Your Child Has Been Diagnosed With Autism, Now What?

Your child received an autism diagnosis.  What will you do now?  You must learn everything you can about autism and how to help your child move down a path of recovery.  You need a plan of action.  The following information will help you do just that.   

1.   Definition of autism and some possible causes. 

Autism is a biological and neurological disorder that typically manifests itself in children between the ages of eighteen months and five years of age.  Autism is a spectrum disorder affecting children at many levels.  

Some researchers believe that autism stems from an inflammatory disorder.  The impact of the environment on susceptible individuals creates tremendous stress on the human system impacting biochemistry (especially sulfur metabolism, methylation and transulfuration) immune function and gut permeability. 

The subsequent impact on development displays itself in what is commonly seen as “behavior problems” or “learning disabilities”, including sensory abnormalities, coordination, cognition, mood, general health, sleep and gastrointestinal function.  Numerous researchers believe there may be multiple causes of autism including, but not limited to, an environmental factor, a genetic component, vaccinations, the overuse of antibiotics, viruses and other yet unknown causes. 

2.  Seek Early Intervention Services

Tennessee Early Intervention Service (TEIS) (from birth to three years of age)
Department of Education
Andrew Johnson Tower, 6^th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-0375
Phone: 615-741-2731 

For early intervention information listed county by county go to: 
http://www.autismresourceconnection.com/stateresourcesearlyinterventionservices.aspx 

For a  TEIS Parent Guide 

Early intervention is any of a number of services, such as occupational, physical, speech/language or behavioral therapy, designed to facilitate your child's development.  Studies have shown that the sooner these interventions begin, the more successful they will be.

The federal government has mandated an Early Intervention Program as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This program provides funding to all 50 states to support early intervention services for special needs children ages 0 to 3.

The purpose of early intervention services is to improve the child's development as well as the family's ability to meet the child's needs. These services are available to you, free of charge, and can make a tremendous difference in your child's life.  

3.  Seek Traditional Therapies

The therapies listed below are beneficial, especially as intensive early interventions, and seek to minimize unwanted behaviors, thus promoting and enabling learning.  

•  ABA (Applied Behaviorial Analysis)
•  Speech/Language Therapy
•   Occupational Therapy
•   Physical Therapy
•  Social Skills Therapy

For a list of therapy providers in Tennessee go to: www.autismresourceconnection.com/tennesseeparent.aspx

4.  Seek Biomedical Therapies

The lives of thousands of children with autism have been positively affected by utilizing recently developed and recognized biomedical interventions.  Listed below is a list of some biomedical interventions.  

• Probiotics/Anti-fungal
•  Dietary Interventions (gluten-free/casein-free diet)
•  Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
•  Methylcobalamin injections and/or nasal spray
• Chelation therapy – removal of toxic metals
•  Glutathione Therapy
•  Digestive Enzymes
• Essential Fatty Acids 

     5.    Locate a DAN! physician  and add him/her to your team.  

    6.   Begin the gluten-free/casein-free diet.  

    7.   Get an independent assessment of your child (outside of TEIS or your
          school district).  

    8.   Join a good support group.   

    9.   Give special attention to yourself, your spouse and your other children. 
          Seek counseling and prayer support to uplift you and your family, as
          you go through the challenge of autism.