Families of Autistic Children Engaged Together for Support
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Seeking or New to a Diagnosis

Click here for More info on Waivers

Advice for Parents Who are Seeking a Diagnosis or Have Recently Received a Diagnosis for their Child

The most important thing to remember when you learn your child is autistic is that the way you respond to their neurodiversity can put them on a path to empowerment and self-advocacy or towards a path towards constant masking and possibly self-loathing. Accept and celebrate their neurodiversity! The videos linked on this page are a good start to helping you and your child learn about their neurodiversity. 

Your child will grow and learn, it may just be at their own pace.  Learn how they communicate and honor their form of communication. Some autistics speak, and others prefer to use other methods of communication (AAC, Sign Language or communicate with their body.) Listen to them no matter how they communicate! Think about how frustrating it would be if you are trying to use your preferred method of communication and you are being ignored because it's not the "correct way." A communication chart is a great way to share how your child communicates with their body. 

There are many resources available on the internet but don't forget to learn from the true experts- autistic adults. Look to self-advocates for guidance. I suggest joining Facebook groups led by these experts so that you can hear from them. If you join and start reading their posts you'll see that they remind parents that your child's diagnosis is theirs, not yours. So unless you are autistic, you are not an "autism moms/dads" or "ASD mom/dad." Language is very important (scroll through all ten photos to read the series.) Don't use euphemisms, such as "differently-abled" or "special needs." Learn about the social model of disability and why our children are disabled in a neurotypical world. 

If you are searching for page and groups to follow, some of my favorites are:

Embracing Autism 
Autism Inclusivity
NeuroClastic 
Mi cerebro 
atípico

NeuroClastic and Mi cerebro atípico collaborated to publish a Guide to the Autistic Mind. It's available in English and Spanish. 

Another tip is don't punish meltdowns. Your child cannot control their actions during that moment and how you respond is critical to their mental health. Really take time to observe the things they do. What causes discomfort, what sensory stimulus bothers them? What comforts them when they are upset? How do they show they are starting to get anxious and frustrated? You can also use a communication chart to capture that info and share it with their teachers. Everyone in your child's life needs to to be able to see those smaller signs. We should respond in a positive/supportive way, which may prevent a meltdown, and help them feel safe and happy at school. Creating that positive and supportive environment at school and home is critical!

There are so many other moms and dads in our area that are here for you!  We are happy to share what we have learned and help you.  All you have to do is ask.

Searching For a Diagnosis?

​There are two routes for diagnosis for your child and most families should seek both.  They are through the medical and educational systems. 

The Medical Route

Depending on your health plan, they may have a specific route you must follow to receive a diagnosis for your child.  You may first ask your pediatrician for their advice and / or referral, but your pediatrician will not make a diagnosis for an Autism Spectrum Disorder.  You may see one doctor or some combination of specialists, but it will likely entail a psychologist, child development doctor, or neurologist.  The wait time seems to average three months in central Texas to see these specialists for your first visit. The Texas A&M Counseling and Assessment Clinic will provide assessments for children ages 3 and up. 

  *****Once your child has a medical diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder, you need to put them on BOTH the CLASS and HCS Medicaid Waiver lists NOW****  Click here for more details on waivers.
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While You are Waiting for Medical Diagnosis -

It sometimes takes several months to see the appropriate specialists who will provide a diagnosis for your child, but that does not necessarily mean you have to wait that long to start getting help for your child.  If your child has any obvious delays (i.e. speech, motor, etc.), ask your child's pediatrician to write an order or script for the appropriate assessment (i.e. speech, occupational, or physical therapy).  Then the therapist will do their own assessment of the child's skills and make their recommendations for therapy.  Oftentimes this will be adequate for your insurance company to begin coverage if it is covered under your policy.  See the Local Therapy Providers page for a list of providers in Bryan / College Station if you need a place to get started.

The Educational / Early Intervention Route

The government has two programs in place to help depending on your child's age. 

For children birth to age three, contact Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECI.)  ECI will come to your home to assess the child for any developmental delays.  They are able to provide various forms of therapy including speech, occupation, and physical therapy in your home (or daycare if appropriate).  ECI's services are offered on a sliding fee scale.  Many families may qualify for free services, but this is a very affordable option for most families especially if they have no or limited insurance coverage.

After a child's third birthday, they are eligible for services from your local school district.  Contact your district's local Child Find Program or Special Education Department and request a full individual assessment for your child.  A medical diagnosis is helpful in obtaining services for your child, but it is not required as the school will do its own assessment of your child.
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  • Home
  • Newsletter
  • Seeking Diagnosis
    • Early Signs
  • Autistic Adults
  • Local Resources
    • State and National Resources
  • Calendar
  • ARD Assistance
  • Conferences
  • Camps
  • Donations
  • Parent Trainings
  • Sensory Friendly Movies at Cinemark
  • COVID-19
  • BCS Support Groups