After the Diagnosis
If your child or loved one has recently been diagnosed with Autism, below are next steps to consider:
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Create a team! They may need the support services of a Speech-language Pathologist, an Occupational Therapist, a Physical Therapist, a Behavior Therapist (ABA, Pivotal Response Therapy, Floor Time, etc.), or a developmental school program. Creating a team is a comprehensive undertaking that involves the child’s entire family and a team of professionals. Families with children aged 3 years old who are experiencing developmental delays and/or have a diagnosed condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay such as Autism may be eligible for First Steps To contact your local First Steps office, click your county of residence at this website: https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/4685.htm.
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Sign up for the Family Supports Waiver. This waiver provides services to participants in a range of community settings. An Individualized Support Plan using a person-centered planning approach guided by an Individual Support Team will be developed for your child. For more information on the Family Supports waiver, click on https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2639.htm or access the Autism Society of Indiana website at https://www.autismsocietyofindiana.org/.
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Educate yourself and know your rights and options. It can be overwhelming to look at the many websites that have information on Autism. Start by contacting the Autism Society of Indiana or the Autism Society of America. The Autism Society of Indiana also offers many trainings you may find helpful.
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Find a caregiver support group. You can locate a caregiver support group by contacting the Autism Society of Indiana or contact the Autism Advocate in your school district. It is important to build a community.
While there is no known cure for Autism, there are treatments and educational approaches that can address some of the challenges associated with the condition. But just as there is no one symptom or behavior that identifies people with Autism, there is no single treatment that will be effective for everyone who experiences Autism.
Throughout the history of the Autism Society, parents and professionals have been confounded by conflicting messages regarding which treatment options are appropriate for children and adults who experience Autism. As each person responds to treatment differently, we cannot endorse any one treatment or program. Families should educate themselves about all options and choose what they feel is in the best interest of their child and family, based on their experience and what resources are available.
If you or your loved one has recently been diagnosed with Autism as an adult, below are additional steps to consider:
- Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This waiver provides services to participants in a range of community settings. An Individualized Support Plan using a person-centered planning approach guided by an Individual Support Team will be developed for your child. For more information on the Family Supports waiver, click on https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2639.htm or access the Autism Society of Indiana website at https://www.autismsocietyofindiana.org/.
- Look for counseling or therapy to help with coping mechanisms.
- Connect with other individuals through support groups.