Getting Started, where do I go from here?
So you either suspect your child has autism or it has been diagnosed.
Listen, I realize that this question is a tough one because the autism spectrum is so different for every child. Every child's experience is different not to mention every family has unique situations and challenges all their own.
But there is some common ground here where we all need some help through guidance and support.
Agencies to use perhaps, websites of varying information and blogs from families that have autistic children can offer much needed inspiration. Here I will break down what I found helpful and hopefully you will too. (some sites that you may find here are also found else where on my site as they have common categories to be placed.)
If I can be of any assistance to you please do contact me. HERE, use the forms here to contact me. I have my own insight and thoughtful take on this new experience for my family. Certainly not an expert, but I have knowledge on what has worked for us thus far and am always willing to lend a helping hand.
So you either suspect your child has autism or it has been diagnosed.
Listen, I realize that this question is a tough one because the autism spectrum is so different for every child. Every child's experience is different not to mention every family has unique situations and challenges all their own.
But there is some common ground here where we all need some help through guidance and support.
Agencies to use perhaps, websites of varying information and blogs from families that have autistic children can offer much needed inspiration. Here I will break down what I found helpful and hopefully you will too. (some sites that you may find here are also found else where on my site as they have common categories to be placed.)
If I can be of any assistance to you please do contact me. HERE, use the forms here to contact me. I have my own insight and thoughtful take on this new experience for my family. Certainly not an expert, but I have knowledge on what has worked for us thus far and am always willing to lend a helping hand.
I think my child may be Autistic....
#1 -The most important place to start in my opinion is of course with your child's doctor. Write down what you are seeing so you don't forget anything and explain your concerns. And remember don't give up because he/she says there nothing to worry about or wait and see. YOU know your child the best, get a second opinion if you must. Early intervention is so important and if your fortunate enough to see the signs early your child will be that much further ahead. California early start program
#2 - Talk to those you know and trust. Perhaps you know of a family going through this, or friends and family may know of someone. The sooner you begin to reach out for support and to hear others stories the easier it will become over time to build the community of support that we all need. Being in isolation with this going on is to much to handle I myself am learning this first hand. Reach out and find support, you'll be glad you did. Marin county...support, Bay area support, more support groups through out bay area beyond
Sites to look at.....
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/autism_spectrum.htm for parents ... a guide for symptoms and a diagnosis
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/autism_signs_symptoms.htm
https://www.m-chat.org/ As I wanted to be proactive and do what I could, I took this on line test to get the ball rolling a so myself and husband would have some insight into what we could be facing. This questionnaire is used in some diagnoses processes as one ways to find criteria for a diagnosis .
https://m-chat.org/mchat.php the actual questionnaire
http://autism-help.org/child-diagnosed-autism.htm
http://www.autisminspiration.com/public/359.cfm
#3 READ - I went to my local library to find various books on the subject. I wanted to see what was out there. We all relate differently to books and information so I wanted to "test drive" some books to see what may resonte with me more. list of books
My child has been diagnosed... Therapy options, schooling, community programs and the likes.
http://autism-help.org/child-diagnosed-autism.htm What to do now?
http://autism-help.org/interventions-budget-autism.htm Autism intervention starts at home...
http://autism-help.org/interventions-budget-autism.htm New diagnoses ,what to do now??
http://www.calautism.org/ programs and various services for the child, great insight into various contacts state wide in California
http://www.marinautism.org/ Support group in Marin county
Ever since the first draft of new criteria for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was released, concerns have been raised about individuals “losing” their diagnosis and then losing supportive services. read more...
http://www.theautismprogram.org/2014/03/children-who-don%e2%80%99t-meet-dsm-5-asd-criteria-likely-to-receive-alternative-diagnosis/#.UzY_R5VOXVI
http://autism.senate.ca.gov/sites/autism.senate.ca.gov/files/SB%20946_FACT_B_9_7_11.pdf
http://www.examiner.com/article/my-child-has-just-been-diagnosed-with-autism-what-now
http://www.mochaautismnetwork.com/blog/two-ways-we-can-reduce-the-stigma-of-autism-by-kp-of-autisticseas
10Things to Remember: When Working With Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
http://www.theautismprogram.org/wp-content/uploads/top-ten-things.pdf
I
As you get further in the process with your child and before they go to school, when working with an agency or the school district a plan is created with you (family with child s needs in mind) and implemented during the school/play school time to track progress and help child build skills.
http://helpinghands-as.org/WhatisIFSP.html
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/family-health/early-intervention/family-info/individualized-family-service-plan-ifsp-dev.html
http://www.pacer.org/parent/php/PHP-c59.pdf
Speech therapy.... if seeking this out or taking your child to an appointment here's some insight that I found helpful.
http://voices.yahoo.com/what-expect-toddlers-first-speech-therapy-6923352.html
http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/01/helping-the-speech-delayed-toddler-preschooler-at-home/ a moms look at helping her child with speech at home
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/ill/speech_therapy.html this site talks about what speech is and how professionals break it down to look at areas of concern.
