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Around 1 in 36 children in the US has autism. Getting a diagnosis can be a relief for many parents, as it can help to explain certain behaviors. An autism diagnosis can also be daunting however as raising a child with autism can be more challenging. Many parents are unsure of what steps to take after receiving a diagnosis. This post lists a few measures that could be worth taking.
Do your homework
Developing a thorough understanding of autism can teach you how to deal with certain behaviors. It can also teach you what is normal for an autistic child and what is abnormal (some kids with autism may also have other health problems, which are important to distinguish from autism).
There are many resources you can use to learn more about autism. This directory lists a number of websites you can use to educate yourself. There are also many books published on autism that you can read, as well as workshops and webinars that you can attend.
Look into autism therapy
There is no cure for autism. However, certain types of therapy can help teach autistic children how to adopt healthier and more socially acceptable behaviors.
ABA therapy for autism is the most trusted form of therapy – it’s science-backed and uses a personalized approach. It’s worth starting this therapy as early as you can, as it is easier to pick up new habits when a child is still young. Some services are able to work with kids as young as 2. Such therapy usually involves one-on-one interaction through various games and tests using rewards and positive reinforcement to help kids learn certain behaviors.
Tell their teachers
If a child is in a mainstream school, it is important to let their teachers know that they have autism. They will likely need extra support in class and may need an assistant to help them with certain tasks
Some schools will recommend applying for an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) that will cater to their needs. Of course, you can also remove your child from a mainstream school and consider a specialist school if you feel this will be a better learning environment.
Explore financial assistance programs
Parents of autistic children are eligible for all kinds of financial assistance, which can be useful for funding alternative schooling and therapy. Parents of children with autism are often eligible for SSI. There are also a number of grants available to parents of autistic children.
Different states may have different forms of financial assistance in place. Take the time to explore your state’s benefits.
Connect with other parents with autistic kids
It could be helpful and comforting to talk to parents who are also raising autistic children. It could make you feel less alone and you may also be able to share stories and parenting tricks that you’ve learnt.
This could also be a chance for your child to meet other autistic children. While it’s important for autistic children to mix with non-autistic children, meeting other kids with autism can also be useful in helping children to understand their own condition.
