My child has just been diagnosed, what do I do now?
I am an adult and think I am on the autistic spectrum
Is there any cure?
I am finding my child’s behaviour difficult - What help is available?
What can I do to help my child at home?
Where can I get speech therapy?
Where can I get an assessment from an educational psychologist?
Are there any activities for teenagers, young adults?
What is available to help a person with ASD find work?
I think my partner is on the spectrum where can I get help?
I am not understood at work and being bullied, threatened with dismissal etc
I am having problems getting the school to accept my child needs more or different help.
The School say my child is happy and well behaved at school but their behaviour is very difficult at home
My child has just been diagnosed, what do I do now?
Sometimes a diagnosis comes as a shock and sometimes as a relief, either way you are likely to feel quite emotional and unsure what to do next. A useful first step is to try to find out as much as you can about how a person with an autistic spectrum disorder thinks and feels, as this will help you to identify the right support for your child.
Joining BAS will give you access to our free information resource, local training events, support groups etc, there is a lot of information available and we can make suggestions on where to start.
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I am an adult and think I am on the autistic spectrum?
Many adults are now realising that the difficulties they have experienced in their lives may be because they are on the autistic spectrum. If you would like a diagnosis you need to go see your Doctor (GP). The BAS help-line can give advice on how to ask your GP and information on which doctors can make a diagnosis, both private and NHS. We can also give you information on autistic spectrum disorders and coping with the implications of getting a diagnosis.
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Is there any cure?
Autism is a life-long condition that affects a persons' ability to communicate, think flexibly and develop social relationships. A child with autism will become an adult with autism, however there is much that can be done to develop skills and coping strategies.
If your child attends a specialist pre-school or school or you attend an Early-Bird or similar course the teachers or trainers will give you an idea of the interventions which are commonly used or you can contact the BAS help-line for further information.
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I am finding my child’s behaviour difficult - What help is available?
Managing the behaviour of a child with autism or Aspergers syndrome can be very challenging, it is important to get help.
Where to go for help varies depending on where you live, call the BAS helpline for specific help in your locality.
Most areas offer free training to parents of newly diagnosed young children, such as an Early Bird Course, which teaches you about the autistic spectrum and strategies you can try with your child and importantly gives you the opportunity to meet other parents.
If you feel your child’s behaviour is affected because they are not receiving the right support at school, contact your local Parent Partnership for advice. Each Local Authority must provide a Parent Partnership service to help parents of children with Special Educational Needs understand their rights in regard to receiving extra help for their child at school.
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What can I do to help my child at home?
Every child is different, but there are a number of strategies that often help.
- Maintain a structured routine
- Prepare your child in advance for the day, especially if anything new or different will happen, a "visual timetables" for each day can help with this.
- Write a 'Social Story' to explain new situations or ones that your child is finding it hard to know how to behave appropriately in.
- Use simple language, break down tasks into stages and deliver instructions one at a time.
- Have a space for time-out' when everything gets too stressful.
- Be aware of any sensory issues which may upset your child
- Praise them when they get things right and explain why it is right thing to do.
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Where can I get speech therapy?
If your child has been diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum by a paediatrician this may be arranged at the same time. Alternatively, you can ask your GP, health visitor or a teacher to refer your child or you can refer yourself. The Primary Care Trust will be able to give you the telephone number of your local NHS Speech and Language Therapy Service. A useful website to find an independent therapist is www.helpwithtalking.com
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Where can I get an assessment from an educational psychologist?
An Educational Psychologist works mainly with children and schools to help children with learning difficulties or social and emotional problems to get the most from their education. LEA’s have their own EP’s who will see your child if they are having a statutory assessment (for a statement of Special Educational needs) or if the school need more advice on meeting your child’s needs. If you wish to use an independent EP a useful website is www.educational-psychologist.org.uk or www.educational-psychologist.co.uk
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Are there any activities for teenagers, young adults?
Many of BAS’s leisure activities are suitable for all ages and include our adult social group, Pokemon events, swimming and trampolining. Our Fact-file has details of other supported activities and clubs. Family members of BAS receive a free Fact-File when you join the society. Your local Children’s Information Centre is also a good source of information for younger teenagers.
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What is available to help a person with ASD find work?
BAS have produced a range of guides for people with an ASD, their supporters and potential employers to assist with finding and retaining employment these can be downloaded. For young people (under 25) Connexions have specialist advisors for people with disabilities. For further information on specialist and supported employment agencies in your location contact the BAS helpline.
Click here for the Employment Project Report
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I think my partner is on the spectrum where can I get help?
The amount and type of support each individual needs varies enormously. Learning more about how a person with an ASD thinks and feels may help you to find your own solutions.
The BAS help-line, can suggest books and resources to help such as specialist relationship counselling. A diagnosis may help access support services – see adult diagnosis advice above.
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I am not understood at work and being bullied, threatened with dismissal etc.
As a person with an ASD you should be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act. Provided your employer knows of your disability they should take account of your difficulties, however not all employers understand enough about ASD to know how they can help you.
BAS can provide information for employers to help them understand and there are some advocacy services that may be able to help you explain the help you need.
If your employer has a union, they may be able to help you.
The earlier you seek help the greater the chance of resolving the situation.
For individual advice contact the BAS help-line.
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I am having problems getting the school to accept my child needs more or different help.
Contact Parent Partnership for advice. Every situation is different but they may suggest
- You have a meeting with the SENCO, if you have not already done so. Explain what help you feel your child needs. Take copies of reports about your child if the school do not have copies.
- Get a copy of the Special Educational needs Code of Practice for advice on schools and LEA's statutory duties
- Find out if your child is on school action or school action plus
- Ask for a copy of your child's IEP (individual Education Plan) if you have not seen it.
- You can request a statutory assessment
- If your child has a statement of SEN you can ask for a reassessment of your child needs.
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The School say my child is happy and well behaved at school but their behaviour is very difficult at home.
Try to work out what is causing your child distress. Some children keep all their anxieties bottled up until they get out of school others enjoy the structure of school and do not cope well in unstructured time.
If you think the problem is caused by something that is happening at school and school are not supportive in making adjustments, contact your local Parent Partnership.
If you feel you would like help managing behaviour at home contact the BAS help-line for advice on what is available in your locality. The BAS help-line can also suggest books and training.
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