The first thing I would say is that you are going to have to seek things out because no one or no place is going to come to you. Also as hard as this sounds try to be patient because everything is going to take time, and you are going to have to wait for everything. You are going to have to apply for all of the services you need and they are all going to take weeks if not longer. Look into your state agencies because your private insurance is not going to pay much of anything. Apply for all state assistance you can, and also apply for SSI through the feds. Do not let the school systems push you around, you are going to need to advocate for your child because they are going to try to take the cheap way out as much as possible. Have any test done the schools ask you to because even though most times it is a stall tactic, you are gathering more and more ammo to use against them.

Mostly I would say to you that you are going to soon find out who your friends and family really are because most of the time they are not and will never be living in the same world as you are. Do not let them push you into doing things that are not in your child’s best interest, and just because something worked with their normal child does not mean it is going to work with yours. Always remember you are the parent and you know what is best, and even if others give you a hard time or try to make you feel bad about something they are not living your life or your child’s so just take it for what it is worth and move on.

Get started on therapies ASAP!

I highly encourage you to read "The Autism Book" by Dr. Bob Sears and "Healing the New Childhood Epidemics" by Dr. Kenneth Bock. Traditional therapies like speech, OT, ABA if you can get it, etc. are important, but the gains we have seen from them have been of the "slow and steady" kind, whereas we have seen dramatic jumps literally within days of adding certain nutritional supplements.

First thing to know is that you will have to be your child's advocate. As someone above said, they will not come to you. I started with my son's school district and had them do the evaluations. Granted I needed to get a little creative, but I got what I wanted (can we do this screening to rule it OUT?). A good pediatric neurologist is a good idea if you can find one. Children on the spectrum are, for some reason, more susceptible to seizure activity. Get that ruled out. You may have to seek out other therapies on your own. I couldn't get OT through the school until my son was in 3rd grade (he was diagnosed at 5 as well). I took him to OT on my own because I suspected sensory issues. Turns out I was right. It just took a lot of doing to get the school on board. And you may have to fight the school a little bit. Special ed and related services cost money that districts are loathe to spend if they don't have to. Be prepared to advocate as much as you have to. www.wrightslaw.com has wonderful tips on how to get an IEP and what to put in it. Speak up, be the squeaky wheel. They'll give you what you want eventually to get you off their back. Now that my son is older, we have him going to a psychologist to work on some organizational and behavioral issues, so keep that in the back of your brain (he's a tween, I think that says it all). Good luck with everything and remember that you are not alone in this journey.

YVA, I live in Maine.. so where I receive case management would be different than you but I would try the following. Your childs primary care Physician should have knowledge of reputable case managers and could make a referral for you. Also, look in your phone directory in the yellow pages under childrens case management.. That should provide you information. Also, the social worker or principal at your childs school should be able to help. My sons case manager works directly with the school on a regular basis and attends his IEP meetings... I sincerely hope this helps.