The doctor has told you that your child has autism. You have never heard about the condition.
However, as most people say, “Google is your best friend.” You resolve to go online and learn more about the condition.
You scroll through and find that therapy is important for your autistic child. In your quest to find the right therapy, you’re bombarded by numerous therapies online.
This makes it even harder.
Which one do I choose? What should I look out for?
It is normal for friends and family to pressure you to choose a specific therapy. But, you should understand that, what works for another child might not work for your child.
This article will give you tips of finding the right therapy.
Know the Therapy You Want
It is important to understand that there are numerous therapies to choose from. Therefore, it is not possible to know each one of them.
Even therapists themselves don’t have knowledge of all therapies.
What you need to do is make a list of therapy programs you have found online and select those that you prefer.
Is it important to know what they offer?
Yes. You could also ask your doctor questions so as to have a clear understanding of the therapies.
Some questions you can ask include:
- How effective is the therapy? Is there any scientific proof to back the therapy?
- Are there any reasons to believe that the therapy will work for your child?
- What does the therapy entail?
- Is the therapy safe for your child?
Are you satisfied with the answers you get? If yes, then go ahead and compare the negatives and positives.
It is also important to consider the effects they will have on your family, cost and timing. Armed with all this information, you can proceed to choose a therapy that is ideal for your child and family.
Do Not Put Pressure on Yourself
Are you confused which therapy to choose for your child?
Relax, because no one is born knowing the right therapy for their autistic kid. However, with time, you gain a lot experience.
You are bound to make mistakes in this autism journey. Hence, when you make some poor choices, do not be too hard on yourself. Also, give yourself a pat on the back when you make the right choices.
You don’t have to look at what you’ve done wrong in the past to gauge your achievements.
Having a good support system like friends and family is vital. This is because they will cheer you on and remind you of the progress you’ve made considering how difficult the process is.
Examine Your Child’s Progress
The information you have at the moment will only help you make a decision now. This is because it tends to change with time.
A therapy that worked for your child and family some time back might not be effective now.
Are there any negatives and positives of the therapy? Is there notable progress with your child? What are your family circumstances?
Make the best choice depending on what your answers are to the above questions.
By now, you have gained a lot of expertise on autism. Even though it is difficult to choose the right autism approach, always remember that your friends, family and you have everything in control.
Set Goals
It is important to set goals when you start this process. What do you and your child want to achieve through a specific intervention?
If you can answer this, then you’re ready to get a therapy that suits that need.
Final Thoughts
Every parent wants the best for their child. You know them very well more than anybody else.
Therefore, do not pressurize yourself. Take time to learn about different therapies. Narrow down your choices and get the best fit for your child and family.
Find out if your child has made progress with a certain therapy because after all, this is what you want for them.