Are There Family Choices For Autistic Children? What Can Be Done?

Though there are still many gaps in the services available to children and adolescents who have autism or behavioral concerns. One must be aware, that there are many fine programs and services in place and numerous accomplished and caring providers who work with children and their families.

There are resources for families who want to understand more about programs that may be available to serve their children and youth with autism, their strengths and abilities in supporting their healthy development. The goal is to provide information and referrals to the local resources that can assist one in making informed decisions about services for your children.

In general, mental health and other support services for autistic children with emotional or behavioral disorders focus on the importance of receiving services in regular settings, such as the home of the child, school, and community rather than an agency, group home, or institutional placements, whenever possible.

New community-based services are based on the understanding that families are vital to the well-being and continuing health of their children. Respect for family choices, family strengths, and family priorities is integral to success. Families must be provided with information about their rights and their responsibilities in the systems in which they or their children receive services. They must also receive information on how to work effectively with providers and within systems. In other words, the information you know about your child, including health, relationships, school performance, likes, dislikes, fears and accomplishments, should be used to develop a service plan that meets the needs of your child and your family.

Recognizing and respecting the strengths of families is a key to the success of community-based, autistic health and family support services.

Organizations that effectively serve families of children with autistic concerns, now exist in virtually every state. Less formal networks of families who are dealing with extraordinarily difficult day-to-day problems or struggling with feelings of shame or blame for their problems for their children. Families often participate with providers and other professionals to develop policies that affect autistic health service design and delivery at national, state, and local levels. Many states require the participation of families in service development. Families have organized across the nation to help develop services, (self-help groups, respite care, information resources).

There are family choices for autistic children. Check out the many resources in your community, and on-line resources that will help you have a better perspective of making choices.



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