The question you may have in mind after a new diagnosis is, “Now what?” Experiencing your child getting diagnosed with developmental disabilities or mental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder might feel overwhelming.
Knowing what to do after an autism diagnosis, however, can make quite a big difference. Practical guidance and resources can provide valuable information for parents and caregivers to help begin this new journey.
This means that clear steps will enable families to feel more confident and prepared to support their child’s development. Knowing what to do next as a parent or caregiver can turn uncertain moments at the beginning into proactive action.
If your child just got diagnosed with autism, make sure you check out our list of resources that may help you:
Download our FREE guide on the best Autism Resources for Parents
1. Understand the diagnosis
Understanding your child’s autism diagnosis and its symptoms is critical.
Autism spectrum disorders affect communication, behavior, and social interaction skills. However, every autistic child is different in terms of their strengths and weaknesses.
A deep understanding of autism helps you know the child’s needs. Researching legitimate sources, attending workshops, and talking to professionals are ways to learn about this condition.
It’s also important to clear up common myths about autism. Not all children with autism have savant potential, and autistic kids can have loving and meaningful relationships despite the misconceptions.
Appreciating the importance of the autism spectrum lets you see that behavioral presentations are hugely different in each person.
Being well-informed allows you to effectively advocate for your child, ensuring they get all the help they can.
2. Understanding your emotions and seeking support
The autism spectrum disorder diagnosis might overwhelm a person’s well-being with many emotions. More often than not, one is likely to feel overwhelmed, confused, or relieved.
When these feelings occur, give yourself time to sort through them and come to terms with your new situation. It is also a good idea to get support from friends and family you can talk to or those who can help you with practical things.
If you ever feel alone in your experience, join support groups or forums for such situations online. These may be very important in providing a safe space to share experiences and perspectives with others facing similar issues.
You get emotional support from other parents who fully understand what you’re going through. A therapist can also be instrumental in helping you sort out your emotions.
3. Build a support network for the child
The support network should be extensive and solid. Identify knowledgeable healthcare providers, such as pediatricians, specialist doctors, and various therapists, as soon as possible.
Such experts will guide you regarding your child’s autism diagnosis and offer any kind of intervention that may be necessary. Early intervention is helpful for your child’s development to a great extent.
Studies show that children who receive early intervention services can make considerable gains in many areas. Various services, such as an individualized education program, can support your child.
Many communities have early intervention programs, which can provide help and offer appropriate support at the right time.
4. Research therapies and treatments
An autistic child can receive many kinds of therapy services, including Applied Behavioral Analysis, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
ABA, for example, focuses on increasing certain behaviors pertaining to communication, social skills, and academics.
Speech therapy can help develop communication skills, occupational therapy can improve daily living skills and sensory integration, and physical therapy can effectively develop motor skills.
A customized home treatment program is essential for your autistic child’s needs. Be wary of alternative therapies and always prioritize evidence-based approaches.
Professionals will guide you on the right therapies for your child. What works for one child may not work for another, so it is very important to make adjustments according to your child’s needs.
It will also be helpful to hear from other families on what type of therapy has been useful for their child. This way, the system stays effective and receptive to the children’s needs as they develop through continuous evaluation and changes within the treatment plan.
5. Structuring of routine
Autistic people often do well with routine. A daily, well-structured routine can bring order to their lives, providing stability and predictability, reducing anxiety, and improving behavior.
Any steady routine conveys what the activities or sequence of activities will be at a given time of day. This generates a feeling of security in children.
For instance, you can use visual schedules to help your child get an idea of what the day’s activities will look like. These schedules can be pictures or symbols showing the various activities and items your child will encounter daily.
The routine should be realistic and adjustable according to your family’s needs.
Click here to find out more
Be flexible and prepared to have that routine changed at any moment when necessary. However, do preserve the central elements that make for structure and stability.
When you include routines around mealtimes, bedtime, and playtime, these simple devices can go a long way toward making the child feel comfortable and cooperative.
6. Learn to handle sensory sensitivities
Sensory sensitivities are symptoms that can significantly impact an autistic child. They could be hypersensitive or even hyposensitive to stimuli like sounds, light, textures, or smells.
You should know the sensitivities and preferences of your child to prevent sensory overload episodes.
How do I help my child overcome sensory overload?
You should use practical solutions, such as noise-canceling headphones, which can be effective for sound sensitivity or by developing a sensory-friendly space.
A sensory-friendly space may include weighted blankets, fidget toys, or dimmed lights to create a low-stimulation environment.
Occupational therapists may also help your child learn coping strategies to manage sensory overload.
By accommodating their sensory needs, you can make a difference in how your child experiences their surroundings.
