Becoming a new parent is typically one of the most life changing events most people ever experience. There really is nothing to prepare someone for the over whelming sense of responsibility they will feel. Having the care of a helpless infant in their hands is a very profound experience. Yet for some parents the changes are far more intense. When a baby or young child is diagnosed with a disability the responsibilities are even more intense.
From the very first day of their child's diagnosis the parents will need to understand just how important it is to educate themselves. Their first step should be to find a kind and caring autism advocate Bay area. This is someone who has already walked a mile, or two, in their shoes. The know how it feels to receive the devastating news about a much loved child. They also have invaluable first hand knowledge about how the system works.
The majority of children are diagnosed around the age of two. This is a key developmental area. Most children are talking in sentences and enjoy interacting with others. Two key areas that give rise to concern are a significant delay in spoken language skills and a lack of interest in socializing. In addition strong reactions to sensory stimulation such as sound or light are also indicators of a problem.
In many cases the family will only begin to realize that something is wrong as they child reaches the age of two and is not yet talking. Although there can be many other reasons for this it is still important to get a referral to an experienced neurologist. These highly trained specialists will run a battery of tests that include many markers for social and emotional development. When the diagnosis finally comes in the family will often feel exhausted and devastated. Their lives will have changed forever.
One of the first steps the parents should take is to contact their local parent support group. These groups exist in just about every part of the country, living in a highly populated place such as the Bay area does have its advantages. There will be no shortage of other families in their immediate neighborhood who have already gone through exactly what they are going through and can offer heartfelt understanding.
In addition to emotional support a good advocate will also help with the practical aspects of life. This will begin with getting the very best services for each and every child. Some children need intensive help with speech and language, whilst others may need more support in social skills.
Advocates are especially valuable when a child enters the school system. The special education laws exist to support children and their families, yet there are often struggles and issues to be resolved.
Networking with other local families is also one of the most valuable ways to help a child. There is the potential for new friends and play mates, along with social opportunities. Many parents are quite surprised by how many new friends they are also able to make.
From the very first day of their child's diagnosis the parents will need to understand just how important it is to educate themselves. Their first step should be to find a kind and caring autism advocate Bay area. This is someone who has already walked a mile, or two, in their shoes. The know how it feels to receive the devastating news about a much loved child. They also have invaluable first hand knowledge about how the system works.
The majority of children are diagnosed around the age of two. This is a key developmental area. Most children are talking in sentences and enjoy interacting with others. Two key areas that give rise to concern are a significant delay in spoken language skills and a lack of interest in socializing. In addition strong reactions to sensory stimulation such as sound or light are also indicators of a problem.
In many cases the family will only begin to realize that something is wrong as they child reaches the age of two and is not yet talking. Although there can be many other reasons for this it is still important to get a referral to an experienced neurologist. These highly trained specialists will run a battery of tests that include many markers for social and emotional development. When the diagnosis finally comes in the family will often feel exhausted and devastated. Their lives will have changed forever.
One of the first steps the parents should take is to contact their local parent support group. These groups exist in just about every part of the country, living in a highly populated place such as the Bay area does have its advantages. There will be no shortage of other families in their immediate neighborhood who have already gone through exactly what they are going through and can offer heartfelt understanding.
In addition to emotional support a good advocate will also help with the practical aspects of life. This will begin with getting the very best services for each and every child. Some children need intensive help with speech and language, whilst others may need more support in social skills.
Advocates are especially valuable when a child enters the school system. The special education laws exist to support children and their families, yet there are often struggles and issues to be resolved.
Networking with other local families is also one of the most valuable ways to help a child. There is the potential for new friends and play mates, along with social opportunities. Many parents are quite surprised by how many new friends they are also able to make.
About the Author:
You can visit www.darrowautismadvocates.com for more helpful information about Finding A Good Autism Advocate Bay Area.
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