What To Do After You Receive A Diagnosis?

Catherine and Raj Soori, residents of Bay County, MI are your typical middle-class family, working hard and leading a comfortable life with their two daughters and an adorable Spaniel. Catherine is a teacher and Raj a physics researcher with a leading university. Their two young daughters Diana and Mala are the focus of their lives. Early on Catherine noticed that the Mala was unusually quiet and withdrawn. Concerned she took Mala to their local pediatrician for a check-up. On examining her, the doctor recommended an extensive examination for ASD by a neuropsychologist. The examination confirmed Catherine’s thoughts that young Mala is on the spectrum and was advised to begin therapy at the earliest. It took a while for the Sooris to process & understand the diagnosis and the road ahead.

For all families who have received the news of a child being on the spectrum, we have put together some helpful tips:

1. Absorb the news slowly and take your time to process it. Read information packet provided by the diagnostician. Talk to the diagnosticians and ask follow up questions. As appropriate follow through with the recommendations made. Take each day as it comes and don’t be in a haste.
    
2. Ensure the love and attention remain steadfast for your child. Your child should be your first priority and feel loved at all times. You are the parents of a beautiful child and your focus should remain as such, even during the lows and bad days.
    
3. Have a talk within the family as well as extended family about the diagnosis. You can enlist the help of a professional for such conversations as well as keep printed flyers/material to hand out for such important conversations. Everyone must be on board and part of the child’s life as it takes a village to raise a child.
    
4. Keep your humor and good nature intact. Yes, we know it’s easier said than done. However, it’s your choice whether you become sad & bitter after the diagnosis or come to terms with the diagnosis and take action as well as feel a sense of calm/serenity. Enjoy the little things in life and the moments of happiness or bliss. Don’t let the diagnosis run your life or kill the happy home you have nurtured with such care.
    
5. An ASD diagnosis does not mean you have to deal with it in isolation. Get help from many sources. It could be parents of other children, support groups, online groups, relatives, and friends. Build your own Autism community. It works and tends to provide the much-needed “wind below your wings” as the years pass.
    
6. Make the most of each day. Have a plan to spend your time & energy well. An early start to the day helps as a daily routine ensures everything goes as per plan, with the least disruption & stress for all concerned.
    
7. Connect with an Autism care agency for a consultation process to begin therapy, whether at home or in their center.