The growing incidence of autism in the United States continues to be a mystery, but the reality of coping and adapting to a new diagnosis is both scary and a daunting task for parents. Where should you start? What do you need to know to help your child be successful in life? Joel Desotelle, a licensed pediatric occupational therapist and program director of Keystone Pediatric Developmental Center in Chambersburg, answers these questions and more in today’s article. With this information, Joel hopes to provide at least some introductory guidance for parents who are going through this for the first time, as well as help those who have already started this journey.
Autism, What Is It?
Autism is a processing disorder. What that means is individuals living with autism have a difficult time processing all the information coming in from their body and the world around them. This makes it very difficult to comprehend, learn and adapt to situations. If the child, for example, struggles to process social cues and words, language is going to be affected. If the child is easily overwhelmed by their environment and has a lower threshold tolerance for certain types of stimulation such as touch, noise, light, etc., they may want to avoid these situations or shut down. Although people with autism do share some similar characteristics, each individual is very different. Some children may like music, for example, and some children may not. This makes it very difficult for parents and caregivers to understand because each child and their specific needs should be determined individually.
Autism Resources
There are numerous resources available for parents of children who are newly diagnosed, starting with your child’s physician. In addition to numerous books, you can also find valuable information on websites such as YouTube, www.autismspeaks.org, Facebook groups and state-run organizations. Sorting through all of this information can be overwhelming, so it is important to pace yourself and develop a good support system. Autism is a lifelong journey, and it is impossible to learn everything in a short amount of time.
Therapy and Support Services
Individuals with autism face challenges on a daily basis, so it is highly recommended that you get your child evaluated by an occupational and speech therapist as soon as possible. Occupational therapists are experts in sensory processing and self-regulation, as well as developing the skills needed for your child to be as independent as possible. Speech therapists specialize in language and communication, a common deficit seen in autism which can have a dramatic impact on your child’s ability to express themself, learn, communicate and work with others, as well as develop relationships with friends and family. Additionally, behavioral health services can assist with helping to improve learned behaviors that have developed as a result of your child’s processing difficulties. Starting the services early can greatly enhance your child’s foundation for learning and developing while helping to narrow the gap with other children. Lastly, most children qualify for both early intervention (ages 0-3) or school-based services, as well as outpatient therapy services, which give your child the extra help they need.
All Kids Are Special
The number of challenges that come with a life living with autism can be very consuming to all of those involved. It is especially important to recognize that all children are special and bring a unique set of characteristics to every family. While children living with autism need help, they still want to be happy, feel good about themselves and enjoy life like the rest of us. Sometimes we need to help them find their way to those experiences and sometimes we just need to embrace their unique individuality as something special and not different. Making sure that a child grows up in a positive and encouraging environment where even little successes can be celebrated is critical to their sense of wellbeing. That is why it is important to develop a good support network, to find balance in your life, to use the resources available and enjoy your child every day.
In all my years has a therapist, I find that the best resource available to your child is you. Taking time to show them, read to them, play with them and spend time with them is the greatest gift you can give your child and this will help them achieve a joyful life.
This article contains general information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or care by a qualified health care provider.
