Newly Diagnosed with Autism
|
Posted by Melissa Hincha-Ownby Apr 27, 2008 |
When a child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, many parents immediately turn to the internet in search of information. The following three articles that I have written here at Suite 101 are a fantastic resource for parents looking for information on their newly diagnosed child with autism.
This article discusses the differences between the five conditions that fall under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders. Autistic disorder, sometimes called Kanner’s autism, is what most people think of when they hear the word autism. Childhood disintegrative disorder is a rare form of autism and is more common in males than females. Asperger’s disorder, named after Dr. Hans Asperger, is usually diagnosed later than the other autism spectrum disorders.
Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) is a diagnosis given to a child who exhibits some of the symptoms of autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, but not all. Rett’s disorder is another rare form of autism and is found almost exclusively in females.
One of the first choices that parents have to make with regards to autism treatment is which therapy method to use. The three most commonly used therapies are applied behavior analysis (ABA), DIR/Floortime and relationship development intervention (RDI).
The books listed in this article provide parents a great variety of information on individuals with autism. Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People with Autism, and Professionals Share Their Wisdom, Engaging Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Development Disorder, and Other ASDs are must-reads for parents of newly diagnosed children with autism.
These articles were written from my view as a parent of two children on the spectrum and represent the steps I took upon receiving the diagnosis.