Coming to terms

After Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis

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First, try to remember these two important points:

1 – You have not caused your child’s autism diagnosis.

Although the causes of autism are not yet known, it is certain that autism is not caused by parenting or the way a child is raised. Children from a range of different cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life may receive an autism diagnosis.

2 – You are not alone.

According to the National Autistic Society, more than one in 100 people in the UK are autistic. There are many other parents across the country whose child has also received an autism diagnosis. For some, the journey to a diagnosis may have been relatively straightforward. For others, it may have taken months or years. Some parents may not have been expecting a diagnosis and others may have been seeking it for a long time. 

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[Getting a diagnosis] meant I could start to live and get the best out of life for my son.

— [Parent]

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If you can, find a parent support group so that you are supported and don’t feel so alone.

— [Parent]

There is no right or wrong way to feel about your child’s autism diagnosis. You may experience a range of different and varying emotions. Different family members may need different amounts of time to process this information and may be experiencing different emotions in relation to the diagnosis. Talking through these feelings with family members can be important once they feel ready to do so.

Some autistic children may need additional support in some areas. It is important to remember that your child has not changed, they are the same child as they were before they received their diagnosis. The diagnosis will allow you, your family, and your child to better understand and support their needs.

Some top tips

After your child has received an autism diagnosis:

  • Consider joining a support group for parents of autistic children once you feel ready
  • Talk to someone you can trust about how you are feeling.
  • Consider whether any other family members may also benefit from support
  • Remember to also find time to look after yourself. You are a very important person in your child’s life!
  • Write down any questions you may have so that you can take them to any future appointments
  • Learn about autism- there are some useful links at the end of this article
  • Remember that you are not alone

 

Where can I get more information?

  • Local Authority — contact your Family Information Service and Parent Support Officers for details of support groups in your area
  • Your Health Visitor may be able to provide advice and useful strategies
  • The National Autistic Society (NAS) parent support helpline 0845 070 4004
  • The NAS will also be able to tell you if there is an EarlyBird, EarlyBird Plus, or Teen Life programme running in your area autism.org.uk
  • Contact a Family parent support helpline 0808 808 3555 or email helpline@cafamily.org.uk website cafamily.org.uk
  • Cerebra parent support helpline 0800 328 1159, or email info@cerebra.org.uk website cerebra.org.uk
  • Early Support Wales offer free training for parents and have a useful free booklet on autistic spectrum disorder. Telephone 029 2034 2434 and ask to speak to the Early Support administrator website earlysupportwales.org.uk

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