how to make connections after a diagnosis of ASD
Why is connection so important for parents after a child has received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? The Autism Research Institute states that caring for a child with autism can stress parents beyond their limits. Having some form of connection to others who have or are experiencing the same things can make the experience feel less isolated. Knowing that there is help for both your child, you, and your hat there is help for both your child, you and your family feel less isolated and cru. Knowing that there is help for both your child, you, and your child, you and your family feel less isolating and cru. Knowing that there is help for both your child, you, and your family, you and your family feel less isolated and crushed. Knowing that there is help for both you and your family is very empowering.
ASD is a lifelong disorder and does not have a cure right now. The needs of the newly diagnosed child can be placed on the parent. They can include physical, emotional, and mental demands that you are not prepared to deal with. The journey does not have to be so harsh for parents and family. Building connections and relationships with those who can help your child, you, and your family, will make things more bearable. Utilizing local, national, and worldwide resources is a terrific way to start.
Places to Connect
Before you start to make connections, keep your needs clear of what you are searching for. The act itself of reaching out to make connections takes courage and vulnerability, especially during a very fragile time such as a new diagnosis. Know that there are many resources available for all ages of ASD. However, make sure you are focusing on the age of the child, your needs, and your family's current needs. Stay as focused as you can so you do not start thinking too far ahead and become so overwhelmed that you shut down. Too much information can start you down a rabbit hole. Take it one day at a time.
Local
Local places to investigate include your neighborhood, surrounding community, and school district. Even if your child is not old enough to go to school, school districts typically have many resources to help you locally. Another wonderful place is your local library. Many local areas have adaptive types of activities for those with ASD such as gym classes, horseback riding, and sensory-friendly types of activities. Look at your local YMCA. You may be able to find support groups for parents, siblings, or social groups for your child to attend. Google: local autism support groups near me, for more ideas.
Having your child be a part of these programs with other children with ASD will help you to build your network. These local connections will become invaluable to you as you raise your child in the area that you live. Knowing what is being offered locally will be your first step in making bonds with others who are on the same journey. These human links will open doors for you and your child that you never knew existed.
National
National connections typically involve connecting online, at least at first. The Autism Society of America is a nationwide network of affiliates that connect people to the resources that they need through education, advocacy, support, information, and referrals. They have multiple chapters throughout the United States. Check to see if your area has a local chapter by following this link: Autism Society of America.
Another great national connection is Autism Speaks. It is the largest autism advocacy and research organization in the United States. It sponsors autism research and conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public. The website has multiple different resources to connect you to. Here are a few that you might be interested in for a newly diagnosed child.
Advocacy
Autism-friendly services
Health& Medical
Recreation & community activities
Safety
Support groups
Treatment and therapy.
In addition, Autism Speaks has multiple different toolkits that are free and downloadable – A great one to start with would be the: 100-Day Kit for Families of Young Children Newly Diagnosed with Autism. Another great resource that Autism Speaks website has is a personalized resource where you insert your state, life stage of your child and level of support needed. The filters will take you directly to your state and places, connections, etc. that exist in that area. It is super user-friendly and easy to use.
World
There are thousands of autism organizations worldwide offering information, resources, and services. Autism Speaks has acknowledged Action for Autism for providing its site with an international list of autism organizations from across the globe. In addition, they offer multiple different languages on their website to help those who do not speak English.
Social Media
Social media is part of most of our lives. One can find all kinds of groups on these outlets. Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are among the most popular. One of the positive things about connecting this way is that you can do it in the privacy of your own home. You can also find valuable resources and helpful hints on ways to make you and your child’s life better. There are multiple support groups on Facebook that allow you to sign up and do “lives” with the owner of the group. These groups span across the world. It is a fantastic way to connect locally, nationally, and internationally. Some cautions of the negative sides of social media are that there are a lot of toxic and negative people out there. Use your own best judgment based on your personalized needs when exploring these sites for connections.
Key Takeaways
Regardless of how you make connections, in person or online- it does not matter. What matters is that you know that you are not alone on this journey and that many resources are available to you and your child. Understanding what resources are available locally, nationally, and internationally will help you to feel less alone, more empowered, and better able to handle the demands of raising a child with ASD. As a caretaker, healthy connections will be a key part to your emotional and mental well-being.