Do You Have a Child Who Was Just Diagnosed With Autism? You Are Not Alone - By Jasmine Harry

Maybe it feels like relief. Maybe you feel like you are floating in space. Maybe it feels like all of it, all at once. Whatever you are feeling right now, that is okay. All of it is okay.

You are not alone. There are options. There are things you can do. And I know this may sound cliche but breathe. In and out. In and out. Feel yourself coming back into your body.

You do not need to figure it all out today. In fact, you do not need to figure it all out tomorrow. All you need to know right now, in this moment, is that you are safe. And your child is loved, by you and many others. The fact that you are reading this says everything.

Let’s Talk Next Steps

When you are ready, the following are things that can help. You do not have to do all of this at once. Start with one. Start with two. Whatever your capacity is able to handle, start with that.

Learn about autism first.

Before anything else, learn. Autism is a spectrum, which means every autistic child is different. It is going to be a process of getting to know your child more deeply, a trial-and-error journey that you will navigate together. 

If your child is school age, talk to their school.

Let them know about the diagnosis and request an IEP (Individual Education Plan). This can be done at any time and does not require anything other than you asking.

Get on the waitlists now.

These things take time, so the earlier you start the better. Here is what to know:

DTC: Disability Tax Credit

Ask your child's doctor to fill out CRA Form T2201. This is the key that unlocks most financial programs. Free to apply and can be backdated up to 10 years.

OAP: Ontario Autism Program

Ontario's main funding program for autism services. Once you have a written diagnosis, apply right away at ontario.ca/autism. It takes time to process so start as soon as you can.

SSAH: Special Services at Home

Ontario government funding to help families pay for support workers, programs, camps, and respite care. Children with autism typically qualify.

ACSD: Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities

Monthly financial support for families whose child's disability significantly impacts daily life. Up to $665 per month for qualifying families.

Easter Seals Grant

If your child is still in diapers, you may be eligible for the Easter Seals Disability Grant to help cover the cost of incontinence supplies. Worth applying for early.

If you are in Niagara, start with Bethesda.

Bethesda delivers the Ontario Autism Program in our region and can help connect you to developmental services and assessments. Reach them at 905-684-6918 or through Contact Niagara at 905-684-3407.

Where to Start If This Feels Overwhelming

Write out your feelings first. Just get them out of your head and onto paper. There is no right way to do it. There is no right or wrong feelings either.

Then make one phone call. Just one.

You do not have to do it all today. Remember you do not have to have it all figured out.
You are not the first to experience these feelings while navigating new changes, in fact there is a whole community of parents who have been exactly where you are right now. And there is support, real, practical, local support, waiting for you.

You have got this.

-Jasmine Harry