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Sunday, 03 December 2006 |
I think my child may have autism ...what do I do now?
- Obtain an accurate diagnosis. It is a critical first step which will assist you in understanding your child and in making the most of his abilities. Call the ASMT and we will help you obtain competent diagnostic and assessment services.
- Attend an ASMT Autism Orientation so you can learn about autism and help your child get appropriate services to reach his potential. These bimonthly orientations are free and child care is available! Contact ASMT at (615) 385-2077 for information and reservations.
- Contact the Autism Society of America at 1-800-3AUTISM or www.autism-society.org to obtain their free "Getting Started" package.
- Learn what your child's educational rights are under federal and state laws. Call S.T.E.P. (Support and Training for Exceptional Parents) at 1-800-280-STEP and attend the "Basic Condensed" workshop nearest you.
- If your child is under 3 yrs.: Call T.E.I.S. (Tennessee Early Intervention Systems) at (800) 852-7157. They will help you locate and fund early intervention services for your child. Appropriate early intervention increases the likelihood that your child will:
- develop speech and communication skills
- learn appropriate social behaviors
- increase his capacity to function independently at home, school, and in the community.
- If your child is 3 yrs. or older: Seek out special education services from your public school system. Your child, when diagnosed, is entitled to Special Education services in Tennessee from the day he is 3 years old until the age of 22. He will most likely need a structured program with a low student/teacher ratio. He is entitled to an Individual Education Program (IEP) based on his needs. Contact the Special Education Department for your school system.
- Seek support from others. Contact ASMT at (615) 385-2077 for information on local support groups. No one understands the joys and challenges of raising a child with autism better than another parent.
- Love your child! Your child with autism is still the same wonderful and unique person that he was before the diagnosis of autism came along. Learn to enjoy and appreciate the things that make him happy.
Obtain an accurate diagnosis.
It is a critical first step which will assist you in understanding your child and in making the most of his abilities. Call the ASMT and we will help you obtain competent diagnostic and assessment services.
What Does The Future Hold?
While autism is a lifetime condition, with special training, supervision, and support, many adults with autism live and work in the community. Emphasis in education needs to be on helping the child learn ways to communicate and on structuring the environment so that it is consistent with the child's learning style. Speech/language therapy, sensory integration/occupational therapy, and behavior management are important components in an early intervention program.
A generation ago, 90% of people with autism in our communities were eventually placed in institutions. Today, even people with autism who exhibit the most severe learning or behavior problems may succeed with instruction and support in normal community settings.
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