Common situations you may face as a new parent and what to do
Based on feedback from Soar families, we’ve put together a list of common situations and potential actions families can consider:
| SITUATION:
“I’m struggling or my partner is struggling to accept that my child’s development may be different.” |
POTENTIAL ACTIONS:
• Listen to your or your partner’s reactions without judgment—these feelings are completely normal • Understand that seeking services early for your child is the most impactful way to help them • Explain that even if your child doesn’t receive an autism diagnosis, there’s no harm done by an assessment or services to support their development |
| SITUATION:
“I’ve been advised to get my child assessed for autism, and there is a multiple-month waitlist for an assessment at my preferred provider.” |
POTENTIAL ACTIONS:
• Get on multiple providers waitlists (see our directory of Colorado providers in the Appendix) • Request to be on a cancellation list in case earlier spots open • Call regularly to see if any new slots have opened • Look into diagnostic assessments via Colorado Early Intervention or a local school district
|
| SITUATION:
“I’m getting services through Colorado’s Early Intervention, but I think my child may need more help.” |
POTENTIAL ACTIONS:
• Seek out and utilize health insurance-based programs (most Colorado health insurance plans cover autism services) |
| SITUATION:
“I think my child is struggling, but my doctor says to wait before making a diagnosis.” |
POTENTIAL ACTIONS:
• Advocate for your child: research and leading medical societies suggest early intervention is key for long-term child outcomes • Consider seeking a second opinion from another doctor
|
| SITUATION:
“I’m unhappy with or have a concern about my autism provider.” |
POTENTIAL ACTIONS:
• Talk to your provider about your concerns and see if they can be addressed • Consider switching to another provider |
| SITUATION:
“I like my autism provider, but I’m unhappy with my therapy team.” |
POTENTIAL ACTIONS:
• Explain your concerns to your provider and see if a different therapy team can be assigned • Consider switching to another provider |
| SITUATION:
“I’ve received a special education placement in a school, but I wonder if I could be doing more for my child.” |
POTENTIAL ACTIONS:
• Consider supplementing school district services with health insurance-based services (most Colorado insurance plans cover autism care) |
| SITUATION:
“I’m emotionally overwhelmed or feel isolated/alone.” |
POTENTIAL ACTIONS:
• Seek help from a professional therapist or physician • Ask for support from your family or community • Find respite care • Join a parent group |
| SITUATION:
“My spouse is handling things differently than I am, or we are having challenges.” |
POTENTIAL ACTIONS:
• Seek to understand your spouse’s perspective and see if there could be a middle ground—everyone processes a diagnosis of autism differently • Consider seeking couples therapy and support from a licensed professional counselor |
| SITUATION:
“A loved one (grandparent, relative, close friend) disagrees with my choices for my child.” |
POTENTIAL ACTIONS:
• Point them to evidence-based resources on autism and autism therapy • Suggest they look into support groups for extended family members • Acknowledge—but don’t be intimidated by—their disagreement |
