You have received the most difficult news you may ever receive, your child has been diagnosed with Autism. Now what?
You are facing an unexpected journey, but you don’t have to go it alone. There are resources to help your child, you and your whole family.
First: Give yourself time to process and digest this difficult news. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and it is important to pace yourself and practice self-care.
Second: You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Autism can feel very isolating for parents and caregivers, and for children affected, but there is help and others who have gone before you. Get connected to professionals, other parents and resources that can help your child and guide you.
Third: Create your support system and communicate your needs. Family and friends can help if they know what you need, i.e. “I need help for 2 hours on Wednesdays so that I can take a nap.” or “It would be really helpful to have a dinner brought over.” or “Please send me an uplifting text on Mondays.” And, join a Support Group for Autism Caregivers.
So, what are the best steps to take to help my child?
For starters:
It is helpful to explore the Gluten Free/Casein Free diet. Often children on the spectrum have sensitivities to gluten and dairy due to GI issues. This is an undertaking, but the results can be worth the effort. Step-byStep implementation is best and staying away from dyes and sugars will also help your child in many ways. Parents often notice changes such as improved eye contact, improved behavior and improved digestion and sleep with dietary changes.
It is also important to explore holistic supplementation that will help your child’s digestive and sleep issues by addressing underlying biophysiological symptoms that present as concerning behaviors, as your child may not be able to communicate their discomfort.
Connect with a functional medicine doctor, integrative medicine doctor, and/or MAPS doctor who specialize in working with children on the spectrum, as well as a Pediatric Neurologist who is experienced in working with children who have special needs.
Ask us at VCCS for Autism holistic medical provider and Pediatric Neurologist recommendations for your child’s presenting needs.
Explore Autism Therapies:
The Son-Rise Program focuses on social connection and ‘joining’ with your child in their interests. In this therapy, the parents have the most central role. The Son-Rise program supports children in overcoming social deficits and building on areas of interest while meeting your child with acceptance and joy.
ABA or Applied Behavioral Analysis is grounded in rigorously measuring a child’s developmental progress. ABA is supports application of our understanding of how behavior works to real situations. The goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that affect learning. ABA strives to increase language and communication skills, improve attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics.
RDI or Relational Development Intervention is a family-based, behavioral treatment. It focuses on building social and emotional skills. Parents are trained as the primary therapist in most RDI programs. RDI helps people with autism form relationships by strengthening the building blocks of social connections. This includes the ability to form an emotional bond and share experiences with others.
Floortime is a relationship-based therapy for children with autism. In this intervention the parent gets down on the floor with the child to play and interact with the child at their level. The goal is for adults to help children expand their “circles of communication.” They meet the child at their developmental level and build on their strengths. Therapists and parents engage the child through the activities the child enjoys. They enter the child’s games and follow the child’s lead.
Social skills groups offer an opportunity for people with autism of all ages to practice their social skills on a consistent basis. These groups provide structure and predictability, break down abstract social concepts into concrete action, provide multiple and varied learning opportunities, foster self-awareness and self-esteem, and provide opportunities for practice so that skills are used beyond the group in real life settings.
Each child is an individual and you know your child best, there are no right or wrong decisions, but finding the best Navigation Plan that fits your child’s specific needs and your family’s needs. At VCCS, we offer a Resource Navigation Plan process that your therapist can guide you through so you feel heard and validated, as well as confident and comfortable with your decisions as you embark on this journey with your child.
