About Autism Starting Points

	Know the signs of Autism — the following are 3 main areas of concern: 1) Difficulties with communication (delayed speech development, lack of eye contact, does not respond to name but may to certain sounds, i.e. music, videos, or other items of specific interest); 2) Repetitive or restricted behaviors (rocking, twirling, hand-flapping; difficulty changing from routine or transitioning to new activities; no pretend play; no pointing to objects; seems overly focused on certain toys or objects, or parts of toys); 3) Social impairments (desire to be alone, difficulty forming relationships, doesn’t follow social cues, limited facial expressions). These are just a few examples within each area. For more information, go to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) website at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html
	If you think that something is not right with your child, follow your instincts.  Push for testing—the sooner the diagnosis is made the sooner you can start treatments to reach your child!
	Allow yourself time to grieve for the life you thought that your child was going to have.  That life is not possible anymore, but you can make a new vision and a new plan for yourself and your child.  Make a good one!
	You are your child’s only voice.  Make sure that you speak up for yourself and your child.
Explain to people that your child has Autism with lots of sensory overload. Being in public can be very hard on our kids. Tell someone your concerns: your pediatrician, the ISD (Intermediate School District), and/or family member or friend.
	Always take another adult with you when you go to any appointments with your child.  You and your spouse are so emotionally involved that you may not hear everything the health care professional is saying.
	Ask for help!  Explain your child’s needs to family and friends.  Ask them to watch your child.  Look for other families with children with Autism.  They know the “ropes” and may have good suggestions about things that may help your child too.
	Do not devote all of your attention to your child with Autism to the exclusion of your spouse and other children. They need your time and attention too!  Let your neuro-typical child talk to a professional, interact with other families in similar situations, and/or participate in sibling groups and activities in the local area.  Do not negate their anxieties and fears—they are real to them. Validate them!
	Do not make siblings responsible for their brother or sister with Autism.  The neuro-typical child has needed to grow up quickly because of the sibling’s Autism — do not take away any more of their childhood than needed.
	Remember many families are in this situation, and there are people and groups to help!  We hope this site will assist in locating that help — we are always open to new input, resources and information! Return To Top of Page

Considerations for Autism Intervention Options and Selecting A Provider

Upon receiving an autism diagnosis, parents often then turn to providers of services to begin the process of helping their child.  The National Institute of Mental Health suggests a list of questions parents can ask when planning treatment for their child:

	How successful has the program been for other children?
	How many children have gone on to placement in a regular school and how have they performed?
	Do staff members have training and experience in working with children and adolescents with autism?
	How are activities planned and organized?
	Are there predictable daily schedules and routines?
	How much individual attention will my child receive?
	How is progress measured? Will my child's behavior be closely observed and recorded?
	Will my child be given tasks and rewards that are personally motivating?
	Is the environment designed to minimize distractions?
	Will the program prepare me to continue the therapy at home?
	What is the cost, time commitment, and location of the program? Return To Top of Page