Just Got an Autism Diagnosis? 5 Things to Do First

ByKori
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The air in the room feels different. You just left the doctor’s office, a folder of papers in your hand and a word echoing in your mind: autism. Whether you were expecting it or it came as a complete surprise, receiving a new autism diagnosis for your child can feel overwhelming. Your heart might be racing, your mind a blur of questions and fears. If that’s you right now, I want you to pause. Take a slow, deep breath. You are in the right place. My name is Kori, and I’m here to sit with you in this moment. There is a path forward, and it’s one you don’t have to walk alone. Let’s talk about what to do after an autism diagnosis, one gentle…

The Essential Guide to Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers (A Non-Scary Checklist for Parents)
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The Essential Guide to Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers (A Non-Scary Checklist for Parents)

ByKori
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Understanding Early Autism Signs That little flutter in your heart. The one that’s a mix of wonder and worry as you watch your toddler play. You’re noticing little quirks, things that make you pause. Maybe it’s the way they intensely focus on the spinning wheel of a toy car, or perhaps they don’t turn around when you call their name. And then, the Google search begins. If you’ve landed here, take a deep breath. You’re in a safe space. My name is Kori, and this corner of the internet is a place for gentle guidance, practical support, and zero judgment. You’re worried, and that worry comes from a place of deep love for your child. That makes you a wonderful parent. This guide is not…

Parental Grief and Autism Diagnosis: Reconciling Your Emotions
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Parental Grief and Autism Diagnosis: Reconciling Your Emotions

ByKori
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Not all parents will experience disenfranchised grief following an autism diagnosis. And for those of us that do experience it, we don’t always talk about it. But I think we should. In fact, I would encourage you to talk about it. I would encourage you to acknowledge it. It’s there and it’s real. This is parental grief and the autism diagnosis. And there’s no shame in acknowledging that it happens. For me, it was part of dealing with the initial autism diagnosis. Is It Normal to Feel Parental Grief Over Autism? Honestly, I think this all depends on the individual. Some parents will experience grief and some won’t. And, for that matter, some of us will acknowledge it. Some of us won’t. For me, personally? Acknowledging that…

How to Understand the Autism Diagnosis Process
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How to Understand the Autism Diagnosis Process

ByKori
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If you are just pursuing an autism diagnosis for your child or you are in the beginning stages, here’s how to understand the autism diagnosis process. Be sure to take a look at more of my resources for dealing with the initial diagnosis. Tests and Evaluations for the Autism Diagnosis Process In the last ten years, there have been a multitude of new tests and evaluations for autism spectrum disorder. Some were designed to help with the screening or diagnosis while others were developed for gathering information for individuals already on the spectrum. The ones that I want to talk about are the ones that are most widely and readily available: NAME FORMAT YEAR CREATED Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS) Questionnaire 2001 Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC)…

The Different Signs of Autism in Toddler Boys vs. Toddler Girls
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The Different Signs of Autism in Toddler Boys vs. Toddler Girls

ByKori
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Many young children are not diagnosed with autism until they’re in the toddler stage. It really depends on what you’re looking for with the initial signs of autism and if you’re mindful of the development. I’m not suggesting that all children should be diagnosed, of course. But parents should at least know what to look for. Especially because if you can catch the signs early, you can start therapy early. Early Intervention services were a blessing for us. Sometimes it may also be difficult to discern between a stubborn toddler and an autistic toddler.  After all, when your toddler is in the midst of an epic temper tantrum, we really aren’t going to stop and think- could this be a sign of autism? With an…

Does my child have autism or ADHD?
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Does my child have autism or ADHD?

ByKori
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Autism and ADHD are both neurological disorders. Often, when a child is on the autism spectrum, they may also receive a dual or co-morbid diagnosis of ADHD. Sometimes a child with ADHD may also receive a dual or co-morbid diagnosis of autism. In fact, there are some studies that suggest that up to half of kids on the spectrum, also have ADHD. Both autism and ADHD are also far more common in boys than they are in girls… or, we may just be missing the signs in girls. Often, women are misdiagnosed with anxiety and/or depression before they are diagnosed with ADHD. That was true in my case, anyway. I was diagnosed with depression at the age of 14 but wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD and…