When a child is diagnosed with autism, parents may feel unsure about the path ahead and the next steps they should take to find the support, guidance and resources they need. BlueSprig Pediatrics spoke with three of their employees, Alicia, Natalie and Sara who all have kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here are five things they wished they knew at the time of their child’s diagnosis that they later learned, and some advice to help you on your journey!
I will become an incredible advocate: The role of every parent includes advocating for their children. For parents of children with autism, this role becomes more magnified. According to Natalie, confirming the diagnosis can be difficult. Each parent’s journey is different, but the advice is to make sure you are an advocate for your family and child. This may include pushing to make sure the proper tests and assessments are performed and working with your school to coordinate treatment plans, individualized education plans, and accommodations.
If you’re unsure where to start, or what questions to ask, there are several support groups and professional advocates available to help parents and caregivers. COPAA is an organization dedicated to protecting and enforcing the civil rights of students with disabilities to help them receive a high-quality education.
I will find a community to support me: You may worry about your child, their needs, socialization, how others are treating them, and more. These are all normal and valid feelings and emotions to have. As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your child, but it helps to surround yourself with a strong support system in your community, whether it’s family, friends or strangers who’ve gone through the same thing.
“We had family and friends who loved us dearly and were there to be a shoulder to cry on. My small town rallied behind us as [my son] grew and loved him for who he was,” said Alicia. “They presented him with a letterman’s jacket at a school-wide pep rally when he was a senior. He knew how special it was. The whole high school applauded!”
I will celebrate and appreciate my child’s milestones: Alicia explained that she is constantly reminded to be thankful for the simple things and gives the advice to find joy and happiness where you are. Being a caregiver to a child with autism will change and shape the way that you see the world. Many things that we take for granted are celebrated and appreciated with a new perspective. You will learn to enjoy life from a new perspective while sharing and celebrating new interests with your child.
“Being an ASD mom has been rewarding. It has shaped my behaviors and how I look at the world. I learned to appreciate most things that neurotypicals may take for granted. Every small milestone for my children has become life-changing,” said Natalie.
We will become a flexible family: Parents will learn to be flexible and willing to “go with the flow.” Parents of children with autism may find they are changing plans more often than not.
“We’ve learned trial and error where our daughter’s limits are and when it’s not going to benefit her to follow through with something for the sake of following through,” said Sara. “Other times, the changes are more considerable, like picking up my child after she’s had a behavioral episode, finding a new school, or fighting battles to access appropriate therapies.”
I will be challenged, but I will also grow: Raising a child with autism presents its challenges, but there’s also so much joy and love that comes from seeing the world through their eyes and enjoying it with them.
“Children have a way of teaching us as much, or even more, than we teach them. I learned that it is important to be authentically yourself, and connect with yourself authentically, because that is what makes changes, and creates space,” said Sara. “My daughter was never going to fit in, and she didn’t need to. I’ve reflected a lot on all the ways I can show up more authentically for myself and my child.”
We would love to hear your list. Feel free to comment below with tips you have encountered in raising a child with autism. It’s vital for parents of children with autism never to feel alone and to know others are going through similar journeys.
About our moms: Alicia and Sara are both Board-Certified Behavioral Analysts and Center Directors at BlueSprig. Natalie is a Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst and Center Supervisor at BlueSprig.
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About BlueSprig Pediatrics
BlueSprig, founded in 2017, is a leading provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). BlueSprig is committed to providing compassionate, individualized, and evidence-based behavior analysis treatment. Headquartered in Houston, TX, BlueSprig is a nationwide provider in ABA Therapy with 140+ locations. For additional information about BlueSprig or to receive updates, visit www.bluesprigautism.com.