Know someone that has an autistic child and your not sure how you can help...
Listen and offer kindness...
http://www.telegram.com/article/20120322/NEWS/120329867/0 5 ways to offer to be helpful
#1 -The most important place to start in my opinion is of course with your child's doctor. Write down what you are seeing so you don't forget anything and explain your concerns. And remember don't give up because he/she says there nothing to worry about or wait and see. YOU know your child the best, get a second opinion if you must. Early intervention is so important and if your fortunate enough to see the signs early your child will be that much further ahead. California early start program
#2 - Talk to those you know and trust. Perhaps you know of a family going through this, or friends and family may know of someone. The sooner you begin to reach out for support and to hear others stories the easier it will become over time to build the community of support that we all need. Being in isolation with this going on is to much to handle I myself am learning this first hand. Reach out and find support, you'll be glad you did. Marin county...support, Bay area support, more support groups through out bay area beyond
Sites to look at.....
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/autism_spectrum.htm for parents ... a guide for symptoms and a diagnosis
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/autism_signs_symptoms.htm
https://www.m-chat.org/ As I wanted to be proactive and do what I could, I took this on line test to get the ball rolling a so myself and husband would have some insight into what we could be facing. This questionnaire is used in some diagnoses processes as one ways to find criteria for a diagnosis .
https://m-chat.org/mchat.php the actual questionnaire
http://autism-help.org/child-diagnosed-autism.htm
http://www.autisminspiration.com/public/359.cfm
#3 READ - I went to my local library to find various books on the subject. I wanted to see what was out there. We all relate differently to books and information so I wanted to "test drive" some books to see what may resonte with me more. list of books
My child has been diagnosed... Therapy options, schooling, community programs and the likes.
http://autism-help.org/child-diagnosed-autism.htm What to do now?
http://autism-help.org/interventions-budget-autism.htm Autism intervention starts at home...
http://autism-help.org/interventions-budget-autism.htm New diagnoses ,what to do now??
http://www.calautism.org/ programs and various services for the child, great insight into various contacts state wide in California
http://www.marinautism.org/ Support group in Marin county
Ever since the first draft of new criteria for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was released, concerns have been raised about individuals “losing” their diagnosis and then losing supportive services. read more...
http://www.theautismprogram.org/2014/03/children-who-don%e2%80%99t-meet-dsm-5-asd-criteria-likely-to-receive-alternative-diagnosis/#.UzY_R5VOXVI
http://autism.senate.ca.gov/sites/autism.senate.ca.gov/files/SB%20946_FACT_B_9_7_11.pdf
http://www.examiner.com/article/my-child-has-just-been-diagnosed-with-autism-what-now
http://www.mochaautismnetwork.com/blog/two-ways-we-can-reduce-the-stigma-of-autism-by-kp-of-autisticseas
10Things to Remember: When Working With Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
http://www.theautismprogram.org/wp-content/uploads/top-ten-things.pdf
I
As you get further in the process with your child and before they go to school, when working with an agency or the school district a plan is created with you (family with child s needs in mind) and implemented during the school/play school time to track progress and help child build skills.
http://helpinghands-as.org/WhatisIFSP.html
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/family-health/early-intervention/family-info/individualized-family-service-plan-ifsp-dev.html
http://www.pacer.org/parent/php/PHP-c59.pdf
Speech therapy.... if seeking this out or taking your child to an appointment here's some insight that I found helpful.
http://voices.yahoo.com/what-expect-toddlers-first-speech-therapy-6923352.html
http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/01/helping-the-speech-delayed-toddler-preschooler-at-home/ a moms look at helping her child with speech at home
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/ill/speech_therapy.html this site talks about what speech is and how professionals break it down to look at areas of concern.
Know someone that has an autistic child and your not sure how you can help...
Listen and offer kindness...
http://www.telegram.com/article/20120322/NEWS/120329867/0 5 ways to offer to be helpful