When you have a child who has just been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, it can be an overwhelming time. You will likely have many questions that you want to have answered about how to help your child now, how you can manage as parents, and what the future may hold.
You aren’t alone, there! If you have any questions about your child having an autism diagnosis, then read on, as here, the most common queries parents have will be answered.
Will This Diagnosis Impact Their Future?
This is a difficult question to answer; every case of ASD is unique, and some children may only have some signs of having it, whereas others may be on the more extreme end. There is information on autism360.com that can help parents navigate both the mild and extreme cases, but, in general, if your child has fewer needs, then it is unlikely to have a severe impact on their future. That does not mean you can bypass getting them support, though, as even mild cases of ASD, left untreated, can have long-term repercussions.
If your child has more extreme requirements, then they will need more support in the future, but as ASD is now more understood, it is easier for parents to manage this condition.
How Can I Support Them?
To start, you can learn as much about ASD as you can. This will help you to better understand your child and their behaviors.
If your child is vocal and of an age where they can understand what is being said to them, then talk to them about the diagnosis. This will help you to explore your concerns and worries without judgment. You can also download apps and other tools that will help your child cope with social interactions, thereby reducing their anxiety levels.
Are There Therapies That Can Help?
At the time of writing, there is no one therapy that can help a child who has autism spectrum disorder.
There are therapies that can help children to manage the symptoms, though. There is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy, which can help children with behavioral concerns, as well as physical therapy, which can assist a child with ASD who may have problems with motor skills. If your child has a verbal delay, then you should consider looking into speech therapy. As before, each case of ASD is unique, and your child will need a targeted treatment plan to help them manage.
Will My Child Need Medication?
Again, there is no set medication that can help with ASD.
However, there are children who have related complications, such as anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity. In these cases, medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (anti-anxieties) or Ritalin may be helpful, but you should always discuss any medication with your child’s doctor.
Does My Child Need To Go To A Specialist School?
Not necessarily. Children who have less extreme symptoms of ASD can do perfectly well in regular schools and may only need some assistance from a learning support assistant.
If your child is non-verbal or has more complex needs, then it is worth looking into a more specialized school that can offer your child the help and support that they need to learn.
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