So your child just received an Autism Diagnosis…now what?
It’s a significant event when your child receives a new Autism Diagnosis. As a parent, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about navigating this new chapter of life. It’s important to note that you’re not alone; there is an entire community of Autistic people and their families who have navigated this path before you. Here at Applied Behavioral Advancements, we do not believe that Autism is a mysterious diagnosis to be feared. It’s important to approach the situation with an open mind – after all, your child is still the same wonderful person they were before they received a diagnosis. Their life may look different than you imagined, but with care and support, they will achieve happiness and success in their own way.
This article will guide you through some of the actionable next steps you will need to take after receiving a new Autism Diagnosis.
Get the Facts
Firstly, it’s important to understand the facts surrounding your child’s Autism diagnosis. Seek all of the information you can find about ASD from validated, credible sources. A child on the spectrum will have different needs than allistic (non-autistic) children. It will be helpful for you to research the best ways you can meet your child’s unique needs. You will need new techniques for parenting and communicating. Additionally, you are now taking on the role of your child’s no. 1 advocate. For instance, you need to prepare yourself to navigate conversations with family members, schoolteachers, and other figures in your child’s life.
Understand Your Insurance
Thanks to Autism Advocates, most states require that Health Insurance policies include therapy for Autism. Still, coverage can vary, so you should take time to check in with your Health Insurance provider to confirm what kind of treatment they cover and where.
Most private insurers as well as Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers cover services at Applied Behavioral Advancements. You can learn more about payment options by contacting our Program Director, Amanda Southard.
Seek Desired Supports & Services
Remember, there is no “one size fits all” treatment for Autism. Each person with Autism experiences different symptoms, and will have different access needs to be met. Seek professional guidance on what types of support will be best for your child.
Our company, Applied Behavioral Advancements, believes that Applied Behavioral Analysis is a powerful, evidence-based tool for helping Autistic individuals meet their goals and excel. Under the leadership and care of a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), ABA therapy helps encourage positive behaviors, discourage harmful behavior, and learn important skills such as communication, social skills, and home life skills. Our clinicians are trained to always lead from a person-centered approach, validating the individual client’s unique personhood.
Each BCBA is going to have their own perspective and style of working. Finding the right BCBA for YOUR family is a personal process. For advice from ABA, LLC’s founder, Chris George, on finding the right BCBA, check out this 2014 article from the KY Autism Training Center Newsletter: https://louisville.edu/education/kyautismtraining/news/choosing-a-behavior-analyst-not-all-clinicians-are-created-equal
Outside of ABA therapy, other services covered by clinicians within Applied Behavioral Advancements, LLC includes Training for Caregivers, IDD/DD Crisis Services, Community Living Support, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Language Pathology, Supported Employment, Person-centered Coaching, Community Access, and support within Psychiatric Hospitals, Schools, Adult Day Training Centers, and Family homes.
Establish School Supports
The Disabilities Education Improvement Act (commonly known as IDEA) entitles children with Autism to a “free and appropriate” publicly-funded education, that includes early intervention services and special education. The key word here is “appropriate,” while we as parents will always want the “best” for our child, the school district is only required to provide an “appropriate” education. Determining what appropriate defines will be up to you, the school district, and your child’s therapist to determine together. As specified in the IDEA, this includes the right to the Least Restrictive Environment, Early Intervention services, Special Education services, and Extended School Year services. Your child may have the right to Assistive Technology. Contact your school district to find out how your child can gain access to these services. Your child may need a specific assessment to become a candidate.
Learn more about IDEA on the Department of Education’s website: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/
Connect with Other Families
You are not alone in navigating the unique challenges of raising an Autistic child. One great way to find resources and advice about supporting your child is to seek community with families whose experiences mirror your own. Consider joining a support group online or in person.
Here are some links that may be helpful for those in Kentucky:
https://prd.webapps.chfs.ky.gov/kyfaces/Kinship/ASDRSGK
Embrace a Growth Mindset
To sum it up, you and your child are both on a new journey together. It’s natural to make mistakes along the way. Embrace the idea that you won’t be perfect right away, and neither will your child. You have lots to learn together. It’s easy to compare yourself and your child to other families with an Autistic child. Ultimately, remember that everyone’s journey is unique. Be open to new information, and remain flexible. It’s important to try something new when what you’re doing isn’t working. Everything will fall into place in time.
We are grateful to be with you on this journey. To learn more about working with ABA for treatment of Autism, reach out to our Program Director, Amanda Southard at asouth22@gmail.com or call (606) 677-2636.