Newly Diagnosed With Autism
A new diagnosis comes with many different emotions. Some parents feel devastated, some panicked, and some feel relief that the strong behaviors are now attributed to a diagnosis. Regardless of your emotional response, there a few points to remember:
You are not alone: Autism affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys (CDC 2014)
It is not your fault: Many studies are looking at the cause of Autism, however the one agreed upon fact is that it is not caused by the parents’ actions early or later in life.
A diagnosis is often the first step to treatment: There is vast evidence of progressive gains in skills and decrease in maladaptive behaviors through interventions.
Step-In’s Role
At Step-In, we make a concerted effort to continue to give-back to our communities. This is true for families with a newly diagnosed child (or adult). Our goal is to help connect you with resources and services that fit your family’s needs. This may include handouts/resources and/or a consult with a professional.
Intervention
It is important to educate yourself on Autism and what the diagnosis may mean for your family. There are many websites (try Autism Speaks) and online communities (try Ian community) to provide information and support. It is also important to begin the process of beginning services.
Early and Intensive Intervention have been shown to be the most successful in Autism Treatment. These will vary depending on your family’s decisions but may include:
Applied Behavior Intervention
Speech Therapy
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
