This document has been created to provide parents with some guidance for first steps to take or options available when your child has just been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
It has been created by other parents with children on the spectrum who have been navigating the world of autism support and services themselves for some time.
This information is provided to offer parents new to the diagnosis with some options. We recommend you look further into any of these or discuss them with your appropriate advisors before proceeding.
It has been created by other parents with children on the spectrum who have been navigating the world of autism support and services themselves for some time.
This information is provided to offer parents new to the diagnosis with some options. We recommend you look further into any of these or discuss them with your appropriate advisors before proceeding.
FIRST OPTIONS - FIRST THINGS TO DO
Contact ASPECT to ask about:
The Autism Advisor Service regarding FAHCSIA funding if your child is under 6 years of age: 1300 978 611 (for funding of $12,000 until the age of 7 years).
The various ASPECT Schools, workshops, information days and/or other services available in your area. There is a long waiting list to get into an Aspect school; speak to them about whether you should be getting on their waiting list.
Meet with your child’s teacher to ask whether you can arrange for an Individualised Education Program (IEP). Whether your child is in public or private school this can be a valuable way to identify how the school can best support your child’s educational needs. A free downloadable handbook, ‘Who’s going to teach my child?’ from the Department of Education is an invaluable guide: www.det.nsw.edu.au enquiries telephone (02) 9561 8999
Contact a Diagnostic Centre to book for relevant tests (developmental reports, cognitive assessments, etc) and enquire about services in your local area. Note there are waiting lists but such tests are very useful/necessary for school applications, etc.
If your child is at a daycare or preschool enquire about funding for an extra staff member who could assist in the classroom (note this might not necessarily be specialized one-on-one care).
Make an appointment with your GP to discuss ongoing management, also find out about Medicare items (sessions with speech therapists, occupational therapists, etc).
Contact Centrelink regarding the Carers Allowance and / or Carer Payment.
Contact the National Disability Insurance Agency to determine whether your child may qualify for NDIS support.
Contact Companion Card to see whether you qualify for a Companion Card – this can be difficult to get but helps carers gain free access to venues where you take your child.
Become a member of Carers NSW (free) to receive regular information on changes and options available www.carersnsw.org.au.
Find a local support group. These often run week days, week nights and weekends. A good resource is the Carers NSW website, also see what ACN currently provides. (see www.autismcommunity.org.au).
Remember to be patient and do not overload your child or yourself with too much therapy at a time. (Your child will not require all the therapies or programs available).
Have some time out. Do things you enjoy, either alone or with others whose company you enjoy, or ring someone, even if it is only for 5 - 30 minutes
Look into a My Time group in your area. These are designed to help carers find some time for themselves. http://www.mytime.net.au/
