of others who felt the same way I did. Now we all know that we are not alone.
- —Guest Melissa
ASPIES Greater Akron (Ohio)
- In Ohio, we are fortunate to have an organization called OCALI. From their website, parents can download a .pdf file entitled Ohio's Parent Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders that answers many of the questions that you raised in your newsletter. (In fact, the guide came about by parents and professionals being asked "What do you know now that you wish you'd known when the child was first diagnosed?") The info is generic and good for anyone in any state!!!! The guide can be downloaded by chapter or in its entirety at http://www.ocali.org/family/fs_res_guide.php .....keep in mind it's almost 200 pages total, so it does take a few minutes to download.
- —Guest Rreindeer
Tips for parents of child w/ autism
- As a mother of a child with autism, there are several excellent books that I reference frequently...and that I wish I had known about a few years ago: 1)Early Intervention & Autism by Dr. James Ball (ASA) 2)What You Can Do Right Now to Help Your Child with Autism (Jonathan Levy) 3)Raising a Child With Autism (Shira Richman) 4)A Picture's Worth: PECS & Other Visual Communication Strategies in Autism (Andy Bondy, Lori Frost) 5)Solving Behavior Problems in Autism-Improving Communication with Visual Strategies (Linda Hodgdon) 6)It's All About Attitude (Gayle Nobel, Kathy Almeida) 7)The 7 Best Things Happy Couples Do (John & Linda Freil) 8)Solutions for Adults with Asperger Syndrome (Juanita P. Lovett) I recently discovered the book: The Child with Autism at Home-The Home Life Guide 350 Tips for Work & Play (Kathy Labosh, LaNita Miller). Any "free" time you can carve out for yourself might be well spent reading and equiping yourself with critical information presented in these books.
- —Guest Denise Meissner
Identify sensory issues
- Before my son was diagnosed, I was completely unaware of his sensory issues. Identifying his oversensitivities and risk situations made everyday life easier. In fact it made a difference very quickly, for example reducing the number of meltdowns we had to deal with. If you don't have an occupational therapist to help you, you can try this checklist: http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist.html
- —Guest NorwayMom
Slow down
- Don't throw every therapy you can find at your child. Take them one at a time so you can see what's working. When my son was first diagnosed, I was crying and he wasn't paying attention (of course) and I said out loud, "I feel like I've lost my boy!" He turned to me, looked me in the eye and said, "NO!" That sat me down and gave me the perspective I needed.
- —Guest Irene
Take a DEEP Breath ....
- Breathe out. Repeat. Then do it one more time. Now, look around. Find out ... write down ... where are the parent support groups in your area? In nearby cities? Statewide? National? Ask if your PTA or school district has a Special Ed. Parent Committee. Does your State Education Agency have regional centers that have special ed./autism personnel? Does your State Education Agency have an autism expert/coordinator? What about universities in your state ... any of them have autism programs? It probably feels overwhelming, scary and very, very unfair. But there are others who have been in your spot and who can tell you what you might encounter along the way. Be discerning when you read or listen to others who claim they have "the" answer. Especially if "the" answer involves giving them money. Above all, don't limit yourself or your child with expectations. There are many possibilities, many potentials that you may not be able to see right now. Remember, you are not alone.
- —akkarney
Coping with autism
- Our son was diagnosed severe-moderately severe autistic by age 3. Seeking all the helps we could for him, the two biggest helps were learning Interactive Play Therapy, and getting advice and helps from a Pediatrician who specialized in Biochemical body balancing ( www.hrtptc.org ). Eight years later, he is mildly autistic and FUN - he has such a very unique perspective of the world and life :-).
- —Guest CindyBr
take a deep breath
- There are a lot of options and possibilities out there - but the key is to find those that work well BOTH for your child AND for your family. You don't have to rush, and you DON'T have to go broke. Take your time, consider options, and meanwhile take time to play with and enjoy your child!
- —Guest Lisa
