When Your Child Is Diagnosed With Autism

Posted on July 19, 2009 
Filed Under Fathering, Parenting, Physical Health

Four years ago the neurologist confirmed what we suspected. “It is pretty clear he is on the autism disorder spectrum.” That helped us understand a little of the reasons for our two year-old’s behaviors. Unfortunately, the doctor told us to ignore most of what we found on the internet and come back in a year. That wasn’t much help! We were shocked, frankly, and a bit uncertain what to do…for a few months, until the Papa and Mama Bear instincts kicked in and we jumped into the information and became proactive.

Maybe you can relate? Or you know someone who can? Here’s an article with helpful tips on first steps parents can and should take when their child is diagniosed with autism.

I’d be interested in knowing what else you’d add for resources and action items for those parents who are just discovering the world of autism firsthand.

Comments

One Response to “When Your Child Is Diagnosed With Autism”

  1. Kari on July 20th, 2009 6:41 pm

    We have a now 4 year old with Autism and a 17 1/2 month old that’s causing concern. Let me tell you, we knew our child had Autism before any doctor told us he did. We researched tons because no one would listen to us. They all had excuses for why he did all the odd things that he did (lost his language, started running for hours on end, biting himself, repetitive behaviors, obsessive behaviors, horrible diapers that would run a person with no ability to smell out of the house, and so on). But that little voice down deep told me something wasn’t right, so I started to research. I kept coming to the word “Autism” and kept denying it. Finally God said, “time to face the truth, here’s what I am trying to show you”. I told my husband, I still remember it clearly as if I had just done it, “honey, he has Autism”, to which he thought I was nuts. He doesn’t think I am nuts anymore.

    We had no help. No one said, “OK, here are the first steps for a child with Autism”. We had to research and research, ask question after question, and nearly bang down doors to find out what he needed. We now have a fairly good program set up for him, though we are going to be adding a few things and changing a few things now that we see his needs more clearly defined. I wish someone had come alongside us and helped us walk through that first year. We leaned on God and He blessed our walk tremendously.

    Now, I am quick to jump when I hear a parent lamenting about getting a diagnosis, or when I hear some of those tell-tale symptoms being discussed. I offer support, a sympathetic ear, and any advice they desire. I do this because I want every parent out there to not have to walk through their first years as blindly as we did. If we can shed one tiny ray of light on any service, medical intervention, doctor, therapist/therapy, or tiny nugget of support, our journey will have been worth every second.

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