Your Child Has Autism……What Next?

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This information is meant to give purposeful direction to parents in the throes of anxiety and remorse when they receive the initial diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (PDD-NOS, PDD, Aspergers/Autism) or before a diagnosis, when there is suspicion in the mind of parents or teachers. These suggestions are in no way to represent or take the place of medical advice.

1. Immediately go to the UNLOCKING AUTISM web site at http://www.unlockingautism.org and locate the Open Your Mouth graphics that will give you a link to a UA State Representatives in your state. Once you contact these Representatives they will help you get started on the road to finding help for your family and for your child. They will give you information regarding the services available in your state and the agencies that provide them, as well as information regarding support groups in your area.

2. Talk to more than one parent to ensure that you get all the unbiased information.  Different therapies and interventions work for different children and it is your job to investigate them all thoroughly so you can make the best decision for your child.

3. Locate the source of early intervention in your state, your school district or state special education department…

4. To begin learning about the special education law and your child's rights visit:

5. Investigate options that are available to help your child learn. Learn the benefits and differences in ABA/Teacch/ Miller Method/ Higashi Method / Floortime / PECS / Social Stories. Web sites to get you started include the following:


6. Research biomedical interventions for children with autism.

7. Research Biomedical Testing done by those with experience.

8. Find a DAN! (DEFEAT AUTISM NOW! ) Doctor and make an appointment while you are doing your homework. It will seem like forever before you might be able to get in to see the doctor for the first time, but while you are waiting to get in to see the doctor, you can be learning about the disorder. This way you are not wasting time by learning about the disorder and THEN waiting to get in and see the doctor.  http://www.autism.com/ari/danlist.html.

9. Give serious thought to Dietary Interventions. Learn what you can about them. Make sure that you are working in conjunction with a licensed nutritionist or your child's pediatrician if you aren't yet working with a DAN! doctor to make sure that your child's nutritional needs are being met.

10. Join a local Autism group in your area, talk to and meet local parents and professionals. You can find the closest chapter for the Autism Society of America by visiting:  http://www.autismsociety.org/membership/chapter_map.html

Your Unlocking Autism State Representative will be able to give you information regarding other support groups in your state/area. And you can visit:

11. Read some introductory books on autism. These are available at your local library or through:

Recommended Books:

12. There is active research on a suggested link between the MMR vaccine and some forms of Autism:

13. Locate and talk to parents who have done specific treatments and therapies. Your Unlocking Autism State Representative will be able to help you find other parents if they have not used that particular therapy/treatment. 

http://www.UnlockingAutism.org/repfinder2.asp

14. Remember that as parents of a child with autism, you need time to understand and accept this diagnosis. There is pain and grief that you may have to deal with during this time. Find support from other parents and from your family. Do not try to do this alone.