7. Consider another way of communicating
Communication is one of the things that can be very hard for autistic children. You must implement various techniques to improve their communication skills.
While some children may benefit from using language that is easy to understand, other children may depend on using visual aids or gestures.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools, such as a picture exchange communication system or a communication app, may work very well.
Storytelling, role-playing, and interactive games are some activities that help children develop their social communication skills. You should be patient and cheer on all small accomplishments.
Encourage communication through everyday life and constantly search for new methods. Look for something that may connect with your child.
8. Celebrate small victories
Celebrating small victories helps keep your child and yourself motivated and boosts self-esteem.
Positive reinforcement and celebration of milestones achieved, whether trying a new food, using a new word, or completing a task themself, will let your child know they are on the right path to success.
Positive reinforcement, such as verbal praise, reward systems, or special activities, may further motivate your child to keep trying and be proud of their accomplishment.
It also reminds the caregivers that progress is taking place, even if it sometimes seems very slow.
You can record long-term progress on some of these parameters in a journal for milestone progression and look back at how things have fared over time.
Learn what to do after an autism diagnosis
Certainly, pacing is everything. If you prioritize self-care as a caregiver, you can positively influence your child’s progress.
You are not in this alone; there is hope and help in every way. Take pride in every step forward, no matter how small. That’s part of being in the autism community and using the resources around you.
FAQs
Q: What should be done after the child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder?
A: You should educate yourself about autism, seek support for yourself, and support your child through effective treatments such as healthcare and early intervention programs.
Q: What do I do after an autism diagnosis?
A: After an autism diagnosis, focus on understanding the condition, managing your emotions, and building a strong support system. Learn about therapies, create routines, address sensory issues, improve communication strategies, and celebrate small successes.
Q: What happens if you don’t treat autism?
A: If you do not provide proper intervention and adequate support, the person may face problems with social interactions and managing behavioral issues. Early intervention plans can make enormous differences in outcomes and quality of life.
Q: What are the cons associated with a diagnosis of autism?
A: Cons can include emotional stress for the families, stigma, and the need for ongoing support and resources. However, by understanding and addressing these issues, it is possible to get positive results and offer a better quality of life to autistic individuals.
References
Aguiar, M. C. M. de ., & Pondé, M. P.. (2020). Autism: impact of the diagnosis in the parents. Jornal Brasileiro De Psiquiatria, 69(3), 149–155. https://doi.org/10.1590/0047-2085000000276
Aspasia Stacey Rabba, Cheryl Dissanayake, Josephine Barbaro, Parents’ experiences of an early autism diagnosis: Insights into their needs, Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Volume 66, 2019, 101415, ISSN 1750-9467, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2019.101415.
Boshoff K, Gibbs D, Phillips RL, Wiles L, Porter L. A meta-synthesis of how parents of children with autism describe their experience of advocating for their children during the process of diagnosis. Health Soc Care Community. 2019; 27: e143–e157. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.12691
Elizabeth K. Jones, Mary Hanley, Deborah M. Riby, Distraction, distress and diversity: Exploring the impact of sensory processing differences on learning and school life for pupils with autism spectrum disorders, Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Volume 72, 2020, 101515, ISSN 1750-9467, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2020.101515.
Hus Y, Segal O. Challenges Surrounding the Diagnosis of Autism in Children. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2021;17:3509-3529 https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S282569
Lima Antão JYF, Oliveira ASB, Almeida Barbosa RT, Crocetta TB, Guarnieri R, Arab C, Massetti T, Antunes TPC, Silva APD, Bezerra ĹMP, Mello Monteiro CB, Abreu LC. Instruments for augmentative and alternative communication for children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2018 Nov 29;73:e497. doi: 10.6061/clinics/2017/e497. PMID: 30517284; PMCID: PMC6238819.
Makino, A., Hartman, L., King, G. et al. Parent Experiences of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis: a Scoping Review. Rev J Autism Dev Disord 8, 267–284 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-021-00237-y
Ou SR, Reynolds AJ. Mechanisms of Effects of an Early Intervention Program on Educational Attainment: A Gender Subgroup Analysis. Child Youth Serv Rev. 2010 Aug 1;32(8):1064-1076. doi: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2009.10.020. PMID: 20625475; PMCID: PMC2899492.
Patrick McCarty, Richard E. Frye, Early Detection and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Why Is It So Difficult?, Seminars in Pediatric Neurology, Volume 35, 2020, 100831, ISSN 1071-9091,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spen.2020.100831. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1071909120300425)
Shenoy MD, Indla V, Reddy H. Comprehensive Management of Autism: Current Evidence. Indian J Psychol Med. 2017 Nov-Dec;39(6):727-731. doi: 10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_272_17. PMID: 29284801; PMCID: PMC5733418.
