After receiving the diagnosis of autism for your child, what should be your next steps, and where should you go from here?
Firstly, take some time to mentally process the information you just received from your child’s doctor. It’s important to ensure that you are emotionally ready to handle the next steps without overwhelming yourself with thoughts and tasks. Should you take immediate action after the diagnosis? Yes, but for now, it can wait until you have come to terms with the things you can’t control but can address.

Now that you have taken the necessary mental break (regardless of the time it took), let’s proceed at a steady pace. If you’re currently on an ABA therapist’s waiting list for home visits, consider contacting the doctor to inquire about available Speech and Occupational Therapies in your local area. Surprisingly, you may be able to access these therapies more quickly than ABA.

Allow me to share my personal experience. I spent countless hours searching for additional resources, unaware that my insurance covered all the therapies my child needed. I contacted my daughter’s diagnosing doctor and asked for guidance on how to initiate her therapy. As a result, the doctor sent a referral to the local team, and I received a packet from the agency, requesting information about my daughter. I understand that it may feel overwhelming why the doctor couldn’t directly send the information to the facility. However, they rely on your perspective as the guardian, considering what you observe in your household. They need your insights to develop an effective strategy for assisting your child during this process.

Once you have completed and returned the packet to the facility, you will receive phone calls to verify the information you provided. Subsequently, an appointment schedule will be arranged for your child to begin therapy. At this point, you should feel proud of yourself because this journey requires patience and time, just like your child does. If you are employed, make sure to inform your employer in advance about any potential scheduling conflicts so that you can take time off work and arrive at appointments punctually. Remember to provide your employer with a “doctor’s note/appointment note” to ensure your job is protected during your time off.

Why is being consistent in therapy so important?

Being consistent in therapy is very important for you and your child. This way, your child can build their comfort level with their therapist. For some, you may notice that your child does not like to participate in certain activities or does not want to be around others. Before jumping to the conclusion that your child may not like others, take the time to see things from their perspective by observing their behavior and understanding their point of view. Some with autism may want to be separated and only like to play with themselves, this is perfectly normal! Building a relationship with the therapist is very important for your child and the therapist. During the first and second weeks of therapy, the therapist. will build rapport with the child and ensure there isn’t any additional pressure. Imagine meeting someone new and wanting to be friends with them. However, the only way to determine if they can genuinely be your friend is by spending time together, engaging in conversations, and building a connection through shared experiences. This is similar to what happens in therapy. Attending therapy sessions with your child is crucial for you as the guardian, even though it may be optional. Your presence provides valuable support and involvement in their progress and overall well-being. I recommend being with your child due to you want to see what strategies the therapist is doing to engage with your child, apply it to yourself when you go home and want to build that relationship as well. As parents, you are also the teacher, but the teacher also must be up to date on what is going on, right? Right. I have seen the difference in some parents who are not involved in the session and will wait until the appointment is over to ask questions when the child is brought out to them. Think of it this way (you wouldn’t have so many questions if you were there listening and watching being inside the room). I am the type of parent who wants to know what’s going on and how my child was able to accomplish certain abilities because I
am a hands-on mom. I ask questions about things I may or may not understand for clarification. If you are not able to be in the room or make it to the appointment, here are some things you can do:

• Have someone there that you can trust, on your behalf to take notes or video chat with you while they are in session (Get the doctor’s approval first by sending an email).
• Email the therapist prior to the session to discuss the focus areas for your child’s therapy.
• Email the therapist after the session to inquire about the progress, ask for any recommended home activities, and discuss the next steps in therapy after a month of sessions.
• Engage in a conversation with the therapist to inquire about the sensory toys utilized during the session. This will enable you to incorporate them at home and provide your child with opportunities for repetition, as repetition is crucial in their progress.

How To Support Your Child During The ABA Waiting Period:

Here are some great ways to support your child, while waiting for ABA to be placed:
• Research and select appropriate sensory toys from Amazon, but be mindful not to purchase every toy solely based on appearance. (it’s so hard! I know!)
• Visuals are good for your child’s memory and speech, being able to see and name what are in the picture i.e. “Allenah, this is a pig, what sounds does a pig make?” Make the sound for your child to know and possibly follow.
• Implementing basic sign language visuals, which is great if your child is non-verbal.

• A communication device is a valuable tool that serves as a substitute for speech when a child is unable to communicate verbally. It empowers them to express themselves effectively, and the device is intended solely for the child’s use.

