Finding out that your child has autism can be quite the emotional journey. And it’s natural to wonder if there is a cure for autism. After all, science keeps making improvements and new treatments get developed every year. Here’s what you need to know.
There Is No Cure for Autism
Autism isn’t a disease—it’s a developmental disorder that manifests in different ways depending on the severity of the autism each person has. Just because your child is diagnosed with autism doesn’t mean they’ll live a lesser life. In fact, many successful people are on the autism spectrum and have contributed greatly to our society. Your child’s diagnosis means life will be different, but no less meaningful than any other person’s.
There Are Therapies
Though there’s no cure for autism as of yet, there are tons of scientifically-proven therapies that you can try to help your child be the person you know they can be. These range from speech therapy to help improve communication skills to occupational therapy to develop fine motor skills. Every child is unique and the types of therapies that will work best for your child may not be the first ones you try.
The best way to find out is to start working with a therapist immediately. It can take some trial and error, but you’ll eventually find something that helps your child (and the rest of the family) better understand and manage their symptoms.
Get Support for Yourself
Raising a child with autism is a challenge. You’re going to want a support group that understands those challenges right alongside you. Look for support groups in the area. Bring the family in for family therapy sessions to help you all understand how to best help a family member with autism. Ask your therapy team for suggestions on where you can find the resources you need.
Finding out that your child has autism doesn’t have to feel like a defeat. It just means that life will be different for them and the rest of your family. Remember, different doesn’t mean lesser. It just means you’ll need a little extra help finding techniques to assist your child over the years.
Schedule an Appointment
If your child has been diagnosed with autism, don’t panic. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our experienced therapists. We’re here to help you, your child, and the rest of your family understand and manage the diagnosis.