We’ve tackled the topic of autism before on Studio 5 asking medical experts for advice.
But we’re taking a different approach, through the eyes of one mother, for a personal perspective. Mom and blogger, Chelsea Baugh shares her insight on what to do when you find out your child has autism.
Chelsea’s Tips:
1. Take relentless action. So many times it is easier to give up than to keep trying, but trying is the only way we can find the help our children need. Relentless action will eventually direct you into the path that is best suited for your child. If your action is only sub-par than your resources will be limited. I can give an example of the multiple hours my sister and I spent researching out the best treatment and route for Cali to take.
2. Stick to searching for treatment centers and government aid on the internet. Do not spend hours looking up facts and information on autism. I found there was such a vast amount of information, I became easily overwhelmed and didn’t know where to turn. Not to mention all the negative information or misinformation that is all too easily available.
3. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid. When you are unfamiliar with a topic you may not feel confident in asking certain questions to the professionals. You may think…am I going to sound incompetent? What if they think I’m over reacting? If the question is important to you than it is important.
4. Let you heart guide your actions. Pediatricians are knowledgeable and have many answers. The therapist and psychologists have man, many answers and years of experience to back their knowledge. But you are your child’s biggest advocate, and you know your child better than any doctor or therapist. Do your “due diligence” and then follow your heart. I did and it didn’t lead me astray.
5. Talk to other moms who have walked the path before you. I can remember talking to a mom who was about five years ahead of me and it gave me more confidence than talking to any family member, best friend, and even husband. Ask treatment centers for contacts if they are willing to share. Ask your neighbor, teachers, or church associates if they know of any parent who has worn your shoes and is willing to chat.
6. Look only forward. You find out your child has autism and you want to ask, what did I do wrong? Should I have spent more quality time with him or her? Did our diets affect this? Was this cause by a sudden sickness? Was this caused by an environmental element? Rather than searching for a reason why, seek to understand the present. Your child has autism, so what’s the next move. Move forward in a direction that helps you know how to help your child. That’s all that matters.
If you would like more talking points or more details on these six points, let me know. I would be more than happy to elaborate or come up with more.
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