| if bedwetting isn’t a challenge for you, | | | | Once you find the professionals your child needs, |
| finding a doctor who understands autism may be | | | | it is imperative that you work closely with them. |
| an obstacle you’ll need to overcome. Why? | | | | The reason is because although professionals |
| Unless a doctor has had experience with autism, it | | | | have experience with autism, you are the most |
| will be unlikely that they will be able to help | | | | experienced when it comes to the specific |
| effectively diagnose and treat the condition. | | | | information regarding your child’s needs |
| Autism is not a simple pervasive development | | | | and abilities. |
| disorder that can be fixed with medication or a | | | | To effectively work together with professionals |
| few trips to the psychiatrist. It is a serious | | | | you need to: |
| disorder that affects people differently, making | | | | • Educate yourself – Learn as much as |
| each case specific to the individual. | | | | you can about autism |
| Therefore, regardless if you or your child’s | | | | • Prepare yourself- Write down any questions |
| pediatrician suspects autism, it is imperative to | | | | or concerns you have regarding your child, autism |
| your child and their future that they are referred | | | | or treatment and address them with the |
| to someone who specializes in diagnosing and | | | | professional(s) |
| treating autism spectrum disorders. This means | | | | • Open communication – You |
| your child may require more than one medical | | | | don’t have to agree with everything a |
| professional who specializes in autism. | | | | professional says. If you disagree with a |
| The following is a list of medical professionals that | | | | recommendation voice your opinion. |
| might make up the multidisciplinary assessment | | | | If you are unsure where you can find the right |
| team an autistic child requires: | | | | professionals that specialize in autism, the following |
| • Child psychiatrist – Can help | | | | are some helpful suggestions: |
| determine the initial diagnosis, prescribes | | | | • In your community – Visit your |
| medications, and helps an autistic deal with social | | | | health care provider, hospital, or pharmacist and |
| relationships and developing emotional behavior. | | | | ask them if they know anyone who specializes in |
| • Clinical psychologist – Specialist who | | | | diagnosing and treating autism. You can also |
| understands the impact and nature of autism and | | | | contact your government’s health |
| other development disability disorders. They may | | | | department. Just remember, even if you are |
| conduct a psychological assessment test and | | | | referred to someone, this may not be the |
| assist with the training of social skills and | | | | specialist you are looking for. Don’t be |
| modifying behavior. | | | | afraid to find out their experience before making |
| • Development pediatrician – treats | | | | a commitment. |
| children with health problems related to handicaps | | | | • Internet resources – The internet is |
| or delays in development. | | | | a fantastic resourced and has plenty of useful and |
| • Language/speech therapist – Helps to | | | | helpful information about autism, understanding |
| improve communication skills, focusing on language | | | | and effectively helping autistics, and how to get |
| and speech. | | | | help in your community. Some excellent websites |
| • Occupational therapist – Focuses on | | | | you can check out include:o Autism Society of |
| helping those with disabilities develop daily practical | | | | America ( Autism Treatment Services of Canada |
| and self-help skills such as eating and getting | | | | (autisim.ca)o National Autistic Society ( |
| dressed. They may also focus on fine motor skills, | | | | • Support group – Getting involved in a |
| sensory integration and coordination of | | | | support group that is designed to reach out to |
| movement. | | | | autistics and their families can be extremely |
| • Physical therapist – Helps a child | | | | helpful for finding a professional, as you can ask |
| improve their coordination and motor skills by | | | | fellow members for recommendations. Support |
| strengthening muscles, joints, nerves and bones | | | | groups also provide you with encouragement |
| • Social Worker – Can help arrange | | | | when times are tough, and allow you the |
| treatments and services and can provide | | | | opportunity to discuss autism with others who |
| counseling services. | | | | know what you are experiencing. |