What Happens Now?

What happens now? We were just given a diagnosis of autism. 

Parents are often so overwhelmed they become frozen for a time; Their world is turned upside down. While autism does have challenges, it is not a dangerous condition. Remember you still have your child and your family. This is a time to think clearly, calmly, and rationally. 

1) Your child has not changed as a result of being given a diagnosis, but your parenting will.

Because children with autism tend to learn differently than their typical peers, lessons must be taught differently. The diagnosis enables you to find and use teaching approaches that have been proven affective for children with autism spectrum conditions.

2) Early intervention is vital; please do not wait.

Most autism treatment centers in Texas have a waiting list, so get on them as soon as you suspect your child may have autism. The younger the child is when he begins learning developmentally appropriate behaviors, the easier it will be to continue helping him develop typically.

3) Find a support group.

The emotions you experience during this time are normal. Find others who are or have previously gone through this transition. Talk with them about autism, life changes and navigating through the new every-day-life. Most of these families have a new “normal” that is just as great. They go to movies, take vacations, and do many “normal” family things.

Hope Center for Autism has a monthly support group. Many others can be found at FEATnt.org.

Seek knowledge, seek help, get educated, and get support. Autism is treatable.

Hope:
BELIEVING THINGS CAN CHANGE
WE BELIEVE
BE THE CHANGE

A blessings from my week:

Thank you so much for the positive reinforcement 

Where to begin... I can't even to describe how grateful I am for the gift of being one of the nine choosing for the scholarship. With the help of the scholarship from Hope Center, it gives the opportunity for my son to continue to grow, learn and to be the best version of  a child living with Autism. You, your husband and daughters have made such a huge impact on our lives and what a blessing it is to know you were giving to us by going to a garage sale almost five years ago. You all plus Nadia have brought so much happiness, joy and laughter and I appreciate how you have been completely understanding of me being a single mom of two special need kids. Thank you, Thank you and thank you so more.

BIG hugs to you all and to your amazing staff!
Jessica and Christopher