Tabla de contenido
My Child Was Just Diagnosed with Autism
The most important thing to keep in mind when a child is diagnosed with autism is that you are not alone, and it is not your fault. According to estadísticas sobre autismo by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 31 kids has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Although the root of autism is still unknown, genetics and environment are thought to play a part, and a parent is in no way responsible for their child’s autism diagnosis.
There are many emotions a parent can feel when a child is diagnosed with autism, and no emotional response should be considered inappropriate or wrong in any way. Regardless of the initial impact, the challenge arises in understanding the inner world of a child diagnosed with autism and what to do next.
¿Qué Significa el Espectro?
El trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) con frecuencia causa problemas de comportamiento, comunicación y relaciones sociales. Además, pueden aparecer pasatiempos o actividades repetitivas y restringidas. En 2013, las modificaciones a los criterios diagnósticos reconocieron el PDD-NOS y el Asperger bajo el paraguas del autismo. Independientemente de las modificaciones que se sigan haciendo, las familias deben seguir sintiéndose cómodas usando los términos que les funcionen. diagnostic criteria recognized PDD-NOS and Asperger’s under the umbrella of autism. Whatever modifications are made, families should continue to feel at ease using the phrases that work for them.
As the name implies, ASD has a spectrum of severity. When a child is diagnosed with autism, some will speak, while others won’t. People who are “high functioning” may be able to communicate successfully and advocate for their needs. Conversely, a child considered “lower functioning” may not speak at all. Your child’s symptoms and abilities will fall into one of three levels, each denoting severity.
Nivel 1: The least socially apparent level, children in this category require less intensive assistance. Language and cognitive abilities in this category may not be severely impacted.
Nivel 2: Aquí, vemos algunas deficiencias cognitivas y lingüísticas que requieren una asistencia "sustancial". Estas dificultades conducen a un deterioro social y a problemas de comunicación más graves.
Nivel 3: La categoría más aguda, los niños en este nivel se consideran de "funcionamiento inferior" y requieren "un apoyo bastante sustancial". Sus habilidades lingüísticas y cognitivas se ven comprometidas, lo que a menudo los hace incapaces de vivir de forma independiente.
Algunos de los síntomas que presenta un niño diagnosticado con TEA incluyen:
- Having trouble in social situations, such as not being able to read nonverbal clues or make eye contact
- Ser inflexible e incapaz de adaptarse a los cambios rutinarios
- Mostrar acciones repetitivas, como girar, caer al suelo o movimientos excesivos de las manos
- Centrarse en los intereses favoritos excluyendo los estímulos externos, como los personajes de los medios de comunicación o los programas de televisión en particular.
- Ecolalia: la repetición de palabras y frases
- Dificultad para fingir o jugar imaginativamente. Por ejemplo, los niños con autismo pueden obsesionarse con hacer girar las ruedas de un coche de juguete en lugar de empujarlo
My Child Was Just Diagnosed with Autism: What Steps Can I Take?
If you’re wondering, “My child was just diagnosed with autism, and I don’t know what to do,” you’re not alone. This can be an overwhelming time for both you and your child.
Navigating the world of autism can feel daunting, but taking it step by step can help you and your family find the support and resources you need. In this guide, we’ll provide practical steps to get you started on this journey, ensuring you feel informed and empowered as you support your child.
-
Use Visual Aids
Children with an autism diagnosis are better visual than auditory learners. When communicating with your child, using visual language has many advantages. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), which uses symbols and images to help individuals diagnosed with autism communicate, can be a helpful tool. Consult a specialist, such as a physician or behavioral therapist, if you think your child would benefit from a system like PECS.
-
Adquirir Conocimientos Sobre el Refuerzo Positivo y Negativo
Changing your response to a child’s conduct is the most efficient way to change the child’s behavior.
If your child misbehaves, such as having a crying fit over a toy they want to buy, consider how caving in might influence their future behavior. This is known as positive reinforcement: rewarding behavior by giving the child what they want. It can create a robust association between an effort and its reward.
