Parenting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involves an emotional transition for parents and caregivers. This transition is not as natural as the birth of a child, it involves learning to cope with the challenges of the autism disability, its methods, and the evolution of its character. In the US one in every 49 children is diagnosed with ASD. Both children and teenagers have an autism diagnosis.

While some children manifest autism symptoms early in life, others begin to exhibit symptoms in their teenage years. Once your child/teenager starts exhibiting some of the signs of autism, it is advisable to get an autism diagnosis. As the name implies, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability. Therefore, the earlier the child gets an autism diagnosis, the better. Autism has unique ways of affecting every individual child.  There are numerous symptoms associated with autism. So, an early autism assessment will help you understand the implication of the condition.

Coping with a Child’s Autism Diagnosis

Knowing your child’s autistic status after an autism assessment can be overwhelming. Many parents are left uncertain of the next step to take. They are many questions to be answered coupled with grave confusion. No matter what stage you learn of your child’s disability, it is always challenging, as a parent to reimagine your child’s future with a developmental disorder. While there is currently no cure for the condition, there is still hope for your child to grow, develop and acquire new skills within their capabilities. The first thing to do is to become conversant with the diagnosis, adjust conditions that best suit your child’s needs. Then seek the intervention of specialized stakeholders and support groups.

Seek for Professional Assistance

One of the first questions to expect from parents who just received the news of their child’s autistic state is: where can I find an occupational therapist with autism near me? The answer to that question is not farfetched as there are a number of them available. You can find one online.

 Early detection means earlier interventions that assist the child to receive the best intervention possible. The quicker intervention begins in your child’s condition, the greater chances of development in communication skills, behavioral patterns, and social skills.  

Intervention that can help an autistic child’s development:

• Occupational and physical rehabilitation
•  Verbal and speaking therapy
• Emotional and behavioral rehabilitation
• Physical development therapy
• Social skill development
• Treatment and psychiatric services

Learn to Listen to Your Child

After an autism assessment, listening to your child is necessary. It will help you understand what you need to build an enabling environment for your child’s development.

Talk to People You Trust

While helping the autistic child, it is also essential to take care of yourself. You need to understand how best to take care of the child and help them cope with the world. You cannot achieve this goal without support from others.  Talk to an Occupational Therapist Autism, for assistance, especially at the early detection stage. Talking to other caregivers and parents of autistic children can be of great assistance. Browse online for occupational therapist autism near me and seek professional support from doctors, occupational therapist autism, and advocacy groups. You can also discuss your child’s welfare with trusted family members. Family and friends can be of great assistance in helping you watch your child from time to time while you recuperate and try to adjust to the new situation.

References

Autism first signs and checklist for teenagers. (2022). Retrieved from The Spectrum: https://thespectrum.org.au/autism-diagnosis/checklist-teenagers/

Signs of autism in older children and teenagers. (2022). Retrieved from raisingchildren.net.au: https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/learning-about-autism/assessment-diagnosis/signs-of-asd-in-teens

Article submitted in conjunction with a speech and language pathologist.