Early intervention. But know this A bill was passed by President Clinton stating that if a school could not educate a child to their means, that the school by law had to find that child a school and pay for that school if that school should be private. I fought with my sons public school, they even tried home schooling it didn't work, they had no choice but to pay for him to go to a school that was for autistic children. Most of the school districts know BIG BUCKS, but fight them. Anthony Edwards the actor got this bill pushed. Also get a developmental pediatrician to diagnose your child. I was in New Hampshire heard that from my child's pediatrician.That way that Dr can help by giving you a report, it's a law. Hope this helped.

This maze you're dealing with unfortunately does not get any easier. Your child receives a diagnosis and then recommendations and then a see you later from the doctors... It's really hard to deal with when there's nothing to really guide you.. I know I was there 2 years ago and I'm still there now.
I would recommend to start therapy ASAP whether you choose ABA or Speech and Occupational or anything else ..just try to start as soon as you can. Doing nothing is the worst thing to do. But do know that you will most likely be fighting for things and waiting for appointments and dealing with stuff you never knew existed , you will become very strong and wise during this process...but it's honestly exhausting... Just know the growth you'll see in your child is worth all the work and sacrifices.

with the programs with waitlist (usually private Autism centers) let them know you are willing to participate in Research Studies! We have gotten in Marcus Center here in Atlanta doing just that! What usually take 6 - 9 months for just a evaluation took less than 4 weeks!...No meds, no surgery...just simple research studies. Also your local universities are desperate for kids to participate for their graduate students! We just started a five week Visual Supports program thru georgia State. The sweet girl comes to us and will teach us how to use choice boards/ step boards! its an awesome concept!

We are still new to this thing called autism too...we were diagnosed in January and our son turned 2 Feb 7. The hurry up and wait is the hardest part. Im still so stressed over the lack of urgency with all govt services. God bless the therapist! I know I spent my first month finding local groups to network through. The parents have been there and most are willing to help...at least answer questions (the only dumb question is the one not asked!)...From what I remember Wisconsin is one of the progressive states when it comes to Autism. The is something I found...http://www.wiautism.com/. Of course being in Georgia I have no idea what cities are where or which one is close to you...but call and do not take "he has aged out" or we are "closed for the summer". If you ever want to talk I am usually close to my computer...Keep your chin up, It will get better and you guys will be okay!

Early intervention is best and the earlier the better. We wasted a year when we didn't want to spend a $150/hr on speech therapy on a 2 year old. We didn't hear any alternatives and was surprised how quickly the early intervention people gave up on us without explaining the long-term consequences or other sources of funding. A lot of places have wait lists so you need to get the ball rolling yesterday. A lot of professionals in the field simply expect you to know everything like you're doing open heart surgery based on a You Tube video.

Also consider costs as we quickly blew through our money on therapies not knowing about Medicaid waivers base on the income or your child not you. Amazing nobody told us about that and my wife heard about it from a co-worker.

https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide/sta...