How can you support an 11-year-old who was just diagnosed with autism?
Getting an official diagnosis opens doors to important services and accommodations. At this age, your child can benefit from several key supports:
Work with the school to create an IEP that addresses specific needs
- Speech therapy if there are Show Full Answer
A small caution on ABA: I have yet to encounter an autistic adult who claims to have benefited from it (many are vehemently opposed to it based on their own experiences); and a good deal of what I have read on the subject (even from practitioners) makes me cringe (but I never experienced it). So do some research (and choose the therapist carefully) before you subject your child to it (and listen to what your child has to say about the sessions).
https://allypediatric.com/blog/parents-guide-wh...
https://as-az.org/after-the-diagnosis-2/
Mesa, Arizona, is the world's first autism-certified city, offering extensive services, including ABA, speech, and occupational therapies, diagnosis, and community support through organizations like Hopebridge, AZA United, and Red Oak Autism Academy. The city provides robust, inclusive support for children and families, featuring specialized resources and high autism awareness.
Key Autism Services in Mesa, AZ
Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center: Offers diagnosis, evaluations, ABA therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, and feeding/swallowing therapy.
Arizona Autism United (AZA United): Provides early intervention, ABA, speech/occupational therapy, and the "Ride-a-bike" program. They are a designated Mercy Care Center of Excellence for ASD.
Arizona Institute for Autism (AIA): Focuses on evaluations, ABA therapy, early intervention, and educational programming.
Red Oak Autism Academy: A specialized school in East Mesa offering evidence-based education.
Arizona Autism: Specializes in in-home care, socialization, and sensory integration.
Community & Support Resources
Autism-Certified City: Mesa has been recognized for its efforts to make local attractions and hotels accommodating for travelers on the spectrum.
Financial Assistance: AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System) can cover medical visits and therapies.
DDD Services: The Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) offers support for habilitation and attendant care, sometimes allowing parents to be paid providers.