Parents Want to Know 101: 7 Day Series, Day 4: Finding Help and Support for the ASD Family

Thursday, April 12, 2018

7 Day Series, Day 4: Finding Help and Support for the ASD Family

By Sharon Rose

Parenting has never been easy, and raising a child with special needs is even more challenging. Seeking help and support can make all the difference in how well you can take care of your ASD child, your family, and also, importantly, yourself. There are many places that parents of children with ASD can turn to for advice, advocacy, and support:

1. ADS support groups – Joining an ASD support group is a great way to meet other families who are dealing with the same challenges you are. Parents can share information, get advice, and lean on each other for emotional support.

2. Respite care – Parents need a break sometimes. For parents coping with the added stress of raising a child with ASD, this is especially true. Respite care allows another caregiver to step in, temporarily, to give you a break for a few hours, days, or even weeks. To find respite care options in your area, see resources below.

3. Individual, marital, or family counseling - If you are dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression, you may want to see a therapist of your own. Therapy is a safe place where you can talk honestly about everything you’re feeling. It can be a safe haven to release your feelings. Marriage and family therapy can also help you work out problems that, as parents to an ASD child, become challenges in your spousal relationship and/or with other family members. Free U.S. Government Services for ASD Children - Under the U.S. federal law known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities, including those with ASD, are eligible for a range of free or low-cost services. Under this provision, children in need and their families may receive medical evaluations, psychological services, speech therapy, physical therapy, parent counseling and training, assisted technology devices, and other specialized services.

4. Children under the age of 10 do not need an autism diagnosis to receive free services under IDEA. If they are experiencing a developmental delay (including delays in communication or social development), they are automatically eligible for early intervention and special education services.

5. Early intervention services, from birth to two years of age, are administered through the Early Intervention Program for free. If the assessment shows a developmental problem, you will work with early intervention treatment providers to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). An IFSP describes your child’s needs and the specific services he or she will receive, such as behavior, speech, physical, and play therapies. To locate local early intervention services for your child, ask your pediatrician for a referral and see our resources below.

6. Special education services are available for children three years of age and older, through school-based, free programs. The school will evaluate your child and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be created. An IEP outlines educational goals for your child for the school year. It also describes special services or supports the school will provide for your child in order to meet these goals. The ultimate goal is to place children in the least restrictive environment possible, where they are still able to learn.

Parents, don't try to do it alone. The help and support is available!