Isn't it Autism? Ten Tips for Parents who Suspect Autism
(Part II)(continued)
7. Find a support group – I learn so many practical
suggestions from other families. They also serve as a great source
of support, especially when we are having low points in my son’s
developmental progress. These groups exist in every community and
many are local affiliates of larger national organizations (see
Web sites under Tip #8 for more of national organizations).
8. Get to know the valuable websites - There
are so many Web sites that have been developed (even in the last
year) where you can get more help. Here are my favorites:
• General Health information – iVillage-
Women’s health Web site; WebMD-
General health website; Medlineplus;
National
Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
• Autism and related disorders- Autism
Society of America; National Alliance
for Autism Research; Cure
Autism Now; Autism
Coalition; Treatment
and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicap Children;
American
Association on Mental Retardation; the
Arc of the United States; National
Attention Deficit Disorder Association; Cerebral
Palsy Information Central; Cerebral
Palsy Resource Center; Online
Asperger Syndrome Information & Support; Asperger
Syndrome Education Network; Asperger
Syndrome Coalition of the U.S.; National
Down Syndrome Society; National
Association for Down Syndrome.
• Legal and Advocacy- Autism
National Committee; Wrights Law
Special Ed Advocate; Council
of Parent Attorneys and Advocates; Families
or Early Autism Treatment
• Treatments and Therapies– Association
for Behavior Analysis; The
Childhood Learning Center; Lovaas
Institute for Early Intervention; Options
Institute; Treatment
and Education of autistic and Communication Handicapped Children;
Coping.org;
Gluten Free Casein
Free; Autism
Network for Dietary Intervention
• Diagnostic Tests- AGS
Publishing; Stoelting
Company; Psychological
Assessment Resources, Inc.
9. Give your family and friends information on autism
– One of the most difficult things that we had to do was tell
our family and friends about our son’s autism. Many simply
did not want to believe that there was anything wrong. We got comments
like “he’ll grow out of it” or he’s just
a little slow.” People mean well but their comments are mainly
out of ignorance for what autism really means. To make this transition
easier for them (and for yourself in the long run) consider sending
them a letter or email that describes autism but also focuses on
all the positive things with your child. Let them know that you
are not giving up the fight and will constantly search for treatments,
therapies and cures. Also give them ways that they can help you.
Visit http://www.emmasweb.com/something_to_think_about.htm,
to see a sample letter describing one child’s autistic behaviors
and preparing family and friends for this right before a holiday
gathering. Once we were open and honest with our family and friends,
we were surprised at the overwhelming support that we received.
I have friends who regularly send me articles on autism –
they are very sensitive to the subject now.
10. Enjoy your child – In the midst of all
the doom and gloom, these kids are full of love and it’s a
“special” blessing that they are a part of our lives.
The other day my son ran to greet me with a hug and a kiss as he
yelled “I love you mommy.” It was a reminder that after
all the therapies, all the doctors’ visits and all the sleepless
nights, I’m raising a wonderful human being.
Shannon King Nash volunteers her time with several
special needs and autism non-profits. Shannon is an attorney, CPA
and freelance writer who primarily covers issues relating to autism
and developmental disabilities. She is a graduate of the University
of Virginia School of Law. Shannon is currently writing a handbook
for special needs parents on the top 10 issues that they should
know. Shannon lives in California with her husband Bill, son Jason,
and Charlie, her chocolate Labrador Retriever. She may be reached
at specialneedscorner@hotmail.com.
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June 8, 2003
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