Thanks! Now that I have all this information, all is well.
Wrong! Sorry, after all the tips I've passed along there is one more point that needs to be made. You must fight like hell to get everything that your child deserves. At times you may have to:
Refuse to accept what is parcelled out to you
Fire therapists and consultants
Resubmit paperwork numerous times
Go over the heads of the bureaucrats to their supervisors
Go to your MLA (I guarantee you will soon be on a first name basis)
Hire a lawyer to advance your case
Go to the media
The bureaucracy will astonish you. The bureaucrats dealing with your case will at times, simply not give a damn about you or your child. I'm afraid that it's up to you to advocate for your child.
That sounds awful! Does anyone give a damn?
Yes, absolutely! Parents of autistic children understand exactly what you are going through and provide an invaluable source of information and support. I recommend that you establish ties with other parents in your region.
My child is now older and I'm through the worst of it. What now?
It's now time to give back. Think of all the years that you having been leaning on other parents for support. If you now have some breathing room, it's time to reverse the process. Some examples include:
Hosting a local ASBC chapter
Provide one on one help to new parents.
Become involved with FEAT, ASBC or The ABA Support Network