5 Steps You Can Take Following your Child's Autism Diagnosis

Early Intervention is Key: Book your child for therapies such as Occupational, Speech, and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapies. These can all be super helpful with aiding in your child's development. (Therapy can strengthen behavioral, communication, and social skills).

Educate yourself on ASD: Buy books on Navigating Autism or Borrow books on ASD from your local library. You can also find an array of resources and information online if reading books is not feasible.

Apply for Health Coverage (if not done so already): Check out : https://myaccess.myflfamilies.com/ and See If You Qualify and/or Apply Now - (You can apply for Medicaid, Food Assistance (SNAP), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Optional State Supplementation (OSS), and more).This way you can ensure your child gets the most benefits free of cost especially if you cannot afford the cost of therapies out of pocket.

Build a strong and dependable Support System: Sometimes we are not fortunate enough to have our families as our support system but it is possible to build your own. Join local support groups or an online support group which meets weekly via Zoom. If you cannot find one, try starting one.

Become your Child's Best Advocate: Take the reigns when it comes to your child's growth and development. If you do not see that any therapist or school has your child's best interest at heart. Do not feel it is the end all be all. Find better and move your child. There are other options.Early Steps can assist until age 3 and then they refer you to another source which will help place your child in the best school for him. You are encouraged to use the free services available to your child but it is not mandatory. Go with what feels right for your family. Sometimes we will need to be our child's voice especially if our children have a speech delay and/or does not speak period. Source: https://surpassbehavioralhealth.com/autism/5-steps-to-take-after-your-childs-autism-diagnosis/