When we got Joshua’s autism diagnosis over 7 years ago, I was given a black binder packed full of information about resources to help us on our journey.  As much as I appreciated all that information, it was quite overwhelming and I really didn’t know where to start.  Although the binder of information was seemingly all inclusive, it would have been ideal to have a simple “To Do” list and someone to guide me along the way.  Luckily, I have always had a great social support group and being more outgoing, I didn’t mind talking to others about what we were going through.  As mentioned in my last post, I even started writing a blog.

Working in the Developmental Disabilities field, I have become painfully aware that not all families are aware of all the various resources available for kids who have autism.  They, like I was, are overwhelmed and simply trying to manage in the day to day while getting the help they so desperately need for their child.  How do they prioritize their time, especially if they are working parents?  What can they do regarding child care for their special needs child?  If they are a one income family, how can they budget the needs of the family to now include more expensive food and supplements should they want to make use of the benefits of a dietary change?

I have compiled a “10 Top List” of things to do now that you have a diagnosis of autism for your child.  This list is packed full of information, but the intent is to take what you want, come back later for more, once you are ready, and simply have a place to get started on this journey toward, hopefully recovery of your child so they can function and be successful in our society.  There is no way you can do it all at the start, and perhaps some of the suggestions won’t pertain to your situation.  More than likely, there will be waiting lists for most if not all of the services, so at the least, get some names of treatment providers in your area, aside from the school and get started calling to get assessments so therapy can start as soon as possible.  School districts have a certain amount of days to get their assessments done, so that may be one of the first places to start.

Take a look a this free download of my “10 Top List of Resources for Children who Have Autism” and let me know if I can be of any help to you or someone you know, along this journey.

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