What to Do When Your Child Is Diagnosed With Autism

Nothing can be more traumatic than when a healthcare professional tells you that your child has autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. While you might already have somehow sensed that your little one is a bit different compared to other children – which must be the reason you went to see a medical professional in the first place – the diagnosis can really shake you to your core.

Although you may need time to process the news, there are several steps you would do well to take as soon as you receive it. From learning more about ASD and autism supplements and understanding the best therapy options for your child, you can start carving a path that can help them and your family stay happy and live your best life.

Supporting Your Child with Autism

Below are some crucial steps and tips you may follow to manage your child, should he or she be diagnosed with ASD:

1. Learn more about autism

If you don’t have any other child diagnosed with the same disorder, then the first thing you must do is to learn more about this developmental disability. Understand what it is and how it manifests. What does it mean for your little one? This will allow you to feel better informed and not overwhelmed.

Read through several materials from books, e-books, online articles by autism experts and organisations. Ask your child’s specialist for their recommended resources.

If you already know which level your child is on, learn more about them as well. These levels are:

• Level 1 – the child requires support and is considered higher functioning since their cognitive and verbal abilities are not substantially impaired.
• Level 2 – the child needs substantial support since they may have some verbal or cognitive issues and social impairments even when they have assistance.
• Level 3 – a child on this level is considered lower functioning and has significant cognitive and verbal impairments. The child may also have difficulty developing independent living skills and require substantial support.

The more you know about ASD, the more prepared and confident you will be to advocate for the needs of your little one and help him/her thrive. Remember that every child with autism is different, and once you understand the differences, you are going to be more capable of supporting and guiding them.

2. Understand different therapy options

Getting your child the therapy they need can help him/her gain those essential skills for his/her growth and development and be independent to a certain degree, which should be one of your priorities.

Some of the therapies that may benefit your child are as follows:

• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy (OT)
• Physical therapy (PT)
• Behavioural therapy
• Developmental therapy

Your child’s specialist can recommend the best services that address their needs and support their growth and development. Your little one will likely undergo a combination of these therapy options.

As soon as you determine which therapies are required for the little one, try to find a reliable provider. Make sure the qualification, professionalism and reputation of this provider so that you are convinced they will have the best interests of the child at heart and that they are in safe hands.

3. Keep an eye out for other health issues

Studies show that ASD comes with certain common comorbidities. These include:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, like constipation, chronic diarrhoea, and ulcers
• Allergic disorders
• Tuberous sclerosis complex
• Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• Neurological disorders, such as migraines, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy
• Sleep disorders

These disorders may not be noticeable during the formal assessment and may appear or develop when your child gets older. Because of this, read about and be on the lookout for symptoms of these health issues.

Make sure you consult your child’s healthcare specialist if they show symptoms of these and other health issues.

You should also consider giving your child supplements that can help protect them and reduce their risk for these health conditions. An example of this is macrophage activating factor (MAF) supplements, which contain natural ingredients that:

• Control inflammation and immune dysregulation
• Eliminate pathogens and other harmful foreign substances
• Repair neural cells
• Help regulate behaviour and movement

These supplements can boost the immune system, which can help address symptoms and underlying factors associated with autism symptoms. Consult your child’s primary healthcare provider to know if you can give them GcMAF capsules.

4. Plan for your child’s education

Your child’s diagnosis and healthcare providers’ recommendations will determine the amount of help they need to learn and if they thrive in a regular classroom. Once you know this, read about the different educational options, such as specialised programs, inclusive classrooms, or a combination of both.

Since each child with ASD has different strengths and problems, you will have to develop an educational plan that can cater to these differences. You should work closely with your child’s teachers and his or her healthcare providers on creating a tailored program that outlines objectives, services, and accommodations that need to be carried out—so-called individualized education programs.

Don’t feel ashamed to ask questions, voice your concerns, and share any tips or techniques that you know which can help them learn and also support them. Speak to their teachers and therapists from time to time, and with every changing need of your little growing one, adjust as necessary.

Your priority should be to create a supportive environment where your precious one can learn, grow, and thrive at their own pace, so be their advocate.

Related reading: 5 Writing Activities for Kids with Autism

5. Take note of any sensory issues

Individuals diagnosed with ASD are apt to have sensory problems, which only means that they can be oversensitive or under sensitive to particular sounds, tastes, textures, or other sensory inputs.

People who are hypersensitive do not like and tend to avoid strong stimuli, such as loud and screeching sounds and bright, blinking lights. Those who are hyposensitive, however, are attracted to powerful stimuli. As such, they like staring at flashing lights or using heavy blankets even when it’s hot in their bedroom.

Observe your child and note the different reactions they have to certain stimuli. When you know what they are hypersensitive or hyposensitive to remove these distractions, reduce them at home, you can always let their teachers and therapists know about those as well.

Moreover, when you already know your child’s sensitivities, you can get a few items that might help your child deal with those. These include headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, and weighted blankets.

6. Seek support

You may feel that at the time of diagnosis, guilt and shame envelop you upon hearing your child’s diagnosis. You are entitled to feel that way at this stage; the important thing is you need to shake off those feelings to be able to care for your child, your family, and yourself.

If you cannot cope with the feelings of hostility and aggression, or if you need some extra help in taking care of your child, you can always turn to ASD support groups, of which there are great numbers on the internet. Sometimes, untangling your doubts and hopes by simply talking to such parents might make the difference.

Also, discuss your child’s diagnosis with the family, relatives, and close friends. This will help them understand what unique needs your little one has and will also form a support network for you so that the emotional responsibility does not fall solely on your shoulders.

An autism diagnosis is not the end of your great hopes for your child. You can still give him a quality life and a bright future with your support and the help of others.