Just Diagnosed Journey Map
Take a moment to breathe
Receiving a diagnosis for autism for your child can be an overwhelming and emotional experience.
Understanding your child's unique needs will enable you to advocate for them effectively and access appropriate resources.
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.
Connect with others
Identify local, state and federal supports
What services and funding are available? Beware of multi-year waitlists!
Legal and Financial Advisors
Wills, guardianship, and special needs financial planning.
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!
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.
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.
Take a moment to breathe
Receiving a diagnosis for autism for your child can be an overwhelming and emotional experience.
Understanding your child's unique needs will enable you to advocate for them effectively and access appropriate resources.
Build your village and support network
Build a team of professionals, educators, and caregivers who can support your child's development.
Connect with others
Parental support and agreement
Are you aligned on diagnosis, treatments and support?
Identify local, state and federal supports
What services and funding are available? Beware of multi-year waitlists!
Legal and Financial Advisors
Wills, guardianship, and special needs financial planning.
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!
Meal Prep
Meal prep may become even more important if dietary restrictions are a concern.
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.