Example: If the child wants to watch TV or use a tablet, go to the restroom, or would like to eat or drink, the communication device becomes an invaluable means for them to express their
needs and preferences. You may need to create a small home schedule so you and your child can stay on top of therapy. Try visiting https://www.autismspeaks.org where you will find a lot of autism resources to help families like yours, it can give you a better direction on other programs.

ABA Therapeutic Strategies, While Waiting For ABA Placement:

• Focus on communication skills: Encourage and reinforce communication skills by using visual supports, such as visual schedules or PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). This can assist your child in expressing their needs and wants effectively.
• Promote social interactions: Arrange playdates or social activities with peers to facilitate social interactions. Encourage turn-taking, sharing, and cooperative play to develop social skills.
• Use visual supports: Utilize visual aids, such as visual schedules, social stories, or visual cues, to help your child understand and follow instructions. Visual supports can enhance their understanding and independence.
• Practice behavior management techniques: Implement positive behavior management strategies, such as token systems or reinforcement charts, to encourage desired behaviors and discourage challenging behaviors.
• Incorporate sensory activities: Engage your child in sensory activities that they enjoy. This can help them regulate their sensory needs and promote overall well-being.
• Collaborate with professionals: Consult with professionals, such as occupational therapists or speech therapists, to address specific areas of concern and work on targeted goals while awaiting ABA placement.
• Check out https://www.mygym.com, which offers a fantastic sensory gym where your family can enjoy and expend energy. It provides an opportunity for your child to socialize and improve their mobility skills through group activities.

Why It Is Best To Try And Stay Ahead Of The ABA Therapy Waiting Period?

• Call the facility to see if someone has canceled their intake appointment for scheduling.
• Call periodically to check the status.
• Ask if other facilities can get you in sooner.

Please be aware that if you have a gender preference in your future therapist the waiting may become longer due to the facility being limited on therapists. Please check out this website for further helpful tips while waiting: https://createbehaviorsolutions.com/what-parents-can-do-while-on-a-waiting-list-for-aba-services/ Created by Brianna Z. Kauer

How Do I Get My Child Comfortable And Ready For ABA, Before Being Scheduled?

As our children’s comfort levels may vary, it’s important to prepare them as best as we can for the therapist’s arrival. Here are some useful tips to help you get your little ones ready.

• Arrange playdates with children your child enjoys spending time with.
• Set aside 20 minutes from your busy schedule to engage in playtime with your child using their preferred toys, coloring, reading, drawing, and even incorporating playdough if they enjoy it.
• Practice sign language by printing visual aids to support learning.
• Install YouTube Kids, which can aid in expanding your child’s vocabulary and communication skills.
• Remember the importance of being present by your child’s side. Simply show them love, understanding, and undivided attention without any distractions. This act alone can encourage your child to gradually engage and play with you.

I understand because I have been there, too. When we finally began ABA therapy, there were certain aspects I was unprepared for, particularly concerning my daughter’s mood. Her mood fluctuated like the weather, with days that were rainy, hot, cold, or neutral. Upon returning home from school on weekdays (ABA therapy was scheduled every day except weekends), I could gauge the type of day we were going to have based on her mood. There were times when she would cry for reasons I couldn’t comprehend, indicating that we needed to approach the therapy session at her own pace due to her already challenging day. On other days, she would be joyful, jumping, and playing with her brother. During such times, she would be playful when the therapist arrived. However, there were also days when she simply didn’t want any disturbances. She would express her discontent by yelling and throwing objects, making it clear that it was not a good day for her. On occasions like those, I would cancel the therapy session and reschedule a makeup day, occasionally extending the therapist’s stay to make up for the lost hours.

After Therapy Sessions Are Scheduled, Help Your Child Become More At Ease:

• Give your child the opportunity to observe the therapist and become familiar with them.
• Allow your child to be their authentic selves during therapy sessions, without trying to suppress their natural behavior in their own environment. However, ensure you closely monitor them if there is a risk of hitting, biting, or scratching (as any form of bodily harm should be taken seriously).
• Explore the possibility of the therapist accompanying you and your child on a walk to a local park or outside the house, especially if your child is highly active. This can help your child feel calmer and allow the therapist to gain a better understanding of their preferences and dislikes. (Note: Therapists should not be alone with your child outside of the home without your presence.)
• Encourage your child to spend time playing outside after therapy to release any overstimulation that may have occurred during the session. This allows them to express themselves in an open space, reducing the potential for overwhelm within the house.
• If your child has an interest in sports, engage in practicing the sport with them after therapy as a fun activity.

