Six Things to Do When You Receive a Diagnosis
Learning you or your loved one has autism can be difficult, but there is help.
Receiving an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis for your child, yourself, or a loved one can be overwhelming and many people experience a range of emotions with the news.
Below are some steps to help you through the process.
Take a DEEP breath – You got this!
Remember: you or your loved one is the same person they were before the diagnosis – nothing has changed, except you now have a better understanding of how someone with autism experiences the world.
You will go through a “grieving process”
With the realization of the upcoming challenges ahead, your expectations for the future will shift. You will experience several stages of grief; this is normal. During this process, people often cycle between stages, revisit them, or skip some entirely. The five stages of grief are:
- Denial: Hoping the diagnosis is a mistake or downplaying the need for services.
- Anger: Frustration directed at the system, the situation, or feelings of unfairness.
- Bargaining: Seeking “quick fixes” or alternative, unproven explanations.
- Depression: Deep sadness regarding the life once envisioned.
- Acceptance: Adapting to the reality of the diagnosis, unlearning typical expectations, and focusing on their strengths
Start building your village of support
At this stage you are beginning to understand what the diagnosis means for you and your loved one while learning how to provide the best support. This is also the time when you begin to develop your skills as an advocate.
Advocacy includes educating the people in your life about autism.
Don’t be afraid to include family and friends in the learning process, helping them understand your loved one’s unique needs, and sharing what strategies and supports work best for them. Once everyone is informed and understands the needs and challenges, they will be better equipped to provide meaningful support for the journey.
Explore Different Therapy Options That Work Best For Your Family.
There are many therapy options to support individuals with autism. The right combination depends on the person’s communication, sensory, behavioral, developmental, and daily-living needs. Therapy should be individualized and focused on meaningful goals rather than trying to change who the person is.
Apply for the Indiana Medicaid Waiver
Indeed, the process is long and tedious. However, once services are established, you will quickly learn it will be worth the effort. When applying for your loved one with autism under the age of 18 years old, your family income will not be taken into consideration.
For individuals with autism, intellectual or developmental disabilities, the Family Support Waiver (FSW) and Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) Waiver are two important programs administered through Indiana’s Bureau of Disabilities Services (BDS). These waivers can help individuals access services and supports based on their individual needs and circumstances.
Contact Adventure Autism
We have a Family Support program which provides guidance, resources, and community connections for individuals with autism and their families. Our goal is to ensure that no one will navigate the challenges of autism alone.
Families will receive personalized support, including help understanding diagnoses, navigating educational and healthcare systems, accessing community resources, and building practical strategies for daily life.
Contact us today to receive more guidance:
info@adventureautism.org
317-922-2123
Self-care is not selfish!
Caring for a loved one with autism is rewarding, but physically and emotionally demanding.
Parents and caregivers are often so focused on the needs of their loved one with autism that they do not prioritize their own physical and mental health. Caring for yourself is an important part of providing ongoing support and care. Take time to rest, recharge, connect with friends or family, pursue hobbies, exercise, or simply have a quiet moment. Reducing stress and preventing caregiver “burnout” is essential.
Learn to recognize when you need help and to accept support from others. Give yourself permission to say “I need a break!” By taking care of yourself, you are better able to be patient, present, and emotionally available for your loved one with autism.
Remember, you matter: caring for yourself is an important part of caring for your family.