The opposite of this is negative reinforcement, in which you respond by withholding the desired outcome or removing something else. When you respond to conduct with a negative consequence, such as withholding attention or restricting access to a toy, you will notice less of it in the future.
Cuando se impulsa y anima a los niños, todos los niños, incluidos los neurodivergentes, tienen más probabilidades de desarrollarse y aprender. Estos son algunos ejemplos:
- Create a chart-style incentive system for your child, similar to the reward systems teachers often use. Your child can earn points for behaving well, and after a set amount of time, they can exchange them for an object or activity they love.
- Give your child options throughout the day to help them feel independent and in charge.
- When your child does something you want to see more of, praise them verbally right away. Actions that merit rewards include speaking, following instructions, and complying when it’s time to move on to a new activity.
- Screaming or other disruptive actions are frequently attempts to communicate. If the child is not in danger, it is preferable to disregard these behaviors. Your child will eventually start acting in a reasonable way to seek your attention. Remember, positive reinforcement; you must demonstrate that disruptive actions won’t achieve their desired results.
-
Fortalecer y Ampliar la Estructura de Apoyo
When a child is diagnosed with autism, they frequently perform better in an ordered environment. They thrive in structure when the day is as predictable as possible. As previously mentioned, engaging the child visually and incorporating that into their daily routine is ideal. Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Proporciónale a tu hijo un itinerario diario que detalle los eventos con gráficos y texto.
- Mantén una lista de reglas colorida con imágenes de apoyo para ayudarlos a internalizar las expectativas.
- Give your child a visual cue before an activity ends. An example would be a come-here hand motion when it’s time to leave a place.
-
Presta Atención a las Dificultades Sensoriales
The senses of a child diagnosed with autism may be different from yours. Individuals with autism may not process external stimuli as a neurotypical person would. Loud music or bright lights are the most common examples of this, with autistic children feeling overwhelmed and hypersensitive.
Alternatively, they may crave intense stimuli, such as a deep, lasting hug. You can make your child’s environment more comfortable by being mindful of their preferences.
-
Toma Medidas Efectivas Para que tu Hijo Reciba el Servicio que Necesita
You will frequently hear how crucial early intervention is. Children’s brains are still developing, so they are more likely to adapt and learn new skills when they begin therapy early, such as ABA therapy. If your child has previously undergone evaluation, take into account the aftercare recommendations made by their provider and decide whether they work for your family.
In addition, inform your child’s school about their autism diagnosis so they can begin developing an individualized education plan (IEP). The IEP will guarantee that your child’s needs are met and that the school makes accommodations.
When a child is diagnosed with autism, it’s recommended to consult your child’s developmental pediatrician to discuss your options while seeking supportive services, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Other services to consider are:
- Terapia ocupacional en el lugar de trabajo
- Ejercicio físico
- Grupos de apoyo para habilidades sociales
- Asistencia psiquiátrica
- Medicación
¿Cómo Puede Ayudar el ABA Después de Que tu Hijo es Diagnosticado Con Autismo?
Autism traits can benefit from La terapia ABA, as it encourages helpful behavior and reinforces desired behavior. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) employ various strategies to promote the development of language, communication, and other skills necessary for independence.
ABA’s effectiveness has been investigated and confirmed in several recientes. Many facets of ABA help your child achieve their objectives by providing the necessary support. Plans of care will be personalized based on the patient’s age, specific needs, and the family’s desired outcomes for family therapy.
Permite que ABA Centers of New Jersey Apoyen la Trayectoria de tu Hijo
If you keep wondering, “My child was just diagnosed with autism, and I don’t know where to start”, at ABA Centers of New Jersey, everyone understands that your child means the world to you and that you would do anything to help them. After an autism diagnosis, choosing ABA therapy means putting your trust in a science-backed approach grounded in evidence, experience, and research.
You can expect advancements in your child’s communication, growth, and advocacy by including ABA therapy in their life.
Llámanos al (855) 640-7888 or schedule a consulta gratuita. if you’re interested in learning more about ABA therapy and how it can benefit your family and your child’s independence.
Español 
English