Already Have a Diagnosis?

So you sought out an evaluation and your child just received a diagnosis of Autism, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability....

What is Autism? Where do I start? What type of therapy is best for my child and family?

This can be a scary moment for many parents, especially if you know nothing about developmental disorders. Luckily, there are many available resources to help families determine the best treatment plan and approach to helping their child's learning needs.

Step 1: Take a Deep Breath

I believe this is the most important step. As a caregiver, we need to ensure that we able to provide the right support to our children. In order to do that, we need to ensure we are managing our own stress. Everyone has heard, "how can you take care of others if you don't take care of yourself first".

Step 2: Call your insurance Provider

Instead of Google Searching "Autism", "ABA Therapy (location)"; go straight to the source and ask your insurance provider who is "In Network". OBVIOUSLY there are many different types of therapy options. HOWEVER, ABA Therapy is the most effective therapy option backed by years of research; research that has implemented interventions, replicated those interventions successfully, and has extensive training programs and ethical standards for those certified to provide Behavior Therapy. To learn more about ABA Therapy click HERE.

Step 3: Take another Deep Breath

Throughout the time you will interact with Behavior Advocacy, taking moments to pause = and recollect ourselves by engaging in coping strategies will be a continued topic of discussion. During the next few weeks, months, years, you will be informed with so much information it may seem a bit difficult to sort through it all, determine what's right for YOUR FAMILY, and determine how to choose and proceed so that your child gets access to the BEST services possible. What if I don't want ABA? What other options does my child have? What about school?

Step 4: Determine who your support system is.

You AND your child/family now needs to figure out who will be able to support your child's ongoing learning needs. Whether this is family, friends, neighbors, etc., it's very important to complete this step as it can also impact your need for additional services through your local school, city, county, and state. In Orange County, CA, for families that have limited access to a support system, there are many services available for your child in need, such as Respite. Contact Behavior Advocacy to learn more.

Step 5: Contact your local Regional Center:

In the state of California the Department of Developmental Services provides it's residents access to a local program with assists people with disabilities. These are known as Regional Centers. To find your local county Regional Center click HERE.