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Next Steps After an Autism Diagnosis
Next Steps After an Autism Diagnosis
Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can bring a mix of emotions - relief at finally having an explanation, worry about what comes next, and determination to get your child the support they need. While this news can feel overwhelming initially, taking some key first steps can help put your family on a positive path forward.
Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can bring a mix of emotions - relief at finally having an explanation, worry about what comes next, and determination to get your child the support they need. While this news can feel overwhelming initially, taking some key first steps can help put your family on a positive path forward.
Understanding the Diagnosis
Understanding the Diagnosis
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, behaves, and interacts socially. It is a spectrum, meaning it impacts each individual differently along a range of severity. Some may face significant challenges, while others require relatively mild supports. An autism diagnosis simply means your child's brain works a bit differently - it's not something that needs "fixing."
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, behaves, and interacts socially. It is a spectrum, meaning it impacts each individual differently along a range of severity. Some may face significant challenges, while others require relatively mild supports. An autism diagnosis simply means your child's brain works a bit differently - it's not something that needs "fixing."
Accessing Early Intervention
Accessing Early Intervention
The earlier your child receives supports and services, the better. In Michigan, children under 3 years old may qualify for early intervention through the Early On program. This provides free evaluations, therapy, service coordination and more. For ages 3-26, your local school district's special education services become the next step.
The earlier your child receives supports and services, the better. In Michigan, children under 3 years old may qualify for early intervention through the Early On program. This provides free evaluations, therapy, service coordination and more. For ages 3-26, your local school district's special education services become the next step.
Building a Treatment Team
Building a Treatment Team
Creating an individualized treatment plan is important for addressing your child's unique strengths and needs. This plan may include a combination of:
Creating an individualized treatment plan is important for addressing your child's unique strengths and needs. This plan may include a combination of:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy to improve social, communication, and adaptive skills
- Speech and language therapy to develop communication abilities
- Occupational therapy to enhance independence with daily life skills
- Other supportive services like physical therapy, counseling, or social skills groups
Your child's team will conduct evaluations and work with your family to determine appropriate goal areas and strategies.
Your child's team will conduct evaluations and work with your family to determine appropriate goal areas and strategies.
Peer-Reviewed Research:
Peer-Reviewed Research:
- Early intensive behavioral intervention found to be highly effective for children with ASD (Reichow et al., 2018)
- Parent-implemented interventions key for generalization of skills across settings (Parsons et al., 2017)
- Multi-disciplinary, comprehensive treatment provides best outcomes (Wise et al., 2022)
Local Michigan Resources:
Local Michigan Resources:
- Michigan Alliance for Families - Info, training and support for families of children with disabilities
- Autism Alliance of Michigan - Statewide resource connecting families to local services
- Michigan.gov/autism - State offering links, guides and waivers related to autism services
The path after an autism diagnosis has many turns, but staying proactive and accessing support leads to positive outcomes. With patience and proper interventions tailored to your child, their future remains bright.
The path after an autism diagnosis has many turns, but staying proactive and accessing support leads to positive outcomes. With patience and proper interventions tailored to your child, their future remains bright.
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