what education to choose?? - please help

[mylittleone]

hi,

how are you doing?

my niece was diagnosed 10 days ago with autism. she has the classic signs
of it:
* no eye contact. does not play with other kids.
* does repetitive things. resists change - cries till she gets it her way.
* non-verbal.

she will be 3 yrs old on August 8th 2005.

its been emotionally drainig for our family to find this out. I am doing
all the research on at-home programs so we can start on things ASAP.
I know NOW is the time.

I would be grateful if you could answer a few questions/concerns for me.
1) How much would the county and other groups help us with providing my
child with expert(s) at home? I mean monetarily as well as help with
finding that professional.
2) is it a good idea to keep her at home for 1 year and hopefully when
she somewhat catches up with other kids, she can start kindergarten with
help of a para?
3) please guide us from your experiences. I do not know which way to go.


your help is highly appreciated.

thank you!
Varun Tandon
vtandon@yahoo.com

[Autismskat]

:) Hello,
I can tell you that early intervention is a great way to go. My youngest son
has classic autism. He was diagnosed when he was three. Its been quite a
journey. Check out the special education agency in your area. They would
be able to determine what route is a good start for your niece. I also have
a son with speech delays, so I feel for your family. I hope I've helped
some-what.
Autismskat :santa:

[mlwear]

Seems that services vary greatly by location. The other variable is the parent/advocate ensuring that those services are received. Often this is difficult, but there is a lot of information to help. Don't feel overwhelmed or worried. Take it one step at a time.
Start by calling your public school district's department of ed. Should be able to find number in govt. pages of phone book. (Just tell them that you are referring your child for services.) The school system will eval. and determine services. You can use private services, but it is usually very costly. You may want to supplement what the school district provides with some private therapies. Just let that be determined later. Again, don't get overwhelmed.
For my son, getting help with the sp. ed. preschool program provided by the public school was extremely helpful. He would have not progressed nearly as well at home. Variety of reasons: staff is trained (and they helped me continue things at home), they have equipment/resources at school, socialization.
Monetary aid for many things again depends upon where you live and income level and what you pursue.
Organizations you may want to check with: your local Autism Society of America chapter www.autism-society.org , ARC, Easter Seals, County Community Services.