The first step I encourage parents to take after receiving an autism diagnosis is to look over the recommendations included at the end of the evaluation report. Your child’s psychologist or medical doctor will have outlined next steps based on the results, and these suggestions can help you understand where to begin and what supports may be most helpful. 

 

Typical recommendations include the following (click on each to learn more):

• speech therapy ​

• occupational therapy 

• physical therapy

• Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) 

• behavioral therapies

• social skills/social understanding classes​

• special education supports and services

• section 504 accommodations

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The second step is to learn more about autism in a way that feels grounding and hopeful. When I was first trying to understand my child's diagnosis, I watched documentaries about autistic children and adults. One film that really stayed with me was Temple Grandin. Even though her experiences weren’t the same as my child’s, I found myself connecting with parts of her story and gaining new insight. Reading her books also helped me better understand how my son might experience the world.

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             Movies & Books That Helped Me Understand Autism

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Temple Grandin (2010). M. Jackson (Director). HBO Films
 

Autistic-Like: Graham's Story (2009). E. Linthorst & J. Becker (Directors). CreateSpace

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Grandin, T. (2006). Thinking in pictures: My life with autism (Expanded ed.). Vintage Books.

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Attwood, T. (2007). The complete guide to Asperger’s syndrome. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

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Welton, J. (2004). Can I tell you about Asperger syndrome? A guide for friends and family. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.