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Navigating the System
Accessing autism services can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. This section provides guidance for families and providers to ensure children receive the individualized care they need.
Choosing a Provider
Selecting the right provider is a crucial step in your child’s journey. A good provider will align with your family’s values, understand your unique needs, and create a supportive and effective therapeutic experience.
Key Qualities to Look For
- Family and Community Understanding: Seek a provider who appreciates the unique needs of a family and community. Look for someone who values cultural, socioeconomic, and logistical factors in their approach.
- Respect for Neurodiversity: Choose a provider who respects and embraces neurodiversity by honoring each child’s individuality, including sensory preferences and behaviors such as stimming or avoiding eye contact.
- Open Communication: A provider who welcomes questions and involves families in the therapy process fosters trust and collaboration.
- Fun and Engagement: Support services/therapy should be enjoyable and engaging for a child, with a focus on activities that are both meaningful and fun.
Tailoring to a Family’s Needs
It is important to work with a provider who understands cultural background, language, and location, all of which impact the success of therapy. For example:
- Families in rural areas may benefit from providers offering telehealth services or willing to travel to your home.
- Non-English-speaking families may find providers who speak their language or offer translation services more effective in ensuring clear communication.
- Providers who specialize in working with specific communities—such as families from diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds or those with trauma experiences—can bring valuable expertise.
Tips for Finding the Right Provider
- Ask Questions: During meetings, ask about the provider’s experience working with families from diverse backgrounds or with specific needs.
- Seek Recommendations: Reach out to local support groups or community organizations for provider recommendations.
- Evaluate Fit: Take time to ensure the provider’s philosophy and approach align with your family’s priorities and your child’s needs.
FAQ for Caregivers or Providers:
Early autism screening helps to identify developmental concerns in young children. Catching these concerns early leads to better outcomes through timely interventions.
Screenings typically happen at regular check-ups (18 and 24 months), but if there are concerns, they can be done earlier.
