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Have you just been hit with news that your child has autism or a developmental disability?
This news can feel overwhelming and scary, but as a parent it's important to remember: your child’s journey doesn’t end here.
You are not alone, and there are ways to stay proactive and tackle this new challenge and bring hope back into the picture.
Receiving any type of diagnosis can bring many flood of emotions and doubt from:
- Feeling Isolated: It can seem like no one else understands what you’re going through.
- Feeling Fearful: Worrying about your child’s future and their ability to lead a fulfilling life
- Feeling Guilty: Wondering if you could have done things differently.
- Feeling Overwhelmed: Managing the new information, therapies, appointments, and daily challenges can be exhausting
In this state, it's not uncommon to see your child’s diagnosis as a limit for their growth and potential, but it doesn’t need to be this way, and only becomes their future if you allow it.
The Secret to Your Families Success is...
Right now, you may be feeling like you have no control over your situation, but we can change that! It all starts with two things— creating a reliable support system and educating your family about your child’s diagnosis!
Friends and family can be a good place to find support and encouragement. Another option is to join online communities or in-person support groups filled with families who have undergone similar experiences. This can help you shift your perspective and cultivate hope.
By educating yourself about your child’s condition, you can better prepare yourself to make informed decisions about your child’s future services and accommodations.
How to View A Diagnosis as the First Step to Your Child’s Progress
Think of your child’s diagnosis as the first step of the journey to progress. In a way, it opens many doors for your child.
Without a diagnosis, your child would not be able to access the support and services that their diagnosis grants them (whether it be special state funded programs or insurance covered therapy servies).
After the diagnosis, the path becomes clearer and not only do you as a parent know where to begin your journey, but now you know what challenges you can anticipate along your journey.
The Journey Progress :
Step 1. Your child receives a diagnosis
Step 2. You can begin to build your clinical team & support network
Step 3. Work towards gaining the skills to understand and overcome your child's behavior challenges and monitor your child’s progress & learn strategies to help you with their behavior challenges
Remember, your child’s diagnosis may first spark feelings like grief or anxiety, but by creating and relying on a support network and educating yourself, you can give yourself the tools to help your child thrive!
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