Help, My Child Has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Diagnosis! What Do I Do Now?
If your child has recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you may be finding yourself faced with mixed emotions – possibly “feelings of shock, disbelief, confusion, anger, sadness, worry, denial, guilt, relief” (Smith-Young et al., 2020). It is okay for you to be experiencing these feelings, and remember that you are not alone – on average, 1 in every 36 children has been diagnosed with ASD (Maenner et al., 2023). Now that your child has a diagnosis, you may be wondering: “What resources are available for my child?” “Where do I go from here?” “What’s the next step?” In this blog post, we’ll explore navigating early intervention services available for children with autism.
Step 1: Identify the Services Available
What are Early Intervention Programs?
Early Intervention Programs are available to infants and young children demonstrating developmental delays and disabilities. These services help children learn new skills that will help them be successful in life. These services can include applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and more.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
“Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior” (Autism Speaks). When your child receives ABA, you will have a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who evaluates your child and then creates an individualized behavior plan uniquely tailored to your child and your concerns for your child. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)/Behavior Technicians (BTs) implement your child’s behavior plan on a day-to-day basis under close supervision of a BCBA.
What is Speech Therapy (ST)?
Speech Therapy is a therapy that helps an individual improve their communication and language skills. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) will complete an evaluation of your child and create exercises and treatment goals to help address your communication needs and understanding of language.
What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?
According to Timothy Finlan (2020), an occupational therapist “helps kids who have a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability” learn how to perform daily living tasks (i.e., getting dressed, writing, taking a bath/shower, etc.) through various activities, supports, aids, and equipment. Occupational therapy can also “help kids with sensory processing disorders find ways to interact with their environment in more comfortable and appropriate ways” (Finlan, 2020).
What is Physical Therapy (PT)?
You probably have heard about physical therapy for adults, but you may be wondering, how does physical therapy help my child with ASD? Some children with ASD may have additional mobility difficulties, such as low muscle tone, poor balance, and incoordination. A pediatric physical therapist can create programs for your child to help them move through their environment easier. Some areas that a physical therapist may help your child work on are “Gross Motor Skills, Balance/Coordination Skills, Strengthening, and Functional Mobility/Motor Planning” (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, 2020).
Step 2: Find Services that Best Fit Your Child’s Needs
Ask your child’s pediatrician for recommendations.
Talk with your child’s doctor about your concerns, and they will provide recommendations for local services and providers who will best fit your child’s needs.
Check with your insurance provider.
Your insurance company may have a list of providers in your area who are in-network with them. Your child may need a qualifying diagnosis for insurance to cover specific services. Speak to your provider for more information.
Utilize recommendations from friends and family.
Some of your friends and family may have a provider that they trust and can help you get in contact with.
Check out these websites for additional resources.
- Autism Speaks Resource Guide – This provides a more comprehensive list of providers in your area.
- Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee – This will help you find national organizations that offer local/state-specific resources.
Step 3: Contact the Provider
Once you find a provider for your child, it is important that you contact them regarding their intake process, as each company has a different one.
Some general things you can expect a provider to require from you are:
- A doctor’s referral
- Insurance Approval
- An initial meeting with you—This can be an opportunity for you to tour the facility, ask questions regarding services, and ensure that their services are a good fit for your child by asking what type of support you need.
Keep in mind that many providers may have a waitlist for services. But, once you take that first step to start the intake process, you will have a better idea of how your child will benefit from services and an idea of a timeline for receiving services. Do not be discouraged if one provider does not work out for your child and family – no two providers are the same, and it may take some time to find the perfect fit for your family.
References
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Autism Speaks. (n.d.). https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis
C. medical. (n.d.). How do I know if I need speech therapy? Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22366-speech-therapy
Finlan, T. (Ed.). (2020, January). Going to an occupational therapist (for kids) | nemours kidshealth. KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/occupational-therapist.html#:~:text=A%20kid’s%20occupation%20is%20to,with%20toys%20or%20other%20kids.
Maenner, M., et. al., (2023). Prevalence and characteristics of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years – autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network, 11 sites, United States, 2020. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 72(2).
Smith-Young, J., Chafe, R., & Audas, R. (2020). “Managing the wait”: Parents’ experiences in accessing diagnostic and treatment services for children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Health Services Insights, 13, doi.10.117863292090214.
The role of the pediatric physical therapist for children on the autism spectrum | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute. (2020). https://www.research.chop.edu/car-autism-roadmap/the-role-of-the-pediatric-physical-therapist-for-childen-on-the-autism-spectrum
Mei Mei Gibbons, Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), has been dedicated to working with children since her childhood and has been a professional in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) field since 2016. She became interested in ABA after witnessing the significant positive impact of scientifically proven ABA techniques on her clients and their families. Mei Mei has a deep compassion for children who exhibit challenging behaviors due to communication difficulties.
Mei Mei has worked in various settings, including schools, clinics, and homes, allowing her to develop a versatile approach to ABA. Her experience includes working alongside Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to help develop individualized behavior intervention plans for her clients and assist in training new technicians in the field.
One of Mei Mei’s most memorable experiences was helping a child with low verbal behaviors develop basic communication skills, ultimately enabling them to express their needs and reduce frustration-related behaviors. This success story continues to inspire her work and commitment to ABA.
Currently, Mei Mei is pursuing a Master of Education in the Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Cincinnati and expects to graduate in December 2024. She believes in a client-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of tailoring interventions to each individual’s unique needs and strengths. Her philosophy is grounded in empathy, patience, and a relentless pursuit of positive outcomes for her clients.
She aims to leverage her education and experience to help individuals become more independent and enrich their life experiences.
