Autism: what you need to know when a child is diagnosed

Receive the autism diagnosis of a child can be a huge impact on mothers and fathers. After all, in addition to the initial emotions, doubts arise about what the future will be like, what the best treatment option is and how to deal with the challenges that raising an autistic child can offer.

O World Autism Awareness Day celebrated this Tuesday (2), also addresses these issues: the objective is to promote knowledge about the Autism Spectrum Disorder (TEA ) and about the needs and rights of people with autism.

“Unfortunately, in society little is said about ASD, but we know that many people on the spectrum can play, study, work and build relationships, just like anyone else”, mentions Thalita Possmoser, psychologist and clinical director of Genial Carea specialized care network for children with ASD and their families.

Below, experts consulted by CNN list tips for How parents can deal with their child's diagnosis of autism and what steps are important to take throughout the child’s treatment and development journey.

Awareness and correct information are essential

When you receive a diagnosis of autism for your child, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and have uncertainty. According to the Portraits of Autism in Brazil survey, carried out by Genial Carein partnership with Tismoo, more than 64% of respondents stated that they had no previous contact with ASD before the child's diagnosis or the diagnosis itself.

Therefore, the first step to changing this scenario is become aware of the disorder understand it and seek information through trusted sources avoiding myths and fake news disseminated over the internet. Then, it is interesting to share this information with family and colleagues, showing how important it is to have empathy with the child and understand how they think.

Seek help from trained professionals

After diagnosis, it is necessary seek help from specialized professionals and confidence to start therapeutic follow-ups. This professional support and therapies are fundamental to offering greater well-being to the child and parents as well.

“The interventions take place with a multidisciplinary team normally composed of professionals from psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, pedagogy and neuropediatricians”, highlights Possmoser.

Avoid resorting to “miracle treatments” or those without scientific basis

One of the behaviors of parents and caregivers that can hinder the healthy development of children with autism is looking for “miracle treatments” and/or treatments that have no scientific basis.

“It is common for parents to look for 'miraculous' procedures or interventions, which promise to cure their child's condition. However, these 'miracle treatments' often produce severe and unwanted consequences”, warns Victoria Albertazzi, clinical specialist in Genial Care.

Childhood and adolescent neurologist and member of SBNI (Brazilian Society of Child Neurology), Erasmo Casella, agrees and adds that it is It is essential that parents invest in scientifically recognized therapies such as therapy TAB (Applied Behavior Analysis ), whose focus is on teaching important communication, imagination and emotional self-regulation skills, and Denver, which is a therapy derived from ABA.

“In addition, parents should stimulate their children according to the guidance of therapists and the doctor they are monitoring, who may be a neurologist, psychiatrist or specialized pediatrician”, he adds.

Help your child integrate into society and motivate them in daily activities

The expert also highlights that it is important seek the integration of the autistic child into society , no matter how many obstacles there are. “The keyword for this moment is persistence,” he says. This applies to the integration of children in schools.

Although a person diagnosed with autism has the right to attend school according to the LBI (Brazilian Inclusion Law), it is common for families to encounter difficulties. Research the best option for your child and work closely with teachers to ensure they get the care they deserve.

Furthermore, it is important actively participate in the development process of the autistic child supporting him in daily tasks, including him in household activities and praising each achievement.

“A great tip for everyday life is to include the child in household activities, so they feel included in the routine. Praise whenever he manages to perform any action without assistance, this encourages him. However, be patient, as everything is a process of learning and discovering autonomy. Evolution is expected to occur gradually and continuously”, explains the expert.

Avoid punishment and practice positive learning

A child with ASD may present repetitive and rigid behavior patterns , having little flexibility and interest in other topics and activities that are not her favorite. Therefore, she may have difficulty with changes in routine and have behaviors associated with “tantrums” when something is out of the ordinary.

In this scenario, it is very important that parents do not try to “correct” their children's behavior through punishments or punishments, whether physical or not. “This can have a severe and significant impact on the well-being of the child and family, both in the short and long term,” says Albertazzi.

The expert emphasizes that it is important for parents to establish a positive learning environment, which will help develop the child's self-esteem.

Neurologist Casella reinforces that it is important for parents to understand that “tantrums” are not personal issues. “We have to look for what triggered this tantrum and anticipate when they arise. This can be due to simple things, such as not sleeping well, having a toothache or an earache. It is necessary to always be looking for the triggers that cause changes in the behavior of these children and understand that their difficulties are not personal against their parents”, he says.

Know the rights of people with autism

In addition to LBI, There are other laws that ensure the right of people with autism . This is the case of the Berenice Piana Law, which establishes the rights of autistic people and their families in various social spheres. With it, people with ASD have the right to use Social Assistance services, in the municipality where they live, and the right to education with specialized care.

Furthermore, the Romeo Mion Law created the CipTEA (Identification Card for Persons with ASD), which guarantees all those diagnosed with autism a document that informs the individual's condition.

Finally, other existing benefits can help in the journey of a person with autism, such as the BPC (Continuous Payment Benefit) — minimum wage paid per month to elderly people or people with disabilities who cannot guarantee their survival on their own or with the help of family support — and a reduction in working hours.

Have a support network and exercise self-care

According to the research “Portraits of Autism in Brazil”, 68% of caregivers reported difficulty finding time to rest and to take care of yourself. Despite this scenario, it is important to find time to exercise self-care. Therefore, having a support network, made up of family, friends and/or healthcare professionals, is essential.

“There are many groups of parents of children with ASD. Seek help and talk. The exchange of experience is something enriching and encouraging. Also remember that it is important that you have your personal rest space and moments for you and your partner. It is very important to take care of the mental health of everyone around the child, the well-being of the parents is essential!”, reinforces Possmoser.