Asperger Syndrome Australian Information Centre
Top 10
10 things you need to do after diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome
1/ Take a deep breath, and relax.
2/ Learn: find out as much as you can about Asperger Syndrome. Knowledge is power. Start with Tony Attwood's book. Start here
3/ Find a good pediatrician who knows about and has experience with Asperger Syndrome.
4/ Contact your son or daughter's school. If the school is unaware of AS but willing to learn and work with you bombard them with information. If they seem unwilling to be co-operative, start looking for a new school. You are your child's advocate and protector, be assertive with the school but not aggressive. Start here
5/ Find a support group. The value of being able to talk to other parents about the situation without feeling dumb can not be over-estimated. You are not alone although it may seem that way when your child is the only diagnosed child in the school. Start here
6/ Consider using an advocate to help you obtain services for your child at school. You cannot do it alone, as a parent you are automatically disqualifed from giving an expert opinion even if you are one.
7/ You are eligible for a Carers Allowance and health care card. Speak to your pediatrician.
8/ Investigate respite care.
9/ Contact your local Autism Association and see what services they can provide Start here
10/ Get the whole family involved. You cannot do it all alone.
The Ten Commandments For Parents of Children with Special Needs
1. Take one day at a time, and take that day positively. You don't have control over the future, over today, or over any other day, and neither does anyone else. Other people just think they do.
2. Never underestimate your child's potential. Allow them, encourage them, and expect them to develop to the best of their abilities.
3. Find and allow positive mentors: parents and professionals who can share with you their experience, advice, and support.
4. Provide and be involved with the most appropriate educational and learning environments for your child from infancy on.
5. Keep in mind the feelings and needs of your spouse and your other children. Remind them that this child does not get more of your love just because they get more of your time.
6. Answer only to your conscience: then you'll be able to answer to your child. You need not justify your actions to your friends or the public.
7. Be honest with your feelings. You can't be a super-parent 24 hours a day. Allow yourself jealousy, anger, pity, frustration, and depression in small amounts whenever necessary.
8. Be kind to yourself. Don't focus continually on what needs to be done. Remember to look at what you have accomplished.
9. Stop and smell the roses. Take
advantage of the fact that you have gained a special appreciation
for the little miracles in life that others take for granted.
10. Keep and use a sense of humor. Cracking up with laughter can keep you from cracking up
from stress.
- from http://www.speechteach.co.uk