Finding out that your child has autism is a big deal. It can change the way you think of their future, your hopes and dreams, and may influence the way others treat them. Though it’s overwhelming at first, it does get easier. The more you learn about autism, the more you’ll better understand your child and can better help them become the person you know they can be. Here are a few key things to keep in mind once your child is diagnosed.
1. Autism Doesn’t Have a Cure
The first thing you need to know about autism is that it’s not something your child will grow out of and it isn’t something that’s curable. This can feel like a blow when you first hear it, but it doesn’t have to feel like the end of the world. People with autism go on to do fantastic things and a diagnosis doesn’t mean that your child won’t be able to thrive in the future. Autism is something they’ll live with for the rest of their lives. It’s a part of who they are and it’s something that you can and should embrace.
2. It Really Is a Spectrum Disorder
There is no single type of autism that’s true for every single person that gets diagnosed. It’s a spectrum disorder and your child’s experiences may not be the same as other people on the spectrum. There are certain symptoms and challenges that most people with autism face, but every person’s diagnosis is going to be unique. The only way to know how to best help your child is to get to know them. Learn what triggers them. Learn what they love. Build off of that knowledge to help them become the best version of themselves.
3. It’s Okay to Feel Frustrated
As a parent, you’re under a lot of pressure at the best of times. When your child has autism, certain situations and experiences will naturally be harder. Give yourself permission to feel frustrated. You’re human. You’ll make mistakes, especially when you’re still learning about autism. Your child will have meltdowns when they’re most inconvenient. Just remember that they’re not doing it to be malicious. They’re doing it because something is bothering them. Over time, you’ll learn to spot those triggers before they can overwhelm your child and you’ll develop tools to help them cope with those triggers.
4. Get Help Early On
If your child can be diagnosed, they can benefit from treatment and therapy. It’s never too early to start going to family autism therapy or trying to find new treatments that can help your child stay happy and comfortable. The sooner you start, the faster you’ll find things that work for your child. Just make sure you get the whole family involved. When everyone understands what’s happening, it helps the whole family stay more relaxed and cope with differences and challenges more effectively.
Make an Appointment Today
If your child just got diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, contact us today and schedule an appointment. Our team can help you learn about autism and find treatment options that will work best for your family and your child.