Getting The School To Be A Part Of The Support System:

As we know some schools are designed to help our children reach their full potential when it comes to education. Many schools can assist children and adults with learning disabilities. Please always keep an open communication with your child’s school, to get weekly reports on how your child is progressing and if there is any room for improvement. Remember the school does not know your child has a disability until you mention it or until the school notices it. Some parents discover that their child faces learning challenges compared to others, and it’s important to remember that this is perfectly fine, as the school system is designed to aid. Here are some helpful tips:

• Ensure to schedule an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting for your child after their diagnosis. This can facilitate the provision of a one-on-one aide to assist your child while in school and ensure that the testing process is conducted in a more suitable manner for your child.
• Regularly update and renew your child’s IEP every 6 months to a year to avoid any delays in receiving necessary assistance.
• Keep the school informed about the current therapies your child is receiving and their effectiveness.
• Inquire with the school about any additional resources that may be available to support your child’s specific needs.
• Request information from the school about the availability of after-school tutors who specialize in working with children facing disabilities or challenges in school.
• If encountering difficulties scheduling an IEP meeting, consider reaching out to the board overseeing the school district for assistance. Sometimes, involving higher authorities can help address the situation effectively, ensuring your child receives the necessary support. Personal experience: When my son, who was diagnosed with ADHD/ADD and behavioral issues, faced challenges in obtaining the needed assistance from his school, I decided to contact the board in the San Bernardino District. After patiently persisting and arranging a meeting with the board and the school principal, I was able to provide the necessary documentation for my son’s diagnosis and secure the crucial IEP meeting he desperately required before the school year ended.

How do I get my child into sports and other interests?

First, analyze whether your child has an interest in sports. Take them to a park and observe if they enjoy activities such as climbing, rock climbing, backflips, or playing basketball. Also, see if they show any interest in bouncing a ball. It’s important to try various activities with your child but avoid pressuring them if they show no interest. Other activities can include painting, sensory play, visual arts, music, dance, puzzles, games and special interests. Identify your child’s specific interests and incorporate them into activities. If they have a fascination with trains, for example, set up a train set for them to play with or visit a train museum. Remember, as a parent, it’s important to embrace the idea that if your child doesn’t enjoy a particular activity, that’s perfectly alright. It’s okay to try new things and be open to exploring different experiences with them. Each child has their own unique preferences, and by encouraging a spirit of exploration, you can help them discover their own interests and what brings them joy. The key is to provide opportunities for exploration without any pressure or expectations, allowing them the freedom to express their likes and dislikes in a supportive and understanding environment.

What are Self-Care Strategies and Emotional Wellness?

What is this? Why does this even matter? It’s not about me, it’s about my child! Yes, this may be about your child, but you matter as well. As parents, we sometimes lose focus on ourselves. Without you, how is your child going to continue to thrive without your support? Remember that you are important too.

Make sure to prioritize self-care and set aside time for yourself, such as:

• Going out to dinner or watching a movie alone, or with a close friend.
• Treating yourself to a nail or hair appointment.
• Visiting a massage therapist for relaxation.
• Engaging in self-meditation practices.
• Joining a local yoga class.
• Considering regular therapy sessions for yourself to help keep your thoughts and emotions on track.
• If you prefer to spend time with your child, explore local classes or activities that you can do together, such as attending festivals, arranging playdates with friends or family, exercising together, or joining ceramic and/or painting classes.

How to Build Your Knowledge Surrounding Autism:

Building your knowledge about autism is not something you need to study for. Everything you and your child will experience on this journey will serve as lessons. There are things you should do and things you should avoid, especially if you feel it is not benefiting your child. Always remember that ABA is not suitable for everyone. I say this with sincerity. Each of us has different experiences, but with time, you will begin to pick up on cues and the language to understand your child’s needs.

I want to assure you that you are not alone in this. It can be frustrating at times when we are unsure about our child’s needs, but it is okay to reach out to family and friends. If you don’t have that support, I am here to assist you as much as I can by providing resources, guidance, and a listening ear. I wish I had someone who knew all the rules to comprehend the mind of an autistic individual, but the reality is, there is no rule book, and we learn as we go. Trust me when I say that I am still going through it, but by being patient and understanding, I have learned to let go of what I cannot control and give my best.

To find local support groups in California, please click the link below:
[Link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/california?category=autism]

If you are currently residing outside of California, please click on the link below to find the nearest support group in your area. If you don’t find anything in your vicinity, please contact me
so that we can search together.
[Link: https://www.readingrockets.org/article/top-autism-organizations-and-web-resources]

I will keep you informed about any new support groups that I add to the website when they become available. It will be a great way for me to connect with parents and check in on a daily basis to see how you all are doing and track the progress of our children.