What should the parents of autistic childrend do at home?

Question

My 3 yr old is diagnosed of autism and we are anxious to get her help. Every place we contacted put us on the wait list for months. Is there anything we can do at home while we are waiting?

Answer 1

You may be surprised at how quickly you will move up the waiting list -

meanwhile - you could ask the service that you are most hoping to get into what you can do to best support your child prior to getting into that service - they should be able to give you advice as to how they assist children in their care.

You haven't mentioned if your child can communicate - how they move etc - if communication is a problem you could try using pictures to encourage some simple choice making - I use favorite foods to motivate children to initally make choices - also music is a fabulous way to develop speech - singing simple songs - use c.d's

If your child is having movement issues also - try swimming or playing in the park - encourage climbing, crawling through things, jumping etc

Finally lots of play - this can be any toy your child enjoys - try to encourage turn taking - my turn - your turn - encourage them to wait for their turn - Make it fun!

Answer 2

PLEASE PLEASE go on-line to the Dr. Phil website yesterday's show was ALL about what to do with Autistic children while they are young that literally changes their lives!

They say its all about doing things early on. One mother started while her son was young and now he is in a regular school and plays football! Best of Luck!

Answer 3

First contact your school district. She will be evaluated through them and services will be provided through your school district. It is a federal law that any child age 3 and over that has a disability is entitled to a free and APPROPRIATE education through the school district. As for the appropriate part, contact your local chapter of the National Autism Society of America  and they can give you information on advocates in your area that can help you navigate the educational maze!

ABA..applied behavior therapy is the most proven form of intervention for children with autism. I myself, have seen this educational approach work wonders! The most important thing you can do know is educate yourself so that you can fight for what is essential for your child. google 'autism' and you will get a bunch of links to groups that can help!

Best of luck on your journey!

Answer 4

Most organisations that deal with autism recommend early intervention. The earlier the better. Most of these organisations do run early bird courses and it would be worth finding out what is available in your area. As a parent you should try to read as many books on understanding autism and strategies to deal with it. The better educated and able to understand what your child is going through the easier you will find it to cope. Understanding autism and how people with autism think does help an awful lot when dealing with difficult situations. There are some really good helpful books available so try to read up on the subject as much as possible. Don't lose heart with your child. Autistic children do some times have really bad days but just be patient and keep encouraging your child. I have a child who is autistic, she is the most interesting and funny person I know. I wouldn't be without her. Good luck.

Answer 5

Learn to be incredibly aggressive with any and all of these providers.  Your child needs the help as quickly as possible.

Answer 6

Have you went to your school districtt? They will evaluate her and then put her in a special day class. My son was also diagnosed with autism . And the psychologist told me to go to the school distric and they will evaluate him also, they have i believe it' 60 days to do so. and look for the best placement for him. and now hes in preschool . and i have seen a great advancement in my son.

Answer 7

my four year old son was diagnose at twenty months,we immediatly contacted our local Regional Center and got services set up for at home ABA Therapy. he started off with a intense schedule of 40 hrs a week! he also got speech and occupational thearpy. after 6 mo. of at home therapist we discovered CHAI (childrens hospital autism prevention) and began to see major improvment. however once my son turned three he was not eligable for the program. we have since got him enrolled in a autism preschool program funded by the local school district. all of this was not by chance i spent alot of time on the phone and in the offices of many social workers,school adminastration,teachers,doctors and anyone else that could help us. i have learned alot in a short time and have worked with my son doing much of the same things he does with his practors.we have set up a computer we bought off  craigslist so he can play learning games,you will find many autistic people love computers and anything electronic.my son also has a huge trampoline he loves,it has helped with his balance and keeps him engaged for a good while.we listen to music and this tends to sooth him when he is upset or we do compression and massage on his fore arms and legs wich we learned from the O/T.we go out and do all the things other kids do, it is important you practice inclusion in order to give your child the chance to be involved and have all the opprotunitys that others enjoy.get involved with the autistic community in your area,you will meet other familys and find support and understanding from people who face the same .keep in mind when advocating for yor daughter it is her right to have all the services due to her and dont let them put you off.you can buy a copy of specialneeds childrens rights. dont take no for a answer and demand you meeting , belive me you will start getting answers right away! its the law and the school district has to oblige you in a timely manner.

Answer 8

Hello...My daughter has severe autism (Rett Syndrome) and we do ABA therapy. You can show her pictures of 2 letters and have her choose the correct one to learn her ABCs, or numbers, nouns, etc.  You can also do imitation and try to get her to mimic sounds you make.

Answer 9

I suggest going to your local library and doing some research on tactics that will help her specific case. There are many different things you can do to help her. Also you may contact your local schools and see if they will allow you to sit in on a class time. It helps to see how those educators work with other children. It might help you understand what you are up against as well as give you some new ideas. Good luck!

Answer 10

At the age of three, your child is eligible for therapy through the public school system. It likely won't be as good as what you would get privately, but the preschool settings are usually very well done. AND you can get in immediately.

Read up at www.wrightslaw.com for your child's rights through the IDEA, and contact the school district you live in as soon as the holidays are over. Request in writing evaluation and placement for your child.

This isn't the end of the world. Autism can be scary, but your child is just the same person you knew before diagnosis, and they are still an amazing wonderful being. I love my children with autism, and I'm amazed by all that I learn from them.

Answer 11

Go to www.autism.com You will find a ton of information on autism.There is a section with advice for parents of a recently diagnosed child.You can find out about different treatments, and parents rate the treatments,and tell how they feel they  helped,or didn't help their child.Good luck!