Late Autism Diagnosis: Services To Seek And FAQ
After learning that your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, the news may come as a shock or relief to some parents. However, almost all parents who receive this diagnosis for their child struggle with the uncertainties that arise from it. While autism is a lifelong condition with no “cure,” there is hope. Your child is still the same child they were the day before and they will be able to learn, grow, and gain news skills to live a successful life. This diagnosis is a tool that you can use to give your child the supports that they need to thrive and to reach their greatest potential, often with some seeking professional support. The important first steps are educating yourself about the diagnosis, adjusting your child’s home/school environment to best meet their needs, and finally seeking professional therapeutic help.
Autism Speaks provides families with a “100 day kit” to support newly diagnosed families. This kit will help you understand what autism is and how to access the services that your child needs. In addition, it provides an abundant amount of advice and information collected from trusted experts on autism, people who have autism, and parents.
https://www.autismspeaks.org/newly-diagnosed
Services to seek for your newly diagnosed child:
1. Contact your child’s school to inform them of their diagnosis and begin the process of creating an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
What is an IEP?
An IEP is a legal document under United States law that is developed within the public school system for your child who has special needs. It mandates their school to provide certain services for your child dependent on their needs. The purpose of an IEP is to map out the special education instruction, supports, services, and goals a student needs to progress and thrive in school.
2. Contact San Andrea Regional Center and apply for their services. Complete their intake online or call:
Santa Clara County: 408-374-9960
Santa Cruz, San Benito Counties: 831-900-3737
Monterey County: 831-900-3636
Learn more about the services they offer: https://www.sanandreasregional.org
What is the San Andreas Regional Center and what do they do?
They are a non-profit to support people with developmental disabilities. “Each center provides assessment of eligibility, and help plan, access and coordinate and monitor services and supports. Once eligibility is determined, most services and supports are free regardless of age or income; however, there are a few exceptions. For example: the parental fee program requires that the parent(s) of a minor receiving 24 hour out-of-home residential services be assessed a fee for services.”
What else you should know...
They can help you obtain Medi-Cal through “Institutional Deeming.” This means your child will qualify for Medi-Cal based on disability, and there are no income limits. This will help you get services like Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and other autism services paid by Medi-Cal.
3. Start Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy.
What is ABA?
It is the only research based interpersonal therapy in which a practitioner works with your child one on one. This therapy is based on positive reinforcement and is tracked by measurable data. The goal of this therapy is to provide meaningful change for the child and their families. This therapy addresses behavioral issues, social skills, memory, and reinforces daily living skills while helping them generalized skills in the home and in the community.
Can ABA still help my mildly effected teen? Yes! (see Autism Speaks article for more information).
https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/can-aba-help-teen-mildly-affected-end-autism-spectrum
Parents
It is important to seek support for yourselves and continue to education yourself so that you can understand, nurture, and support your child based on their needs. Local Support, Resources, and Information can be found at:
1. Parents Helping Parents: www.php.com
2. The Autism Community in Action: There are resources and articles that will guide you and your teen after diagnosis.
www.tacanow.org/resource/teens-adults/
3. Autism Speaks Resource Guide
https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide
4. A Parents’ Guide to Autism (fill out the form linked below to access tool kit):
https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/parents-guide-autism
5. Online Support for Parents: https://www.myautismteam.com
Books:
The Reason I Jump (The inner voice of a thirteen-year-old boy with Autism) By: David Mitchell
The Autistic Brain (exploring the strength of a different kind of Mind) By: Temple Grandin
Uniquely Human (A different way of seeing Autism) by Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D.
Life Skills Workbook for Adults with Autism and Special Needs: Activities to help develop Independence, Self Advocacy and Self Care by Jules, Susan
Podcasts:
“ABA Inside Track” 2 Board Certified Behavior Analysts with doctorates talk about various topics related to ABA therapy, positive parenting, stress, child outcome, and the BCBA caregiver relationship.
“Autism POV’s” covers topics important to people with Autism and their families.
“Adventures in Autism” The hosts shares her experience as a parent of a child with autism and interviews other parents, experts and others in the autism community to candidly share their experiences with autism.
