As I've stated before, I do a lot of my autism research based on what comes up on Linkedin. It's just that much easier when things show up in your inbox. There is a string that has gone around for a month or so where experienced parents of kids on the autism spectrum offer advice to parents of newly diagnosed children and information on autism. Below are some highlights from the string.


* Karen Sudom Breathe. Autism lasts a lifetime. You don't need to read everything and try everything to be a good parent. Your child is the same today as he/she was before diagnosis. I think approaching parenting as a journey takes away the panic that I've missed my chance if it isn't all perfect today.

*Debi Taylor Start by learning about how your child sees the world so you can learn that most issues are not chosen behaviors, rather sensory or avoidance survival tactics from overwhelm. Once you start seeing things from their eyes the best you can, you can start making decisions that best support your child. 

*Susan Gurry, Ed.D., BCBA-D; Play therapist • Take your time, do your research, and decide what is best for you and your family. Some kids do recover, but the 'how' and 'why' are not proven. There is so much heterogeneity in the autism spectrum that anyone who tells you that their method works on everyone is not telling the truth. What's clear from the research is that intensive early intervention is extremely valuable....but the evidence about whether it has to be all ABA or any other intensive (40 hours/week) intervention is not clear.
And everyone is going to want to sell you something: pills, vitamins, toys, CD's, reading programs, squeeze machines, flashcards....be careful and thoughtful about what you buy. 

I think the most productive use of your time is to stay engaged with the child...play with what he likes, have him eat one bite of non-preferred food before his preferred food, stay in his 'face'. 

*Renee' Barbier-Brown Autism isn't mental illness... each child is completely in tact. I read quite a bit in the early days... I read the most recommended books... Tony Atwood etc... I got involved with Easter Seals right away... they really helped because they were able to give us additional test and help us get along as a whole family. They helped us all grow in a great way. I slowly learned how to parent autism much better.

Jaye Reckers • Read as much as you can without going on total overload and remember that at the end of the day, no one will ever know your child better than you. Don't be bullied into something you don't believe in and ask for help when you need it. 

Carla Cummings • You never know what the future will hold. Your child will develop in their own, idiosyncratic way so no one can really predict how they will be functioning when thay are adults. Also, PLAY WITH YOUR CHILD! Board games are wonderful teachers. Join them in their interests and they may eventually join you in your world. And last... NORMAL IS OVERRATED -- noone ever changed the world by being normal and average!

Cinder McDonald OK, new parents, your kid is never going to be "like you". The things you get to brag about your kid doing will be markedly different from the things other parents get to brag about their kids doing. Your kid will have a lot of ups and downs, with more downs than ups. But your kid is amazing. Your kid will show you a world that you never knew existed. You will see wonder in the most ordinary things. You will never take a hug for granted. If you work very, very hard and battle with systems that act like they hate you, your child will grow into an adult who will surprise you with all they are able to do.

Jennifer Lee  Being a newly diagnosed parent - I have to say, remember there is always hope. I believe that if we could not handle this it would not have been put in front of us. The best advice I have gotten from anyone is "I am the only one who is going to advocate for my child and always follow my gut." It's not the end of the world, they are still your wonderful child, you can still have expectations and dreams for them. I plan to do whatever it takes to make sure my son has the best life possible, the same thought I had before we knew about the Autism.



Greg, Dad