Forsyth Autism & Special Needs Support Group

The simple answer is: whenever you’re ready. You are your child’s greatest advocate and protector. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers, or aren’t able to perfectly explain everything. You can still educate those around you about your child’s autism when you have the energy to do so. Check out our complete guide for examples and tips.

Teach and practice calming strategies with your child. Helping your child learn how to manage their emotions and reactions is very important. Teach your child different ways they can calm down and relax, such as:

• Deep breathing, counting to 10, using sensory toys (like squishy balls or putty), going for a walk, listening to music
• Build "relaxation time" into their normal routines and schedules
• Practice these when your child is happy and calm so that later, when they’re highly stressed, they can access these skills

For more expert tips, check out our meltdowns guide.

If your child does not qualify, you can ask your school to evaluate your child for a 504 plan. This article provides more information about the differences between IEPs and 504s.

This happens. The results of the school’s evaluation may be different than your child’s medical diagnosis. It’s also important to remember that school is NOT the final say on your child’s potential. They may offer very little support to your child, underestimate their abilities, or disagree with you on what support your child needs. You will probably need to advocate for the services and support you believe your child needs.

Most children go to daycare before they enter preschool at age 3 or 4. Most children stop daycare at the age of 6 when they go to school. Children who are homeschooled might continue daycare programs. Kids diagnosed with autism or other developmental disabilities might be in both daycare and therapy programs longer. Special needs programs and centers help children up to 26 years old.

One of the best things you can do is to have a conversation with the daycare staff. Share details about your child’s autism diagnosis, strengths, and challenges. Building open lines of communication will help you work together to support your child’s needs. Prepare the daycare provider to work with your child with a physical guidebook. This guidebook can include all of your child’s favorite things and how to calm them down. You might already have one ready from your experience with babysitters or teachers!

To read more about finding the right daycare provider, check out our guide.

Even if a provider offers parent training, it may look different from one provider to another. For example, an in-home provider might conduct a parent training session directly following a therapy session with your child to help explain what they’ve been working on with your child. At larger organizations, you might have a support group of families who are dealing with similar issues.