By Barbara Pierce
You’ve just learned that your child has been diagnosed with autism, what clinicians call autism spectrum disorder.
People react to a diagnosis of autism in different ways.
“For some it’s a relief to learn a diagnosis, for others a worry. Mostly it’s a mix of emotions,” said physician Nicole DeRosa, chief clinical officer, at Kelberman. Kelberman, a leading nonprofit organization in the region, offers comprehensive support and services for individuals with autism and their families.
A mix of emotions is normal. You may feel relief, learning you were right when you suspected something wasn’t right with your child. By the time he is 2 or 3, you noticed he doesn’t often make eye contact, he seems so serious, hasn’t begun babbling like other toddlers. You’ve been concerned about him for a long time.
For some who have been expecting this news, it comes as no surprise. For a few, it comes as a shock. Of course, it’s a huge concern for every parent who receives this diagnosis. What will his future be like? It’s hard to even imagine.
“For me, one of the first steps after learning this diagnosis is for parents recognize where they are at emotionally, how are they feeling about it,” said DeRosa. “Sit with your emotions and process them.”
It’s important to just stop and give yourself time to come to terms with the diagnosis.
Keep in mind that it’s common to feel a mix of emotions, including grief, worry, confusion and so many others. You are not alone.
“Remember that a diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is,” added DeRosa. Your child is still the same child he was before the diagnosis.
“What a diagnosis does is provide a road map to help your child function as well as possible,” she said.
“The next step is to become educated as to what this diagnosis is; what autism means for your child. It’s a spectrum disorder with a wide range of symptoms. Each child is different. How does this diagnosis affect your child?”
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental condition with behaviors that interfere with everyday functioning and cause challenges in communication and social interactions.
It ranges in severity from mild to disabling. The symptoms differ greatly along the spectrum; every child is unique and different.
There is no single known cause. Researchers are not sure what the cause is, but they believe genetic and environmental factors both may play a role.
Many well-done research studies show there is no link between autism and any vaccine.
When your child has received a diagnosis, the next step is to look for early intervention services, professional therapeutic services. The health care professional who determined your child’s diagnosis should recommend where to begin, said DeRosa. The earlier you begin an intervention program, the more gains your child can make as his brain continues to grow and mature. If your child has been formally evaluated, be sure to consider the recommendations from that evaluation.
Research shows that children who are identified earlier and connected to services sooner are more likely to show improvements in language, learning skills, social competence and emotional regulation.
Experts recommend keeping a binder or digital file for all your child’s medical records, evaluations and therapy reports.
Private health insurance companies are required to provide diagnostic and treatment services for autism spectrum disorders. If your child is 3 or older, contact your local school district to develop an individualized education plan which will outline the support your child will have from the school district.
You might feel alone when your child is first diagnosed. It helps to become involved with a local parent support group.