Has your child just been diagnosed with autism? For some parents, an autism diagnosis is a relief. For others, it’s completely unexpected. A million emotions can hit all at once. If diagnosis has come as a shock, or you’re at the place of letting the word ‘autism’ settle in, try to remember that an autism diagnosis is just a label; your child hasn’t changed. You can take your time to process and learn little by little the ways you can receive understanding and support for you and your family.
In 2019 Aussie professional sportspeople Joe and Renae Ingles told their story about when they first were told of their son Jacob’s autism diagnosis. You might take some encouragement from their story:
“We don’t want Jacob any other way. He is our perfect Jacob. And nothing will ever change that. The road will look a little different for him (and us) and will have its challenges, although early intervention is key to helpful support his development and future.
As parents, you have to trust your gut. We did, and we are glad we did.
Speaking to people that have been through, and are going through what we are going through, everyone says the same thing; early intervention, and awareness. Knowledge is power.
Through early intervention, we have already seen such a big change in Jacob, and there are endless amounts of support now for kids, families and people on the spectrum. Awareness is so important, so we are spreading the word.
We all want the best for our kids, so let’s do our best to give it to them. Learning what that is and looks like is a constant process, and will change along the way.
[The] situation has been hard on all of us. We don’t however shy away from hard work. We take the good days with the bad days and will continue to give both Jacob and Milla every possible opportunity to grow, learn and develop.
If you are a parent of a child who has recently been diagnosed with autism, you are not alone.”
You may find almost too many stories and things to read about autism! A google search can be VERY confusing, especially if you have just received an autism diagnosis and are not sure where to start. Here are some more links to posts/letters written to families of children newly diagnosed with autism:
- The Slip Mom: Before I Knew
- A Diary of a Mom – Welcome to the Club – Evolved
- 1 Autism Dad – Advice to Parents After an Autism Diagnosis
- Autism Speaks – Dos and Don’ts After an Autism Diagnosis
I hope for you that you find joy in many moments each day with your son or daughter.
Feel free to call me if you would like a listening ear and/or discuss possible next steps following an autism diagnosis. You’re not in this alone.