Autism/ New Diagnosis

For parents and families, receiving a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder for a child can be overwhelming and be accompanied with many mixed feelings. Parents are the experts on their children and are often the first to notice something different about their child. Having a name for the condition can be a point of relief and validation that their concerns were accurate. The diagnosis is the key to beginning therapies and programs that can help your child. Parents may have new feelings to explore and  many things to learn such as: new vocabulary, terms to learn, treatments, therapies, interventions and insurance. This page has been created  for you….parents and family members. It is intended to provide you with the support, tools, resources, information and skills needed to advocate and help your child.

Your child has just been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. What should a parent do and what are the next steps?

• Learn about your child’s diagnosis by doing  research and becoming  familiar with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
• Visit Autism websites for information.
• Learn about the characteristics of effective interventions.
• If your child is young and not in school yet, contact the Early Intervention team at Children’s Integrated Services (CIS). They can be a great resource for you and can help teach you how to engage in meaningful play and activities (VFN Webinar/what does play have to do with it?)They can help you learn what you can do in your home to support your child.
• Learn about different kinds of interventions, treatments and therapies.
• If your child is school age, learn about Early Essential Education (EEE) programs and Special Education
• If your child is under the age of 6, there is Insurance Coverage for Autism Treatments, learn what you can.
• Find support groups in your area and explore the VFN parent match program to assist you in your journey.
• If you have questions about school concerns, contact the Family Support Program at Vermont Family Network.
• Visit the Vermont Family Network Lending Library for books on Autism.

You may need help with explaining the diagnosis to:

• siblings
• young children in primary grades
• teenagers
• friends and family members

There are many publications available. Click here for: Suggested reading from Autism Speaks that includes books for families and children.

Resources

There are many resources available to parents and professionals on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Resources listed on this page are specific to a new diagnosis of ASD. For a more comprehensive listing of resources, click here.

Publications

Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Primer for Parents and Educators (National Association of School Psychologists)

Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet (Vermont Family Network)

Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Toolkit (Autism Speaks)

First 100 Days Kit: A tool kit to assist families in getting the critical information they need in the first 100 days after an autism diagnosis (Autism Speaks)

Next Steps Guide for Families with Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, by Clare McFadden, Autism Specialist at the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living in conjunction with the Vermont Autism Task Force and other departments of Vermont State Government.

Newly Diagnosed: Frequently Asked Questions (TACA)

Quick Reference Guide for Autistic Spectrum Disorders/Best Practice Guidelines for Screening, Diagnosis and Assessment (California Department of Developmental Services 2002)

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew, by author  Ellen Notbohm

Videos

How to Help a Child with Autism (TACA and Howcast)

Webinars

Autism- What Does Play Have To Do With It? (Vermont Family Network)

Autism Treatment under Act 127 (Vermont Family Network)

Websites

Autism and Your Family (Autism Speaks)