Autism and SLPs

Perspectives from a Speech Language Pathologist

What now?

The challenges facing parents and families of children with autism can be overwhelming. Below is a working paper written by a father of a child with autism titled "Advice for Parents of Young Autistic Children." It covers everything from possible causes, available treatments, therapies, and more.
http://www.autismtoday.com/AdviceForParents.pdf

Navigating through Special Education

The Arizona Department of Education, Exceptional Student Services has Parent Information Network (PIN) Specialists. The purpose of these PIN Specialists is to help parents with essential information to actively participate in their child’s special education. In addition they have FREE workshops and trainings, provide printed recourses and consultation covering a variety of issues. http://www.ade.az.gov/ess/SpecialProjects/pinspals/

Diet

Specialized diets and nutrition have made recent headlines. Please be cautious and always keep in mind, what works for one child does not mean it will work for all children. A healthy diet is encouraged for children with ASD, just as it is for every child and adult.
“Children with autism are not classically deficient, but most are low in some essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids.” J. McCandless.

According to evidenced based research, omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment for many side effects of autism. Different studies using children with ASD  between the ages of 3-17 years found an increase in language and learning skills and a decrease in hyperactivity and stereotyped behaviors following treatments with fatty acids.

Safety

In addition to worrying about how a child will do in school, the community, and in the future, there is the most basic of necessities, safety. Below is an outline for an Autism Emergency. It has helpful tips for families, from families.  
http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/safetytoolkit.php