Navigating the early days: a guide for parents after an autism diagnosis

In my journey as an early years practitioner, working with parents of young children with autism, I  have noticed similarities in how parents react after their child’s autism diagnosis.  

Many a times, I have sat with parents at the early paediatric assessment answering questions and  helping the parent fill in the questionnaire. I also had many of my clients tell me how they feel after  the letter came in or the Dr gave the diagnosis directly to them.  

Their account is all similar; that it can be a fully intense experience when you discover that your  child has been given an autism diagnosis. For many of the parents, this overwhelm triggers a  whirlwind of emotions ranging from denial to guilt to disbelief and mourning the child every parent dreams about. These emotions lead to uncovering a path filled with fear and uncertainty about  your child’s future.  

It is important to remember that immediately following the diagnosis, it’s a natural response to feel overwhelmed. You might find yourself wondering why you didn’t notice the first initial signs earlier; how you missed that your child always seems to be playing with the same toy, how you thought that the crying and meltdowns are just a sign of your child being difficult or over-sensitive, how  everyone around you says that they will talk in their own time… or you might be doubting the  accuracy of the diagnosis; convincing yourself that your child had a bad day on the assessment day, that you didn’t respond correctly to the questions, that your child is just shy so they didn’t communicate, that your child gives enough eye contact, that maybe they are just a bit delayed but they will catch up…  

These rollercoaster of emotions are common and valid for every parent to go through and that you need to take time to process everything that has just happened in your family.  

While the initial days after the diagnosis might be hard, it is crucial to take action swiftly. Early intervention has been shown to make a significant differences to young children with a diagnosis of autism. Indeed, by understanding your child’s unique needs and fostering their abilities, you can pave the way to a brighter future.  

Research shows that intervention programs, led by parents from an early age, provide an invaluable support in training them to better understand and deeply connect with their child, ultimately improving their cognitive, emotional and social development.  

We invite you to take the next step towards a supportive and informed path. Our Parent Training  Program is designed with parents in view, to support you and offer you the guidance and  resources you need to tackle your new parenting journey. Connect with other parents, learn evidence based and effective strategies, and build a community where understanding and support are at the forefront.  

Taking this step now can make all the difference, not just for your child but for the whole of your family. Join us and start learning and making a positive impact today.

Schedule a free appointment with Laila Lachgar here.