Just Diagnosed Journey Map

Just Diagnosed Journey Map

(Click on green text below for more resources)

Just Diagnosed Journey Map

(click on the green text below for more resources)

Take a moment to breathe

Receiving a diagnosis for autism for your child can be an overwhelming and emotional experience.

Thing to remember as your start your journey

Remember, your child is the same child you loved before the diagnosis and no one knows how much they achieve.

Whatever you are feeling, your feelings are valid.

Embrace your child’s strengths, celebrate their achievements, and recognize the progress they make, no matter how small. A positive outlook will empower you to overcome obstacles, seek solutions, and create an environment of love and acceptance, and a climate of high expectations.

This is where the overwhelm really begins...

Learn the basics, what autism is and what your specific diagnosis means. There are thousands of sources of information about autism

the AUTISM SPECTRUM is not linear

Understand YOUR diagnosis

Seek Knowledge

Understand the different available therapies.

Understanding your child's unique needs will enable you to advocate for them effectively and access appropriate resources.

Determine what to address first - language or behavior?

Could genetic testing be of benefit?

Build your village and support network

Parental support and agreement

Are you aligned on diagnosis, treatments and support?

Build a team of professionals, educators, and caregivers who can support your child's development.

Embrace Advocacy - YOU are your child's best advocate!

Connect with others

Does your employer provide support?

Identify local, state and federal supports

What services and funding are available? Beware of multi-year waitlists!

Understand the school process – the acronyms, the timelines and your legal RIGHTS!
Online communities and local support groups can offer a safe space to share your feelings, ask questions, and learn from peers. Others with similar experiences can provide valuable emotional support, guidance, and reassurance. You are not alone.

Legal and Financial Advisors

Wills, guardianship, and special needs financial planning.

Create you Village Map - Here's one looks like!

Much like a vision board, a Village Map is a visual representation of all the people, friends, caregivers, services providers, specialty providers and supporters that wrap around you and provide the support network necessary to raise your child.
A Village Map can help you realize that is does take a village to raise a child with special needs and that you are not alone on this journey. Your village may begin small and grow over time. The relationships you build with your village participants enhance your ability to take care of yourself and plan for your child’s long-term wellbeing.

Routines and schedules

Routines and schedules and visual supports are going to be your new BFF! Keep a planner for therapies, carpools and include TIME FOR YOURSELF!

Get organized!

Be prepared

Know what to do and who to call in case of emergency.
Advise your local police and department in case of elopement or other home emegencies.

Understand your insurance!

What do you need and what is covered? Don't have insurance, or no covered? What other resources are available?

Meal Prep

Meal prep may become even more important if dietary restrictions are a concern.

Be prepared to make household changes around communication, routines and behavior. Done forget siblings!
Changes at home
Binders or Digital Folders Start keeping records. You will need all this at some point in time such as back to school and IEP meetings!

Sensory friendly toys can save the day!

Learn to be proactive - have a backpack ready with sensory toys when you need to go out or need a moment to restore calm.

Prioritize - Super powers are fictional

Realize that there is so much to do, you can't do it all at once, or alone, so work on the most important things, and realize what is most important will change overtime

Remember to practive self-care

Self-care is important to maintain patience, heavy schedules, health and your role of coach and champion.
Self-care is not selfish, it is a necessity!

Celebrate milestones and embrace progress

Remember to recognize and celebrate your child's achievements, big and small. Focus on strengths and foster a positive environment.

Prioritize - Super powers are fictional

Realize that there is so much to do, you can't do it all at once, or alone, so work on the most important things, and realize what is most important will change overtime

Remember to practive self-care

Self-care is important to maintain patience, heavy schedules, health and your role of coach and champion.
Self-care is not selfish, it is a necessity!

Celebrate milestones and embrace progress

Remember to recognize and celebrate your child's achievements, big and small. Focus on strengths and foster a positive environment.

Just Diagnosed Journey Map

(click on the green text below for more resources)

Take a moment to breathe

Receiving a diagnosis for autism for your child can be an overwhelming and emotional experience.

Thing to remember as your start your journey

Remember, your child is the same child you loved before the diagnosis and no one knows how much they achieve.

Whatever you are feeling, your feelings are valid.

Embrace your child’s strengths, celebrate their achievements, and recognize the progress they make, no matter how small. A positive outlook will empower you to overcome obstacles, seek solutions, and create an environment of love and acceptance, and a climate of high expectations.

This is where the overwhelm really begins...

Learn the basics, what autism is and what your specific diagnosis means. There are thousands of sources of information about autism

the AUTISM SPECTRUM is not linear

Understand YOUR diagnosis

Seek Knowledge

Understand the different available therapies.

Understanding your child's unique needs will enable you to advocate for them effectively and access appropriate resources.

Determine what to address first - language or behavior?

Could genetic testing be of benefit?

Build your village and support network

Build a team of professionals, educators, and caregivers who can support your child's development.

Embrace Advocacy - YOU are your child's best advocate!

Understand the school process – the acronyms, the timelines and your legal RIGHTS!

Connect with others

Parental support and agreement

Are you aligned on diagnosis, treatments and support?

Does your employer provide support?

Identify local, state and federal supports

What services and funding are available? Beware of multi-year waitlists!

Online communities and local support groups can offer a safe space to share your feelings, ask questions, and learn from peers. Others with similar experiences can provide valuable emotional support, guidance, and reassurance. You are not alone.

Legal and Financial Advisors

Wills, guardianship, and special needs financial planning.

Create you Village Map - Here's one looks like!

Much like a vision board, a Village Map is a visual representation of all the people, friends, caregivers, services providers, specialty providers and supporters that wrap around you and provide the support network necessary to raise your child.
A Village Map can help you realize that is does take a village to raise a child with special needs and that you are not alone on this journey. Your village may begin small and grow over time. The relationships you build with your village participants enhance your ability to take care of yourself and plan for your child’s long-term wellbeing.

Routines and schedules

Routines and schedules and visual supports are going to be your new BFF! Keep a planner for therapies, carpools and include TIME FOR YOURSELF!

Understand your insurance!

What do you need and what is covered? Don't have insurance, or no covered? What other resources are available?

Get organized!

Be prepared

Know what to do and who to call in case of emergency.
Advise your local police and department in case of elopement or other home emegencies.

Meal Prep

Meal prep may become even more important if dietary restrictions are a concern.

Be prepared to make household changes around communication, routines and behavior. Done forget siblings!
Changes at home
Binders or Digital Folders Start keeping records. You will need all this at some point in time such as back to school and IEP meetings!

Sensory friendly toys can save the day!

Learn to be proactive - have a backpack ready with sensory toys when you need to go out or need a moment to restore calm.

Prioritize - Super powers are fictional

Realize that there is so much to do, you can't do it all at once, or alone, so work on the most important things, and realize what is most important will change overtime

Remember to practive self-care

Self-care is important to maintain patience, heavy schedules, health and your role of coach and champion.
Self-care is not selfish, it is a necessity!

Celebrate milestones and embrace progress

Remember to recognize and celebrate your child's achievements, big and small. Focus on strengths and foster a positive environment.

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