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Multidisciplinary assessment. There are a number of characteristics associated with an autism spectrum disorder, but no two children are exactly alike. Pratt recommends talking with a number of professionals to determine your child's areas of strength and difficulty. In most cases it is helpful to consult a psychologist and a certified speech language pathologist, who may also recommend additional personnel such as an occupational therapist, neurologist or psychiatrist. "You will be acting as your child's case manager as you put together a strong team of professionals," Pratt said. "Building on this expertise is essential in order to determine the best course of treatment for your unique child." Talk with the school. Contact your local school district about obtaining an educational evaluation if your child is three or older. An educational assessment will determine your child's eligibility for special education and related services. Teachers and administrators can be among your child's strongest advocates, Pratt said, so sitting down with school personnel should be one of the first items on your agenda. Find other parents. "You don't need to go it alone. Talk to other people who have experience with what you are going through. Other parents who have children with autism will be some of your best resources to find out what types of supports have been most helpful and what doesn't work," Pratt said. Beware the Web. It may be tempting to search online for information about autism, but Pratt cautions that the Web is not always the best resource. "You really have to be careful online because there are people out there trying to sell you services that have no scientific basis. I would strongly recommend talking to other families about anything you discover on the Web," she said. One trustworthy resource: the National Autism Society of America Web site, http://www.autism-society.org. Adjust parenting strategies. "Once you have a diagnosis, you may realize why some of the disciplinary strategies you were using are not going to work for your child. It can be hard for parents to recognize that what worked with one child may not be appropriate for their child who has autism. It is likely that you are going to need a very different approach," Pratt said. She advises working with a team of professionals to come up with new strategies, but some of the common adjustments include establishing routines and structure, being consistent with praise and minimizing punishment, and acknowledging accomplishments, no matter how small. Prepare for a long journey. "Parents report that autism is not a death sentence, but it is a life sentence," Pratt said. "You will be your child's life-long advocate, and you can expect many years of treatment, education and therapy to support your child's development. You need to be sure to take care of yourself along the way, taking breaks and making time for yourself. Don't be shy about asking for help when you need it." Pratt can be reached at 812-855-6508 and prattc@indiana.edu. The Indiana Resource Center for Autism is part of the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. Visit the center's web site at http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca. www.HealthNewsDigest.com Top of Page 
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