A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be devastating or a relief, depending on your circumstances. Whatever your situation, here are some helps to aid you during this time of discovery for you and your child.
Family: Grandparents, aunts and uncles and siblings can all support you during this difficult time. Remember, most of these family members were probably there for you when your child was born. They all love you and your child and have from the beginning. Your family will be able to understand you and what you're going through like no one else. Even if they have never encountered a special need circumstance of their own, they will listen to you and support you. If you feel they don't understand, just be open and honest with them. Describe to them your struggles and your hope that they will help you.
Support Group: You, your spouse, your child with Autism and any other children in your family, will want a support group. Most communities have resources for families of Special Needs children. Try the phone book, ask around, or ask the doctor who gave you the diagnosis. A good support group will be there for you when you need to vent, ask questions, are worried, happy or just want to talk to someone who has been there and knows what you are going through. Some communities even have support groups specific to Autism Spectrum Disorder with regularly scheduled activities. A little homework on your part could reap great dividends for your family and your child with Autism.
Friends: Don't be afraid to tell your friends about the diagnosis. There is a good chance that some of your friends suspected Autism from the get go, but were uneasy talking to you about it. Real friends won't care about the diagnosis; they will be supportive of you and your child. They may confide in you their relief that you were finally able to get some answers. They may tell you about their friends or cousins or neighbors who also have a child with the disorder. While you may feel disgruntled because you want to talk about your problems, if you listen for a while, eventually they will come around and ask you to tell them about your journey. You may be able to finagle an introduction to these other people who are familiar with what you are going through.
Higher Power: Whatever your religious affiliation, turning over any feelings of helplessness, inadequacy or despair to your Creator will lessen the burden you feel. Most religions believe in a benevolent Deity who loves all of His children no matter what. If your religion doesn't satisfy your questions about your child's diagnosis, turn to your religious texts or to your God and pray. You may receive more peace than you would otherwise.
Internet: As ever, the Internet is an incredible repository of knowledge. A simple entry of 'Autism' in your favorite search engine will yield hundreds of hits for you. The Internet will be a great resource for you to research, find local support, find answers to your questions about Autism Spectrum Disorder, and maybe even direct you to other people in your situation. Of course you will want to use the normal precautions of protecting your identity and so forth.
Library: As the prevalence of ASD grows, so too do the number of books about the topic. The library is the cheapest place to start looking, but bookstores may have an even larger selection. Books about Autism range from children's picture books to exhaustive medical texts. There are books describing the journey as seen through a mother's eyes, and books detailing suggested diets in hopes of reversing the disorder. You're sure to come across at least a handful of books to help answer your questions or lead you by the hand as you begin this new life with your child.
As you come to grips with your child's diagnosis, don't despair. There are many avenues open to you to get the help and support that you need.
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