Autism Parents’ Starter Kit: Tips & Tools for Your 1st Year
Raising and caring for a child with autism spectrum disorder is hard. On top of the typical challenges of parenting, you'll also become an expert in autism research, advocacy, and therapies. The good news is, you don't have to do it alone!
Become a More Effective Parent for your Child with Autism Using Tools and Strategies from a Veteran Autism Mom
- Recognize the signs of autism and decide whether your child should be evaluated.
- Learn what to do immediately after your child's diagnosis.
- Discover activities you can do with your child to improve their skills.
- Learn how to effectively advocate for your child in an IEP meeting.
A Comprehensive Resource for New and Veteran Autism Parents
Autism spectrum disorder doesn't just affect 1 in 68 children. It affects their parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers as well. Those of us who care for someone with autism are left to sort through an overwhelming mountain of information and claims before we can decide how best to help our kids.
This course is designed to help you do just that – sit down with a veteran autism mom for real-world advice and solidly researched information on autism therapies, treatments, and coping strategies you can use right now.
Content and Overview
We'll start out at the very beginning, by exploring the significant signs of autism. If you've already seen lists of developmental milestones, but didn't really know what they meant, you'll learn what autism looks like in the first section of this course.
We'll delve into the different types of therapies available to you, and I'll help you figure out which ones are right for your child.
Next, I'll help you through your first IEP meeting, and give you my best tips and strategies for dealing with the school system.
Finally, I'll help you get – and stay – organized. You have enough stress in your life without hunting for paperwork!
About the Autism Parents' Starter Kit
Welcome and thanks for joining me in the Autism Parents' Starter Kit! In this lecture, I'll introduce myself, tell you a bit about my autism story, and lay down some basic ground rules to keep things running smoothly. Don't forget to visit the discussion area and post your own introduction!
What Is Autism?
In this lecture, we'll discuss some of the most common signs of autism, including:
- Signs of autism in babies and toddlers
- Signs of autism in older children
In this lecture, we go over the reasons some parents avoid diagnosis, and bust a few myths about what an autism diagnosis means for your child.
Day One
The first few days or weeks - or even months - after an autism diagnosis can be overwhelming! In this video, I'll guide you through the most common therapies available, so you'll know what to look for and what therapies you can safely skip, based on what your child needs.
Not sure what to do next? Post your questions to the discussion area. I make a point to answer as quickly as possible!
Learn where to find the best autism resources in your area and online.
I won't lie to you and tell you that life is all unicorns and roses once your child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder - you wouldn't believe me anyway! In this video, we'll talk about cold, hard reality for a bit. Parenting a child with autism is a tough job - but don't worry, you can do this.
Head over to the discussion area for extra support and encouragement - that's what it's there for!
If you'd like to print a copy of the lecture slides, they're available in the resources section.
The challenges facing you immediately following an autism diagnosis
Understand the IEP Process
IEP meetings can be daunting, but in this section, I'll guide you through the first phase of the IEP process and share my best tips for keeping the process running smoothly.
Not sure what accommodations your child needs at school, or what you should request? You'll find out in this section.
Recall what you've learned about the IEP process.
Get Organized
In this video, I'll show you how I keep my kids' autism paperwork organized and easily accessible.
Reflect on the importance of getting - and staying - organized.
Additional Resources
This is a short list of excellent blogs, websites, and podcasts that will provide you with helpful, inspiring, and accurate information about autism.
There are so many activities you can do at home to help your child improve their skills!
