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Click here for help with Diagnosis, Treatment, Potty Training & More...

It might start with a motherly instinct or the concern of a doctor, teacher, or family member. No matter what the initial signs, finding a diagnosis is often the next step - but where to begin?
We'd like to help!
The awesome moms in this group have shared valuable information, ideas, experience and support.
So you've received your diagnosis...now what?  Biomedical, nutritional, alternative, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, neurobehavioral psychology, ABA, early intervention, socialization.  What does it all mean? And how do you know what's right for YOUR child?
Let your fellow moms help you navigate the dizzying sea of treatment options!
From Play Therapy and the Higashi Method to TEACCH and Relationship Development Intervention, there are many different treatment plans.
Members of our wonderful group have posted many personal stories about meltdowns, offered helpful tips, reached out to each other for support and shared helpful information and resources.
Get started with these 5 tips then click below to find more:need to do for them and ignore everybody else.
5. Use rewards
~ Encourage good behavior with a rewards program. Are you looking for help disciplining your ASD child?  You've come to the right place!  Our moms have "been there, done that" and have shared some great advice.
Here are just a few helpful tips shared by moms just like you:
 
1. Base your discipline style on their level of understanding
Higher functioning children can understand rewards and punishments while low functioning children may respond better to redirection rather than consequences.2. Make sure they know why they're being disciplined
Put an "If/Then" chart on the fridge so they know what's expected and what will happen if they don't obey.
Get down on their level and make sure you have their attention before you speak.
Discuss with your child what they did wrong then make them repeat it back to you.
For lower functioning children, repeat short sentences they might understand.  Example: If he turns the TV up too loud -  say "Too loud, too loud, too loud" while turning down the TV.
 3. Use rewards along with consequences
Take away a privilege for bad behavior (TV, video games, computer) but be sure to reward GOOD behavior as well. 4. Redirect
Replace "bad" behavior (throwing a ball in the house) with "good" behavior (take your child outside to throw instead).
Engage them in a calming activity.
Remove them from the situation and offer an alternate, positive activity.
 
5. Be consistent and firm
Don't threaten a consequence without following through.
Be sure you discipline for the same behavior (good and bad) with consistency.
Don't back down from a consequence.
ASD children can be very literal.  Make sure you are telling them to stop a behavior rather than asking.
 6. Allow room for change
Be prepared to adjust your discipline style as your child ages and develops. Potty training.  Every mom has to deal with it.  But when your child is ASD, you face unique challenges, and need support from people who really understand.
Moms in this group are here to help!
You can start right here by reading these 8 favorite tips shared by moms just like you, then scroll down for even more information and advice!

Don’t stress or force it.  Your child will pick up on your stress and resist using the toilet.
Use routine to your advantage.  For a child who thrives on schedules, add regularly timed potty visits to their daily routine.   For example, sit them on the toilet every 30 minutes or hour (or gradually add in more trips to the bathroom over a few days).Pay attention to sensory details and adjust as necessary.   Sometimes changing the lighting, toilet paper, or the location of a potty can help.
Get a bathroom buddy.  Having another sibling potty train at the same time helps many learn to use the toilet.  And don't forget to let your child know each time you’re going to use the bathroom.
Celebrate.  Don’t forget to focus on each victory.  Whether it’s staying dry for a few hours or letting you know when they need to go to the bathroom.  It’s not just about going on the toilet, but also the positive reinforcement along the way.
Use rewards.  This doesn’t work for everyone, but some kids are motivated by sticker charts, toys, or high fives.  Find out what motivates

1. Be Proactive
~ Use these tools to stop meltdowns before they begin: Take note of what triggers meltdowns so you can avoid those places/behaviors/situations, set a schedule and explain expectations to your child, be clear about consequences.
2. Use Distraction
~ Try to head off tantrums before they occur by distracting your child with something they like -- a book or favorite toy, a calming exercise or game.
3. Pick your battles
~ If your child is in a safe place, sometimes allowing the meltdown will help it end sooner.

4. Ignore others
~ Public tantrums can be particularly frustrating.  The best thing you can do is focus on your child and what your child and keep a hearty supply handy.
Be patient.
Don’t give up!
Are you looking for information on school for your ASD child?  We've got tons!
Whether you're deciding between homeschool or public school, struggling with specific school issues, trying to find information about school services for your child, or looking for advice on when to start school, your fellow moms have been there!
 

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If you have questions about the necessity of an item, contact your child's teacher for clarification
2.
Specific brands are sometimes requested for a reason, check with the teacher before buying generic
3.
Find out if students will be pooling supplies before choosing custom items for your child's personal use

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Avoid sweets in the morning to help kids maintain their energy throughout the day
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Whole grain breads, bagels, rice cakes, and waffles are easy bases for a variety of healthy toppings, from eggs to cream cheese to nut butter and more
3.
You can prep breakfast at night by getting items ready in a slow cooker or blender, and then whip it together quickly in the morning

You now have a toddler keeping you on your toes. New character traits develop and you start dealing with tantrums and potty training. Talk to other toddler parents ask and share advice.

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Vaccines can prevent the spread of HPV, the human papillomavirus, an STD that causes most forms of cervical cancer, as well as other rarer cancers
2.
About 12,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year
3.
The CDC recommends vaccination against HPV beginning at 11 or 12 years of age
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Research the risks and benefits associated with the HPV vaccine before getting your teen vaccinated
5.
Boys can be vaccinated against HPV, too
6.
Always discuss your vaccination questions and concerns with your child's healthcare provider