Autism Today offers the following advice for people who are dealing with autism for the first time.
Get over it fast. Do not stay into a state of denial—it will only hurt your child. Start addressing the problem and help your child.
1. Start Local
Find the strongest local support and system you possibly can. Start local, and learn what's available in your area. Reach out to nearby cities as needed.
2. Qualify Your Doctor
Locate a medical doctor who specializes in autism and has experience treating autism. A referral from other parents or a reputable autism organization works best.
3. Reach Out for Help
Discover and make use of specific government agencies and public services that support the cause, especially in the early intervention arena.
4. Look Into Special Services
Check into related health services such as speech and language, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, physical and behavioral therapy, and so forth.
5. Use the Internet
Go to reliable website sources to educate yourself on programs, services, interventions, therapies, and supports.
6. Take Frequent Breaks
Find and use qualified respite for yourself as a caregiver and use it. You will need it.
7. Educate Your Family
Educate relatives, friends, neighbors, and your child’s siblings and peers about what autism is and what you and your family are going through. They will be able to accept your child and understand the challenges more easily, which leads to acceptance.
8. Get Involved
Attend conferences for educational information and also the fellowship aspects of meeting with other family members, individuals with autism, and other professionals in the field. You may find lifelong alliances.
9. Get Up to Speed
Stay current with the latest medical, biomedical, behavioral, and educational services so you can pick and choose what is right for your child and your family.
10. Plan for the Future
Currently autism is a lifelong disorder and until something radically changes, the autism is not going to go away. With proper interventions, it improves over time and with the best mindset from the parents, caregivers, and people that support the child, they can be guided toward a great outcome leading happy, fulfilling lives.
Autism Today offers information to parents and the autism community.