Introduction to Autism

Your child has just been diagnosed with a developmental disability called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). You may be feeling intense sadness, fear, loneliness, grief, guilt, or disbelief. Please know that you are not alone. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control estimates 1:31 eight-year-old children have a diagnosis of Autism. An estimated 5.4 million adults in the United States have Autism. You know your child best and, as time goes by, you will construct a path to help them navigate the world and to live their best life. You will better understand their behavior and learning style and be better equipped to help them progress.

You are your child’s most valuable advocate.
You will learn that many people can help, and that learning from the experiences and expertise of those who have walked this path before you will be helpful and supportive.

The journey of Autism – and any disability – is a marathon, not a sprint. Take a minute to breathe and take things one day at a time. Dr. Steven Shore, a professor with Autism at Adelphi University, once said, “If you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism.”

An Autism diagnosis is most often made by a practitioner in a medical field (developmental pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, clinical psychologist, etc.) based on certain observed characteristics. The treatment, however, is most often educational and medical. The medical and educational systems are very different and, for the most part, not coordinated; therefore, you will quickly become your child’s case manager, advocate, and team leader, navigating and seeking treatment and support from several appropriate avenues and agencies.

As your child’s case manager, it is important to remain organized. Buy a binder with tabs, an accordion file or even a plastic box to keep all your child’s records. You will need his diagnostic report, special education documents, therapy progress notes, etc., in the future, so keeping them in one place will make coordinating your team easier. This article serves as a helpful guide on how to best organize your child’s IEP.