Resources for families with new diagnoses of Autism
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Do you know someone who was recently diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Do not panic! Nothing has changed about the person, you now have a name for challenges that already existed. The good news is that you are not alone, many other people have been in your situation and some have written books or developed programs to make the journey a little less challenging for you!
Living with an individual who has ASD can be challenging. There are things that you can do to make their life and yours easier.
Here you can find some of the resources that I have found to be helpful with my son as well as with some of the other children we know with ASD. Please keep in mind that no two people with ASD respond to the same thing in exactly the same way, there will likely be some trial and error involved.
Living with an individual who has ASD can be challenging. There are things that you can do to make their life and yours easier.
Here you can find some of the resources that I have found to be helpful with my son as well as with some of the other children we know with ASD. Please keep in mind that no two people with ASD respond to the same thing in exactly the same way, there will likely be some trial and error involved.
A few of my other ASD lenses that you may find helpful
Single sites with both Information and support groups or forums
- IAN Community
- "The IAN Community is an online environment designed to act as an inviting library and meeting place where everyone concerned with autism spectrum disorders can learn more about autism research. Everyone can participate and benefit from the IAN Community."
Autism info on a child's level
Great for siblings and friends
- Autism
- Autism is a brain problem that can make it hard for kids to communicate. Find out more in this article for kids.
- Autism
- Autism Delaware,Autism Delaware is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to serving people and families in Delaware who are affected by autism,Our Mission is to improve the lives of people with autism and their families We will educate advocate and raise public awareness in order to promote li
- autism
- What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disability that affects more
than 500,000 people in all parts of our world. Children with
autism may have a different way of seeing, hearing
Autism Information or research
- IAN Project
- The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) is an innovative online project bringing together tens of thousands of people nationwide affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and hundreds of researchers in a search for answers. Individuals with an ASD and their families can share information in a secure setting to become part of the largest online autism research effort in the United States.
- Autism Society - Homepage
- The Autism Society, the nation's leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism.
- CDC - Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASDs) - NCBDDD
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. CDC is working to find out how many children have ASDs, discover the risk factors, and raise awareness of the signs.
- Autism Fact Sheet: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
- The mission of NINDS is to reduce the burden of neurological disease - a burden borne by every age group, by every segment of society, by people all over the world.
- Autism - MayoClinic.com
- Autism; Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment of autism and parenting an autistic child.
- NIMH · Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders)
- A detailed booklet that describes Autism symptoms, causes, and treatments, with information on getting help and coping
- Top Autism Facts - Top Autism Facts
- What are the top autism facts? This quick top 10 article includes the most imortant autism facts, plus links to learn more. Share it with your mom, your child's teacher, or anyone else who asks "What is autism, anyway?"
Important!
Save a LOT of Money....
Please do not rush out and stock up on tons of parent guides etc all at once. You can check some out at the library, many people post about their experiences online where you can read them for free. Since each child responds a little bit differently to the various combinations of techniques you should take some time, test the waters and add gradually. Ask the doctor or therapists or the school about resources, most public schools can give you access to parent training seminars for FREE.
I like to use the interests of the child to get them to try to become involved in therapies.
Thomas the Tank Engine, Lightning Mc Queen, Dinosaurs and Dora can all be incorporated into any therapy routine
If your child has a special character that they like, try to make rewards using the image, most characters have bulk reward stickers available here.
I decorate therapy items such as Wilbarger Brushes, tactile blocks, chalk boards, postural seating etc with the child's favorite character- be forewarned it does cause some distraction at first but usually the child is more receptive to the actual therapy.
You can also get small blankets of the character and with a little bit of work you can turn it into a weighted blanket.
Understand Autism
It can greatly improve your child's chances of success if you learn about the disorder. Once you have a better understanding of what you are being faced with and why the behaviors exist, you will be better prepared to guide your child through therapies, assessments, appointments and service related meetings.
Visual Support Systems
We have used the Q-charms (have for 4 years now) and PECS (which Cutie no longer seems to need very often). I highly recommend either of those products for any child with communication problems.
Because these Items are expensive, I used to look at the products online and handcraft a similar system (certainly not as good, but it really helped while we saved up the money for the products). Your child's school may use a different visual cue system, you may want to check what they use before making any decisions this way you can ensure that your child will not be confused by two different systems.
Because these Items are expensive, I used to look at the products online and handcraft a similar system (certainly not as good, but it really helped while we saved up the money for the products). Your child's school may use a different visual cue system, you may want to check what they use before making any decisions this way you can ensure that your child will not be confused by two different systems.
To learn about First Step Dx and Opening Autism, click here to visit
Sensory problems are common for individuals with ASD
You absolutely must learn about Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Once you do, you will be more able to predict and prevent disruptive behaviors and reduce your child's stress. Lots of information is available about it for free, below are some books.
Feel free to visit my lens to learn Little Sensory Tricks to help kids with ASD
Feel free to visit my lens to learn Little Sensory Tricks to help kids with ASD
Understand Disability Rights
Know when they are being violated
This is an important issue. Many parents of children with an ASD diagnosis are not familiar with their rights. There are a lot of legal protections in place for your child. Please understand them and do not be taken advantage of.
Connect with other families, learn from their experiences and share yours at
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Connect with other families with an Autism diagnosis
Autism awareness
and practical autism products
Please check out these developmental progress binders and autism information cards. Many parents who are new to this diagnosis do find these items to be extremely helpful, especially in the first 3 years. Check them out!- even if you are just looking at them to inspire your own creativity!
Any resources that you would recommend?
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sousababy
Aug 27, 2011 @ 8:41 pm | delete
- Actually this IS an excellent resource . . adding this to my 'Living Articles on Squidoo' lens. This will definitely help many worried parents. Thank you so much, Rose
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JoanneOtt
Jun 1, 2011 @ 6:24 pm | delete
- Great resource for those who have children with autism. Another really excellent lens!
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UKGhostwriter
May 3, 2011 @ 1:01 pm | delete
- Thank you for this mine of extremely useful information
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karmicchristian
May 3, 2011 @ 11:39 am | delete
- We never realize when a blessing comes in a disguise. God bless you and your efforts.
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Learn more about Autism and Aspergers
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