3 Tips for Parents of Newly Diagnosed Kids With Autism

Do you have a child who was recently diagnosed with autism? The diagnosis may have caught you by surprise, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and scared. This is a very natural reaction for many parents, however there are several resources available to help parents navigate next steps. From ABA therapy services to support groups to connect with other parents in your situation, below are a few tips to help begin the process of navigating your child’s diagnosis.

1. Research Autism Spectrum Disorder

After any diagnosis, you should research to learn as much as possible, and autism is no different. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means it affects people in different ways and to varying degrees. A child with autism may have difficulty with communication or have sensory issues, such as responding to bright lights or loud sounds. They may also have very restricted interests and display repetitive behaviors. Parents should understand that autism isn't a one-size-fits-all diagnosis for a child. Learn more about the spectrum and where your child falls so that you can find appropriate support.

2. Connect With Other Parents

Dealing with an autism diagnosis can be stressful and you may feel tempted to isolate yourself. That's why it's important to connect with other parents going through the same thing. You'll need support as a parent on how to handle the situation, and you may learn ways to help your child through it as well. Connect through in-person local support groups, social media groups, and forums. As a result, you'll experience emotional support and have access to various resources to aid your child.

3. ABA Therapy

According to Autism Parenting Magazine, up to 89.9% of surveyed parents who used ABA therapy saw improvement in their child's communication. ABA stands for applied behavior analysis, which uses positive reinforcement and other techniques to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors in children with autism. This intervention has helped many children with autism improve their socialization, self-care, developmental skills, and communication. Technicians and analysts like ours know how to tailor ABA therapy services to your child's individual needs.

As you can see, there are many helpful tips to get you through an autism diagnosis for your child. Your child can fall anywhere on the autism spectrum, so there are different services and therapies to consider. To learn more about how we can help your family and your child, contact our team for more information on our ABA therapy services.