For a parent, a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for your child can be challenging. With diagnoses increasing, more parents confront a reality they were not expecting; raising a child that may struggle with social interaction, learning and repetitive behavior. We have put together a comprehensive list of steps to take after receiving an ASD diagnosis that can ease the shock and help you support your child’s development.
Three steps for understanding and supporting your child’s autism diagnosis
Autism is a blanket diagnosis
No two children with ASD are the same. ASD is, as the name suggests, a spectrum of disorders that affect learning and social behavior. Your child’s diagnosis does not mean they are no longer a person in need of help with their growth and development like any other child. The CDC notes, “It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms. But for people with ASD, these characteristics can make life very challenging.” Paying close attention to your child throughout the process of learning what these individual needs, symptoms and behaviors is an essential step in supporting their diagnosis.
Find reputable sources
As we mentioned, ASD diagnoses have increased over the last decade. As with any emerging type of diagnosis, misinformation can spread rapidly. It is important to understand where your information comes from and how acting on it can affect your child. The best resource will be your child’s primary care doctor. They will have the most personal understanding of your child and their individual needs and can always be an excellent source to rely on when you inevitably have questions.
Build on your child’s skills
Children with ASD will be challenged by different things. As we mentioned, determining your child’s behaviors is the first important step in supporting their ASD diagnosis. However, it is essential that once you have identified your child’s individual needs and put together a system of reputable and actionable information, you build on the skills your child has and learn to be patient with the skills they lack. Children with ASD may have hyper-focused memory, visuospatial skills or other talents. Paying close attention to things your child is interested in and capitalizing on their abilities while surrounding them with a support system can be the best way to accelerate their development.
Supporting a child with ASD is demanding but rewarding. At Maxim Behavioral, we offer individualized behavioral care to cater to both you and your child’s complex needs. A team of behavioral clinicians will support your child’s development and assist with:
- Adaptive skills and independence
- Language skills, play and socialization
- Minimizing challenging or risky behavior
- Empowering your child to be the best they can be
Please contact your local office to learn more about Maxim’s behavioral care and applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services.
