Without having a plan of action or a direction of where to go, parents raising kids with ASD’s (Autism Spectrum Disorders) will have a great deal of problems when it comes to meeting their child’s needs. It can never be stressed enough how important it is to get on top of a child’s intervention and development at an early age, and not having a game plan or not knowing what to do can hinder this process. The main aim of this “Getting Started” section is to send parents in the right direction, and to describe the initial steps that are essential right after their child is diagnosed with autism.

 

Once a child has gotten a formal assessment, it is important that an independent assessment be provided for the child as well, so that more detailed recommendations for the child can be made. This process also involves ruling out all other possible genetic disorders that could be possibly affecting the child. In this way parents and specialists can be certain that the child has been accurately diagnosed with autism, and that there is no other disorders or conditions that are affecting the child. It is also recommended that a child see an audiologist to have a full evaluation of their hearing capabilities. Intervention should be addressed immediately. One of the best-known and trusted therapies is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), therefore,soon after diagnosis, parents need to call applied behavioral analysis providers to get their child on a waiting list for services. Other therapy options that should be considered are Floortime, Speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, sensory integration therapy, and auditory integration therapy. 

 

It is also very essential to get in touch with early start or school districts to design a home-based intervention program for the child. By law, special education services are funded and provided by the state agency/early start program to each family that has a child with autism. Social skills activities and development should be implemented in the home through play dates, so that the child can begin to build a level of acceptance and warmth to socialization. Parents should consider chelation therapy as well, which focuses on the detoxification, or the removal of harmful materials from the body.  

 

Within the first year, it is strongly advised that a child get on a Gluten-Free/Casein-Free Diet. It’s surprising the extent to which diet and food intake can affect the symptoms common to autism, and as a result, eliminating particular food groups can do wonders for a number of children. Parents should also begin the process of removing foods from their child’s diet that include additives, dyes, and preservatives. Consuming clean, organic food will help to eliminate the bad food types from a child’s diet, which may be affecting their symptoms. Meals that are low in sugar and low in carbohydrates are highly recommended.

 

It is also important that all allergens be removed from a child’s food, and the caretakers should do their best to avoid having the child be exposed to an environment that hosts these allergens. There are also a number of vitamins, supplements, and nutrients that are recommended for children on the spectrum to take (B6, B12, TMG, omega 3, cod liver oil, secretin, glutathione, etc.) that are known to have a number of positive effects—from improved food digestion to improved body stabilization. Parents should also take the time to look into these products as well, and determine if they prove beneficial to their child.

 

 For further advice and direction, caretakers of children with autism should look towards building a relationship with a Defeat Autism Now (DAN) doctor. DAN doctors are credentialed medical doctors, provided through the Autism Research Institute. These doctors personally give parents tips, advice, and recommendations in order to provide thechildren with the necessary tools. DAN doctors can be found at www.autism.com.

 

Dealing with the school district can be a bumpy road at times, that’s why it is important for parents to understand their child’s legal rights. Much of the child’s school legal rights rhetoric is described in the I.E.P. article in this library. It may be a good idea to consider hiring, or at least consulting with, a special education attorney that is familiar with the school district in the particular city or neighborhood. Parents should also have a firm comprehension of health insurance coverage and reimbursements.

 

Annual assessments should take place each year with the child’s psychologist and behavior specialist, so that the child’s development can be evaluated. Advances in child development should be reflected by changes in at least the core developmental therapies (speech therapy, language therapy, and occupational therapy). From the initial stages and throughout the progressive years, parents should become familiar with the various medical and therapy options. In addition, they should research how effective each and every one of those options could be for their child. Caretakers should continue to educate themselves about all the legal rights that have been granted to their special needs child.

 

Staying abreast of the current events, research, and perspectives behind the autism disorder is also very important. Parents should be aware of what’s going on in the news about autism, and attend major autism conferences, such as the DAN conference, to listen to some of the most educated individuals in the field speak about the current state of the disorder.

 

Supplement usage should be refined after the first year, substituting them with some alternatives to see how they affect the child. Social skill efforts should be continued, and parents should not hesitate to think of new and innovative ways to get their child more comfortable in socializing. Most importantly, the household in which the child is being brought up must be a healthy household. Just like any other child, a child with autism needs the attention, focus, and cooperation of both parents. And this all begins with mom and dad maintaining a strong, healthy bond, and relationship. It is recommended that parents consider getting support, in order for their marriage or relationship to remain in tact for the benefit of their child. 

 

Sources:

 

[Ackerman, Lisa. Families with Autism Journey Guide 4^th. Edition. 2008. pgs. 46-52]