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.

FIRST OPTIONS: PROGRAMS

  • Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA). This is usually a home-based intensive program with therapist visiting throughout the week. Available from various service providers.
  • Autism Behavioural Intervention (ABI)-NSW.  A home-based program of 20hrs over 40wks for children under 6yrs who haven’t commenced school. 
​Building Blocks Early Intervention Program for pre-schoolers.
​Cool Kids Program - for management of anxiety. Make enquiries with your child’s psychologist 
  • DIR / Floortime. A program where the parent, therapist and child spend much of the time interacting on the floor, encourages interaction through a play-based approach.
  • More Than Words Course - Hanen program for speech.
  • Relationship Development Intervention (RDI). This is a long-term program that trains the parents/carers to be the child’s primary therapists.
  • Some ideas to complement the above programs include:
  • Toy / Resources Libraries.
  • PECS books/images.
  • Social Stories.
  • Visual Schedules.
  • Sensory items, etc.
  • Also note some other opportunities to develop various skills such as:
  • social skills through playgroups.
  • specific interests such as hobbies.
  • computer skills with electronic tablets (iPad).

    Recommendations

    Do you have any other suggestions for a parent dealing with a new diagnosis, to help get them started?
    ​Note, we will only consider comments / suggestions from ACN members.