HOW CAN PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM BE A RESOURCE FOR OTHER PARENTS?

By Dr. Ronald I. MALCOLM

Every year, more and more children and their families receive a diagnosis of autism. While most parents are relieved to finally have a “name” for what is going on with their child, many parents are frustrated at the length of time it took to receive the diagnosis.

So, as a parent with a child who has autism, you can be a resource for other parents as they begin to navigate this journey. Your advice and expertise on how to shorten this journey for a new family is critical to their child getting assistance as soon as possible.

Here are ten “10” simple tips for assisting parents to gain the necessary diagnosis their child requires.

Early Intervention

Despite the frustration that many parents experience through their journey of obtaining a diagnosis, it reminds them of the overall benefit they will enjoy later. Stress the importance of “early intervention.” The quicker a child with autism is diagnosed, the sooner they can begin receiving the services they may need to be successful in life.

Such services could include:

• Speech and language therapy

• Applied Behavioral Analysis supports

• Occupational Therapy

• Sensory Supports, as well as various supports and interventions in the classroom at school if they are school age ready

Many parents beginning this journey may feel frustrated and alone. It becomes easy for them to just give up and stop the overall progress they may be making after receiving that overall diagnosis. Encourage them to persist in their efforts to continue with the process. Many times, while parents are seeking a diagnosis for autism, experts in the field may discover an additional disability that can also be addressed.