Jun 24 2008
What happens now? Dealing with a diagnosis of autism.
Discovering that your child has autism may well be one of the most difficult things you will ever have to deal with. Not only do you suddenly have this new label associated with your child, you probably have very little idea of what a diagnosis means for them.
At the earliest point, dealing with your own emotions may well be the hardest part. Second, is trying to understand the autism spectrum and where your child fits on it. Third, is looking for the right types of treatments for your child. When all that is through, you are left still trying to deal with the emotions again.
Finding an online community or a discussion board can be a great way to find not only answers to most of your questions, but people who can definitely relate to how you are feeling. Parents, professionals, and those with autism frequent these boards and share information amongst each other.
First thing to remember is to not fear such a diagnosis.
Although autism is a complex disorder, there are ways to deal with the symptoms. You finally have an answer, a beginning, somewhere to start.
This beginning will be a journey, one with many trying times for both you and your child; however, the rewards are many.
The best thing you can do after learning your child had autism is to educate yourself as much as possible about the disorder. Keep an open mind. Talk with other parents who have a child with autism. And then look to those of us on the spectrum that are living good lives.
Autism is not a death sentence, or a definition for disability. It is a disorder that can be treated and every day those of us with autism are realizing brighter futures.
I think part of what made it hard for me was the way in which the information was given to me - very cold, matter of fact and bleak. I was told my son would probably not have relationships or friends. This was devastating to hear! But as I talked to other people, I was told that this was not necessarily true. With help and being taught strategies to deal with his challenges, I learned that he’d probably be quirky, but that he could certainly have a life. It would be great if the people making the diagnoses would be a bit less grim.