Nadija has since created Spectrum Soals as an outlet to share her journey with other parents and carers, including tips and support. Her message to all parents concerned about their children is to go with your gut. You know your child best and don’t give up. If you aren’t convinced with a diagnosis result, seek an alternative opinion. Get your child on every waitlist possible – speech, OT, psychology, behavioural therapy, play therapy – the list goes on! You can decide on a therapy that best suits your child and their needs once you begin the process, but initially, get your name on a waitlist for everything. Contact the NDIS, if in Australia, and if your child is developmentally delayed in any area – you don’t need a diagnosis for funding to begin. You are able to change your plan once you have a diagnosis to receive an increase in funding.
You know your child best and don’t give up. If you aren’t convinced with a diagnosis result, seek an alternative opinion.
Nadija’s last piece of advice is help your child to learn. Exposure to learning in any way, shape or form will be your best friend until you receive professional help, as well as into the journey. Early intervention is key to helping your children thrive. Kids’ brains are most malleable between the ages of 0-7. Nadija found the Busy Books by Busy Books Australia extremely helpful and engaging on their journey. Keeping the engagement of children on the spectrum can be difficult, however the Busy Books Australia Busy Books are interactive, they make engagement fun and learning even more fun, and they set children up for those pre-school years.
Nadija is not alone in her journey and you aren’t too. There are many support tools and resources out there to assist you along your child’s autism diagnosis and the journey after. Wishing you all the best as your navigate through these tricky roads.
***The above is not medical advice but is just one persons story and journey. Please discuss you child’s diagnosis with your respected medical professions and conduct your own research in relation to therapy and what is best suited for you and your child.
Kylee Hopper in the Founder of Busy Books Australia. For more information on these resources and using NDIS funding for them, Kylee Hopper is the Founder of Busy Books Australia. For more information on these resources and using NDIS funding for them, visit www.busybooksaustralia.com.au.
