Early Schooling and Autism: Starting Support Early With Support Network

When you find out that your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you wish to do anything possible to stir their development and prosperity. The positive news? You need not to wait. As a matter of fact, the sooner support is provided, the more is the positive outcome. The brain develops rapidly during early childhood and it is during early childhood that children learn and experience many things that may pre-determine life.

Autism is a developmental disability, which influences the manner in which a child communicates, plays and relates with others. It is not something that children grow out of but with proper guidance they can be able to live great fulfilling lives. And this is where early intervention is put to use.

Why Early Childhood Intervention Matters

Early intervention means equipping children with what they require, before they are even born. The leading autism organisations describe it as the most responsive period of life where the brains of children are as sponges. Between birth and about five years of age children literally soak up language, feelings, behaviours and skills more rapidly than they ever will do at any other time.

Each child is an individual, and his/her support plan is unique. Others might require assistance in speech. The others may require occupational therapy or behaviour support. It is not one-size fits all. That is why individual approach, according to the needs and diagnosis of the child is so significant.

We know that it may be a daunting task to initially. You do not have to work everything out by yourself. Support Network is capable of assisting you to find the right people, address your sort of questions, and ensure that you are not working with the NDIS process on your own.

Getting Started With Support

Talking to the paediatrician of your child or diagnosis team is one of the best initial measures. They will assist you with the possible therapy and what awaits you with early intervention. They will also assist you with your NDIS application in case you have not done it.

In addition to that, there are online and local communities that offer support to one another in the form of a family joining to share experiences, ask questions and share tips. It really helps to have people that you can relate to.

With Support Network you are able to locate skilled support workers nearby. Whether you are searching for a speech pathologist or an occupational therapist or a behaviour specialist or a social worker, or any other profession who knows about autism and who knows how to help the early development of a young child, you can contact our platform.

Talking to Your Child’s Preschool

It is also good practice to keep the teachers informed, especially in case your child is already attending some preschool, or he or she starts in the near future. Informing them about the existence of autism gives a chance to experience customized consideration in classrooms.

Teachers already employ the use of strategic tools such as visual and silent, as well as sensory tools, to ensure that autistic children become grounded and focus their attention. Other preschools even allow a therapist to come to the school at the time of a lesson where they can work with the child where he feels comfortable. An approach in teams can be the most beneficial, educators and therapists cooperating with each other to provide your child with help in real time.

Thinking Ahead: What Are the Schooling Options?

It may seem early to consider primary school, but preparing yourself about the options will see life easier ahead of time. The families with autistic children have some valid possibilities:

• Mainstream schools: A large number of children with the condition attend regular public or privately but with some additional support.
• Specialist units within mainstream schools: Schools may operate specialist support classes in autism whilst also enabling the children to interact with their peers.
• Specialist schools: These are specifically placed to attend students with disabilities such as autism but the country is undergoing reform where it is encouraging inclusive education.
• Homeschooling: The homeschooling works well as an alternative for a select group of families, when supplemented with local social activities or treatment.
• Dual enrolment: This is where a child will have access to a mainstream setting part of the week and the remainder of the week at home or in some other help setting.

What is best will always be determined by the needs of your child, your family preferences as well as the type of support that are in your locality.

Picking the Right School

The school selection process may be a major one. Going to schools to have a look around, talking to teachers and going to open days works wonders and gives you a sense of how welcoming and inclusive it all is. Ask about:

• Learning or behaviour support programs
• Autism training of staff
• The manner in which the school embraces diversity and inclusion
• The way they communicate with parents

Speak with other parents within your region, particularly those with kids with ASD. Their experience can be extremely useful.

Making the Transition Smoother

After identifying a school and admitting your child in the school, the next thing would be to plan the process of transition. This usually involves collaborating with the school personnel, the therapists to which your child is assigned, and the preschool to which he/she is enrolled in to ensure that you are ready before the day you report.

The visits or tours beforehand will orient your child regarding the place, the sounds, and the people. Such brief tours will decrease anxiety and make your child feel more confident upon the actual start of school.

Most occupational therapists are also able to design a so-called social story, a personalised booklet full of pictures that describes how going to school would be, with actual pictures and the name of your child. These little actions make autistic children more ready to accept change and not be overwhelmed by it.

Building Independence and School Readiness

Learning ABCs is just a part of preparing a child for school. It’s also about growing independence, such as staying with toileting, carrying out routines, utilising communication tools, or knowing to request for assistance.

Support Workers provided by Support Network can practice these skills from the comfort of home so that your child feels like they are known and safe & ready in the classroom. You will even come across workers who provide school-readiness programs or social skills training.

Setting the Foundation for a Positive Future

When children get the support they need early on, it gives them a solid foundation for learning, friendships, and emotional wellbeing. It also gives parents the reassurance that they’re doing everything they can to support their child’s journey.

And while change is hard for everyone, having the right people on your side makes it easier. Support Network is here to help your family find the right path forward, whatever that looks like for you.

If you’re getting ready to support your autistic child through preschool or into their first years of school, we can help. Whether it’s connecting with therapists, accessing NDIS services, or building a support team around your child, you’re not in this alone.