If you’ve just learned that your child has autism, you’re probably feeling 100 things at once. It should be noted that Autism Speaks’ Parents’ Guide to Autism for newly diagnosed children is an excellent and trusted resource for parents going through this – much of the advice in this post comes from ideas in that guide.
Whatever you are feeling, from anger to relief to sadness, those emotions are all perfectly normal. Whether or not you suspected that something was going on with your child, you may very well be in a state of shock. You may also go from acceptance to denial and back again, mourning some particular hopes or dreams you had for your child and struggling to come to terms with this diagnosis. This is also normal. Perhaps your spouse is in denial about your child’s diagnosis, or maybe it’s you. This can happen sometimes, and it’s important to let your spouse or parenting partner work through their emotions on their own terms.
If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
You’re probably also feeling overwhelmed as a parent with a newly diagnosed child, bombarded with information, doctors, therapists, appointments, and questions from family. Of course, it’s okay not to learn everything there is to know about autism in a few hours. But, if it’s helpful, gather resources and put them somewhere until you’re ready to look at them – being an advocate for your child is a lifelong job, and you have plenty of time to learn and grow with your child as they navigate the world with this new diagnosis.
Sometimes it’s necessary to seek professional help when your emotions regarding your child’s diagnosis become so overwhelming that you’re unable to function. If you’re suffering from sleep loss, loss of appetite, increased drinking, or endless negative thoughts, you may benefit from seeking professional help.
Building a Support Network
Few things are as validating and helpful as finding a supportive community of parents and children who are in the same boat as you. Whether it’s joining an online group or finding a group of parents through your school or church who have children with autism, you can find not only answers to important questions, but also solidarity from parents who have been there. For example, Autism Speaks holds walks around the country. Learn more at autismspeakswalk.org.
Taking Care of Yourself
You can’t take care of your child if you don’t take care of yourself first. That can look like different things for different people, from making time your just you and your spouse to taking a class in something you enjoy to a regular coffee date with friends – recharging your own batteries will make you a better advocate for your child, and it’s also valuable in and of itself for your own health and wellbeing.
How Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy Can Help You and Your Child
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children can help alleviate the stress and anxiety of a new diagnosis for both children and parents. ABA can help fill any gaps in language, communication, and social skills your child needs to work on so they can relate better to their peers and feel confident in their ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships. As part of Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, children and their family members learn how to build meaningful relationships together.
Free Guide From GBC
An Essential Guide to Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy
Understand the Ins and Outs of Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy
Our mission at GBC is to inspire and empower families to truly understand the benefits of ABA therapy so they can better relate to one another, and as a result, grow closer. For that, you want to go beyond the online discussions and dive deeper.
We’ve created An Essential Guide to Autism and ABA to explain:
- What Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is
- What Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is
- How ABA therapy can help create more connected families
