Networking To Find Autism Advocate Bay Area

By Enid Hinton


Becoming a new parent is typically one of the most life changing events most people ever experience. There really is nothing to prepare someone for the over whelming sense of responsibility they will feel. Having the care of a helpless infant in their hands is a very profound experience. Yet for some parents the changes are far more intense. When a baby or young child is diagnosed with a disability the responsibilities are even more intense.

Each year many thousands of children are diagnosed on the Autism spectrum. It is at this time that parents should seek out an autism advocate Bay area. These experienced individuals are often parents themselves who have spent years negotiating they system and know all the challenges the new parent faces. They can provide both emotional and practical support to help everyone achieve their full potential.

As soon as the diagnosis is official the child will qualify for a number of services. This is why having very comprehensive neurological and psychological evaluations is so important. There are many services available including speech and language, fine motor, gross motor, school readiness and social skills. Some children will need all of these services, whilst an other may only need one or two.

The parents will meet with local services and education authorities to put together an individualized plan. This is where an experienced advocate is so important. They will totally understand how to get the best services and really give the child the best possible chance. Studies have proved that the more help a child receives in their first few years, the better their overall prognosis for the future.

It takes many years of experience to learn about the laws surrounding special education and related services. There are many ways to secure necessary services without having to resort to confrontation. Parents need to know how important it is to maintain a cordial relationship with the local school system so that they get the best for their child. It is also important to be able to meet with teachers and school personnel on a regular basis.

An autistic child will typically require intensive speech and language services. With a young child this might begin with sign language. Signing has been scientifically shown to prompt speech skills in many children and has enormous value. It allows a child to communicate with those around them, even before they are ready to talk. Sign language is quite easy to learn and the whole family can participate.

Advocates are especially valuable when a child enters the school system. The special education laws exist to support children and their families, yet there are often struggles and issues to be resolved.

Most local agencies will help to connect parents with local advocacy groups. However, word of mouth is also a valuable resource. Many people also go on line to find their nearest group. All of these methods can be tremendously helpful to the entire family. After all there is so much that can be done to help every autistic child.




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