Dealing with a Diagnosis of Autism
From LoveToKnow Autism
Dealing with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder may be one of the most difficult periods in a parent's life. Long before children are born, parents begin to imagine an ideal future for that new young life. Seldom do those dreams and expectations include visits to the neurologist and hectic therapy and treatment schedules.
Dealing with a Diagnosis of Autism: Step One
The first step is to acknowledge your feelings about this monumental development in your family's life. Feelings of shock and dismay are perfectly normal, and should not become a source of guilt. Disappointment is natural when things do not turn out the way they were planned. Feelings of disbelief, anger, depression, and self pity are common in those first days, weeks, or even months after the diagnosis is confirmed. Grieving for the should-have-beens is a healthy part of the process of accepting your new circumstances.
Beginning the Journey
Once the initial shock of finding out that your child has a developmental disability has passed, it is time to begin planning to meet your child's special needs. Approaching this task as an informed and organized advocate for your child will require some time spent educating yourself about autism spectrum disorders. Seeking insight on the practical aspects of living with autism from other parents who are further along the path you have yet to tread is a great way to begin. If you are not acquainted with anyone who is parenting a child with autism, support groups in your community or on the Internet can help you find experienced parents to speak to about your circumstances.
Seeking Help
The next step in helping your child is to secure basic support services. If your child is very young, the first organization to contact will be the Early Intervention program in your state. Under Federal Early Intervention guidelines, your child will be eligible to receive services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, among others. Every state participates in this program, which guarantees these services to children with disabilities up to the age of two, and some states extend services a year or two beyond that age. These same basic services are available for older children through your local school system. Under federal law, your child is eligible for these services through age 21.
These basic therapies are available through any number of private practices and clinics as well. However, not all health insurance companies will cover autism treatment and therapy, so be sure to go over your policy carefully to avoid the possibility of unexpected, out of pocket expenses.
Exploring Options
Once the basics are in place, it is time to begin the process of investigating the various options for treatment and therapy. There are a lot of possibilities to wade through in your quest to find the best possible methods to help your child. Before committing yourself to any treatment plan, be sure to investigate it thoroughly. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people out there who would take advantage of your drive to care for your child by offering fly-by-night treatments that provide no real result other than a reduced bank balance.
Day By Day
While those first steps into the world of autism are bound to be difficult and confusing, the path will begin to become easier as you gain experience, knowledge, and confidence. Soon, the initial panic will give way to the realization that your child is not defined by autism. The diagnosis is but one aspect of who he is, and underneath it is that bright and beautiful child of your dreams.
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