Having a child with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is stressful for parents. It is very important that you realize that there is a lot you can do to help your child so he or she can thrive and gain the necessary skills required to live a full life with family, friends and in the community.

Once you have wrapped your head around the diagnosis, having a plan of action to get the best possible help for your child is the most important step you can take. Remember, early intervention is key and it is your child’s best hope for the future.

Below are the first few steps to consider on your new journey:

STEP #1 EDUCATION

Educate yourself about Autism. There is so much information out there and educating yourself is vital to understanding this disorder.

STEP #2 REGISTER YOUR CHILD

Place your child’s name on wait-lists for free government services. Now that you have a diagnosis, you should take advantage of the services and support available. The wait-times are long so place your child’s name on the wait-lists as soon as you possibly can.

STEP #3 FIND A BEHAVIOURAL THERAPIST

Find a behavioral therapist. Meet with as many providers as possible so that you can feel confident you’ve made the right decision for your child. Selecting an experienced ABA provider is key.

STEP #4 SPEECH THERAPY

Your child will likely require speech therapy. Find a qualified speech-language pathologist who has experience working with children with autism. The wait-times for an assessment from government services tend to be long. The wait-time for a private speech therapist is significantly shorter, but can be costly. Just know you have options.

STEP #5 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Your child may require an Occupational Therapist (OT). An OT can help kids with various needs improve their cognitive, physical, sensory and motor skills.

STEP #6 FIND SUPPORT

This is an overwhelming time in your life and you will need to lean on your family and friends for help and support.

STEP #7 STAY POSITIVE

Lastly, stay positive. This is easier said than done but try to think of a diagnosis as a first step to getting your child the help he or she needs.