When your child gets diagnosed with autism, you may not know how to respond. No parent can ever be fully prepared for this diagnosis.

Autism is a life-long condition, so might be filled with fear about the future. You’re probably worried about how you’re going to support your child in the best way.

Many children’s symptoms can get better with age but they may still struggle with their condition. When you can find the best ways to support your child in their early years, you can help them to overcome many of the major developmental challenges.

There are many ways that you can help a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Supporting your child from day one of their diagnosis maximizes their chances of a normal life.

From Action Behavior centers to sensory toys, here are some of the best ways to support your child after an autism diagnosis.

Learn More About Autism

Learning about typical autistic behavior and how you can handle these behaviors is key to supporting your child. The more you know, the easier it will be.

There are plenty of great online resources that you can use to expand your knowledge. The convenience and flexibility of online resources like telehealth for autism empower families and caregivers to actively participate in therapy sessions, fostering a more comprehensive and consistent approach to intervention, which can lead to better outcomes for individuals with autism.

Download some early learning workbooks that are designed for autistic children to enhance development.

Search in your community for local resources too. There may be a local support center that provides somewhere for your child to interact with others their age and offers ongoing support for you as a parent.

You will also be able to meet other parents of autistic children at support centers. This will provide you with the opportunity to 

Keep Them Occupied

Autistic children can get upset and distressed when they are bored. They can start to misbehave and throw tantrums just like any other upset child.

Sensory toys can be a great way to keep autistic children busy. Some sensory toys have flashing lights to stimulate vision. Others make noises to activate the auditory system or different textures and aromas to activate the touch and smell senses.

Fidget spinners and sensory boards keep your child’s hands and mind busy. You could also set up an arts and crafts station in your home or buy them a games console to play on the weekends.

Don’t be afraid to get involved in playtime yourself. Children love it when you get involved and playtime is the perfect opportunity for you to bond with your little one.

Another great way to occupy your autistic child is getting them involved in the cooking. Make some delicious mac and cheese or home-made pizzas and get them to do the stirring or adding their favorite toppings.

Stick to a Consistent Schedule

Autistic children like routine and they can easily get overwhelmed when their usual routine gets changed. Establishing a regular daily schedule will help your child to feel comfortable and content.

For example, getting up and eating breakfast at the same time or getting ready for school and traveling the same route there each morning are great ways to establish a routine. Minimize disruptions to your usual routine to prevent your autistic child from becoming distressed.