Just diagnosed with Autism! What next? | Dr Shyielathy x Dr Diana Interview @The Flourish Show

Updated: Apr 23, 2021

The time we first receive a diagnosis for our child can be overwhelming. People react to a diagnosis of autism in different ways.

For some, it can be a shock. You might have many questions and worries about what to do, what lies ahead, and how to cope. For others, it might be a relief as it confirms your suspicion all along and now you better understand why your child think and act the way they do.

Here are helpful tips to help you better navigate this phase effectively.

Dr Shyielathy Arumugam, is my guest on the the Flourish Show. Dr Shy hold's a PhD in Early Childhood Education in Special Needs, was awarded SENIA World Changer Award, and is a mum of a 12 year old with Autism. She has a wealth of knowledge to share. Don't miss this 2-part interview!

Part 1: 3 tips when navigating new Autism diagnosis

Part 2: Game-changer parenting tip for Autism

3 things you can do to navigate a new diagnosis:

1) Equip yourself with good knowledge

Knowledge is power! learn as much as you can from helpful sources. Understand your child's presentation for a meaningful intervention.

Below I've compiled some great resources for you to ease your learning:

Autism Speaks // New to Autism diagnosis (100 day kit for young children) - amazing resource, also include kit for older children
Autism Awareness Australia // Understanding Autism
Open Education // Free course: Understand Autism
Positive Partnerships // Free course (Online learning hub) What is Autism
iKurnia // Free course: Asas Autisme

2) Advocate for your child and know your rights

Become a better advocate for your child by:

Getting organised - compile all your child's key documents in a binder including examples of their learning abilities etc.

Knowing your stuff and your rights!- so you can stand firm and advocate with confidence

Special needs policies in Malaysia you need to know:

Malaysian Education Blueprint- Chapter 4, Students' Learning
Zero Reject Policy
SDK Policy (Sukarelawan, Volunteer Policy)- Shadow Aide
Individualised Education Plan

3) Engage early interventions and professional services

Early intervention program is very helpful for your child's development. It helps young kids work toward meeting developmental milestones. Research shows that early diagnosis and early intervention for Autism have major long-term positive effects on child's symptoms and later skills.

From birth to 6 years old is the fastest stage of brain cell development. This period considered as a "golden stage" as a young child's brain is still forming most rapidly. The development of various aspects of children with slow development during this period has not yet been finalized, and the plasticity is very large (more changeable and "growable" than at older ages). This plasticity allow interventions to have a higher chance of being effective in the longer term and parents must act fast to take advantage of this phase.

3 main interventions recommended are early intervention program, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Collaborate with professionals to promote your child's development.

Bonus tip: Don't fall into the "fix my child" syndrome trap

While interventions are very helpful, don't fall into the common trap of "fix my child" syndrome or over-busying yourself and your child that the most important thing is missed out. Parental involvement is most important for your child's development.

You are your child's best coach!

As a mum and professional in the area of Autism, Dr Shielathy stipulates "90% of a child's progress comes from parental involvement". She discovered a game-changer from her years of parenting her son.