WHAT TO DO WHEN FIRST DIAGNOSED? If you have just learned that your child may be Autistic or have a pervasive development disorder (PDD), you must be asking, "What can we do, where can we turn for information?" In this section below, you will find listed a number of suggestions which may be helpful to you and your family during this difficult time. This information is designed to give you a starting point and should not be considered an endorsement of any particular philosophy or technique. It is up to you to do further research and decide what is right for your family and your child. Our children are precious and we hope this information helps you give then the very best chance at success. **The Earthly Angels Autism Fund of the Luzerne Foundation aims to inform and educate about the variety of options available for autistic children and does not endorse any particular method or provider.

1. Contact early intervention. Early diagnoses and intervention is vital. It is never too early to start an intensive early intervention educational program tailored to your child. DO NOT WAIT, START NOW! Evidence shows that early intervention results in dramatically positive outcomes for young children with autism. While various pre-school models emphasize different program components, all share an emphasis on early, appropriate, and intensive educational interventions for young children. click here for local agencies.  For PA residents, call 800-732-6330

2. Obtain a Medical Assistance card. By the laws of the state of Pennsylvania, if a child is diagnosed as 25% developmentally disabled or greater, he/she qualifies for Medical Assistance. See below for Pennsylvania Residents! -Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply for SSI for your child. Social Security will accept or deny your claim in writing. -Complete a "Teddy Bear" form and where asked about family income write the following: LOOPHOLE LAW for 25% developmentally delayed child. When the form is complete, call 1-800-842-2020 for the nearest Medical Assistance office and mail the form via registered mail. Forward with the form a copy of your SSI acceptance or rejection letter. Medical assistance will contact you to setup an interview. You may need to forward physician's reports or other medical documentation. To receive a "teddy bear" form call Allied Services at 570-826-3800 or 570-826-3789. Basically, if you have a child that has been diagnosed as being 25% or more developmentally delayed that child should automatically qualify for Medical Assistance, regardless of family income. Contact your nearest Welfare Office for further details.

3. Share your conversations with other autistic parents. Talk to other parents of autistic children. Share your stories with them as you may find that your conversation contains many common areas. Their knowledge and experiences are priceless.

4. Know your rights and the law. Your child is entitled to the following: -A multi-factored evaluation which will be used to design and appropriate individualized educational plan (IEP). -A free appropriate public education provided according to your child's IEP. -An education in the least restrictive environment with students who do not have disabilities. -Related support service such as: * Transportation * Speech * Occupational and Physical Therapy * Parent & Teacher Training * Equipment * Extended School Year Sessions * Aids for your child -An IEP developed with your input. -A due process hearing if you cannot agree on the IEP with the school system.

5. Readings and education. Behavioral Interventions for Young Children with Autism, by Catherine Maurice & Dr. Gina Green. Let Me Hear Yur Voice, by Catherine Maurice, NH: Knopf, 1993. Teaching Developmentally Disabled Children:The Me Book,By O. Ivar Lovaas, Austin Texas: 1980. Children with Autism: A Parent's Guide, by Michael D. Powers, Rockville, MD: Woodbine House, 1989. Teaching Language to Children with Autism, by Sundberg and Partington, 1998. A Work in Progress, by Leaf and McEachin, 1999. NUTRITION: Special Diets for Special Kids, by Lisa Lewis, Future Horizons, 1998. A Biological Approach to Autism and PDD, by William Shaw, 1998. THERAPY: Facing Autism, by Lynn Hamilton, Waterbrook Press, 2000 Hearing Equals Behavior, by Guy Berard, Keats, 1982. Discover the CranioSacral System, by John Upledger, 1988.

6. Know what Support groups are available. SUPPORT GROUPS S.A.F.E. (Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere) 475 S. Franklin St. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 570-822-7259 Contact: Kim Williams www.autismsafe.org SAFE is a non-profit support group of parents of children with autism. Where to get your child diagnosed for Autism? Parents Loving Children Through Autism Clarks Summit 570-586-8358 Contact: Kathleen Walsh

7. Be and advocate for autism. As soon as you can cope start advocating in the community. Real change only comes about when people make it to happen.

8. Things to watch out for Miracle cures and people who tell you that their way is your child's only hope. People who think your child's autism is an emotional disturbance or is your fault. Teachers, therapists, social workers, etc. working from outdated information.

9. Never, ever GIVE UP!