Helping Children Meet Their Full Potential Faster
If you are a parent waiting for the diagnostic evaluation appointment, there is a whole lot you can do to prepare you and your child. We have prepared some suggestions which can be used during the waiting period.
Here are some suggestions on things you can do while waiting for your child to be evaluated:
Gather as much information as you can or want regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder. Education is empowering and as a parent, no amount of information is less. Information can be accessed through public libraries, the internet, support groups, loved ones, or physicians. Read the information at leisure and the process at your own speed.
Collate your child’s history. As the parent, it is ideal to prepare a dossier with your child’s entire history documented which would help the psychologist to make an accurate diagnosis. Medical records, previous evaluations if any, your notes or observations as well as remarks on the child’s strengths, weaknesses, and so on can form a part of the dossier. Go into the evaluation informed as your inputs are crucial in this process.
Read up on what to expect during the evaluation process. It’s always good to talk to other families who have been through the process. Internet and support groups can also provide information on the same. The more you know the easier will it be for you and you can then radiate this confidence onto your child, who could be picking up your vibes.
Find someone to accompany you for the evaluation. It’s always good to have someone to provide moral or logistic support; preferably a person the child is comfortable & familiar with. The person accompanying you can observe, make notes, and ask questions as well. Having a loved one by your side will make the evaluation process less taxing.
You could start looking up or even signing up for intervention services in the meantime. These include and are not limited to speech, occupational, and ABA.
Look up for support groups – online and/or in-person. These are great resources and morale boosters. It’s always good to get your homework done and be prepared.
Invest in some ideal and good sensory toys & tools. There are quite a few available and they play a great role in soothing a child in disruptive scenarios.
Make a list of all the daily tasks you would like your child to complete, as well as the steps required for them to do so to enable success by the end of it. For example, it could be a simple act like going to bed at night.
Use the steps to complete any task to make an easy–to–follow schedule for your child, with guidance/supervision from a family member or caregiver. The schedule created can be in the form of a task list, picture essay, or video to play over and over. You can take a picture of your child undertaking each step and curate a visual schedule that can be referred to by the child when need be. Stick this schedule in the room or bathroom at eye level for the child for easy access.
Be patient, relaxed and loving. Focus on your family and your emotional & spiritual well-being. Find joy in small things. Retain the sense of humor. Radiate love with your hugs & smiles.
