Autism spectrum disorder Fortunately, it is no longer a taboo subject! More and more celebrities are revealing that they have a child on the spectrum. There are also adults who are coming forward to talk directly about the fact that they have done diagnosis for autism and are now finally beginning to understand why they are significantly different from others in terms of interests, views or topics of conversation. We can observe the existence of more and more channels and profiles on social media where parents show what the world of their autistic child, his upbringing and acceptance is all about after a diagnosis on the spectrum. And for this we, as professionals, thank you very much Dear Parents!
Autism - fear of diagnosis
The diagnosis itself often instils fear in parents. The parent thinks -. What if my child has autism? Observation of examples of everyday functioning children on the spectrum provides an opportunity for carers who are afraid of being labelled their child. They have the chance to see that although it is a slightly different life, it is not so different from the one we commonly think of as 'normal'.
Remember that you should do the diagnosis for yourself and your child in the first place! Not for ease and better grades at school, or for lighter treatment of your child. The diagnosis is done to understand the basis of certain behaviours and a different approach to the world. And most importantly - It's never too late for a diagnosis! Parent - if you are wondering what symptoms might indicate that your child is on the autism spectrum necessarily read the article: How to recognise spectrum disorders in a child
My child has autism - what now?
We left the psychiatrist - the diagnosis was confirmed. What to do in this situation?
First of all - ACCEPTANCE OF A DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
The most important thing after hearing a diagnosis that confirms the spectrum is to accept this fact and come to terms with it. It is a good idea to go to parent workshops after hearing the diagnosis to learn more about autism spectrum what behaviours a child may have and how to support them effectively. Children on the autism spectrum need the world's favour - The real world is challenging for them. It is harder for them to get used to many things, so it is worth finding out from professionals how to help children function. Acceptance of the diagnosis does not come easily to everyone - sometimes it takes a day, and sometimes weeks, months. When you don't have the strength to carry this burden alone, think about therapeutic support to take care of yourself in all of this too.
Remember, children on the spectrum feel more, so if a parent is depressed and sad or overly nervous - the children will notice it and it won't go unnoticed!
DOCUMENTATION - WHAT DOES A DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER ENTITLE YOU TO?
Once the emotions have subsided, it is important to look at the options available with a certificate from a doctor on the autism spectrum. It is worth knowing that on the autism spectrum you can apply for certificate of disabilityif the child's everyday functioning is difficult. What is more, after receiving a diagnosis, either at the National Health Service or at a private centre, it is possible to obtain an evaluation for special education or early development support - which entitles the child to receive a range of different therapeutic activities in educational institutions. In order to obtain support, a spectrum diagnosis should be made at your local educational and psychological counselling centre, which is authorised to issue such documentation, and then submitted to the educational establishment your child attends.
THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT - HELP FOR A CHILD ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM
There is no golden therapy plan for a child on the autism spectrum. Each of these children has their own range of skills, their own temperament, their own personality and their own interests. Let's remember this and not let our child's potential be killed. Therapeutic plan should take into account the child's strengths and weaknesses and should be flexible. We do not advocate 'dressing the child up' in a series of therapies - the child needs to have time to be a child! It is best to find your own psychiatrist, educationalist or psychologist who will meet with your autistic child from time to time and assess progress and flexibly change the therapeutic plan, but informed parents can also do this successfully. It is important that the plan is appropriate to the child. Young children are often recommended ☑ physiotherapeutic support based on sensory integration, neurotactile therapy and also ☑ speech therapy. This is because this time of childhood is best for support in stimulus processing or speech development. Subsequently, in children who are pre-schoolers, you can consider ☑ psychological support or ☑ pedagogical and ☑ Social skills training. In children diagnosed on the spectrum during the primary school years, when there is social withdrawal, problems with aggression, emotions or a depressed mood - ☑ can be considered. psychotherapy.
Remember, however, that children on the autism spectrum, need childhood and social contact, on their terms. The formation of social skills should take place naturally, in the nursery, school, day care centre, playgrounds and the neighbourhood yard - this is the best social skills training.
On the autism spectrum, it is useful to be supported by therapy.
We invite you to take advantage of specialised supportwhich children on the autism spectrum, as well as their parents, are offered by the Kids Medic Centre. We would like to remind you that you can also have your child diagnosed with us. Read more about this - Diagnosis at KIDS MEDIC
Author:
Kamila Sobczak-Grzybowska
Child psychologist
