Autism Parent Guide | Cadabam’s Child Development Center
Welcome to the only autism parent guide you’ll need this year. At Cadabams CDC, we’ve turned decades of clinical experience into clear, doable steps you can start today—whether you just noticed a delay or you’re years into the journey.
Quick-Start Autism Parent Guide
5-Minute Autism Signs Checklist for Parents
Print this, circle what fits, and keep it for your pediatric visit.
| Red Flag (18–36 months) | Typical Milestone |
|---|---|
| No shared pointing or waving | Points to show interest by 14 months |
| Limited or no two-word phrases | Combines words like “more milk” by 24 months |
| Lines up toys, upset by change | Engages in pretend play |
| Avoids eye contact | Looks when name is called |
| Sensory meltdowns >20 min daily | Calms with comfort |
Tip: If you circled two or more items, book a developmental screening within the next 30 days.
Downloadable PDF: First 30 Days Action Plan
Grab your free, no-email-required copy:
Understanding Autism: What Every Parent Should Know
Early Signs vs. Typical Development
6–12 months
- Autism: No back-and-forth babble
- Typical: Smiles when smiled at
12–18 months
- Autism: Walks on tip-toes only
- Typical: Uses gestures like waving
18–24 months
- Autism: Loses previously used words
- Typical: Vocabulary “explosion” starts
Types of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Levels 1-3)
| Level | Support Need | Real-World Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Some support | Needs prompts to join group play |
| 2 | Substantial support | Uses sentences but unclear to strangers |
| 3 | Very substantial support | Non-verbal, requires daily assistance |
Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions
- Myth: Bad parenting causes autism.
Fact: Genetics and prenatal environment are the biggest factors. - Myth: Kids will “grow out of it.”
Fact: Early therapy changes outcomes, but autism is lifelong. - Myth: All autistic children have intellectual disability.
Fact: About 40% have average or above-average IQ.
Expert Therapies & Interventions Compared
Behavioral Therapy (ABA) Pros & Cons
Pros
- Evidence-based for communication & daily living skills
- Can start as early as 18 months
- Parent coaching built in
Cons
- Time-intensive (10–30 hrs/week)
- Needs qualified provider—check credentials
- Insurance may limit hours
Speech & Occupational Therapy Benefits
Speech Therapy
- Targets articulation, social pragmatics
- Uses play-based methods for toddlers
Occupational Therapy
- Sensory integration tools (swings, weighted vests)
- Fine-motor skills: cutting, writing, dressing
How to Choose the Right Mix for Your Child
- Get a developmental assessment at Cadabams CDC.
- Ask: “Which goals matter most this year—speech or toileting?”
- Start with the one that removes the biggest barrier.
- Add complementary therapy after 3–6 months of progress data.
Navigating School & Special Education Rights
IEP vs. 504 Plan: What Parents Need
| IEP (Individualized Education Program) | 504 Plan |
|---|---|
| Special education services | Classroom accommodations only |
| Legally binding goals | Broader disability coverage |
| Reviewed annually | Reviewed as needed |
Advocacy Tips for Meetings
- Bring a second parent or friend to take notes.
- Open with your child’s strengths—sets a collaborative tone.
- Ask to see draft goals 48 hours before the meeting.
Classroom Accommodations Checklist
- Noise-reducing headphones
- Visual schedule taped to desk
- Extra time on tests
- Fidget tools (stress ball, chewy tube)
- Movement breaks every 20 minutes
Parent Self-Care & Family Support
Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout
- 10-minute rule: If you haven’t had 10 minutes alone today, schedule it now.
- Use the “3-item to-do list” instead of an overwhelming master list.
- Try the “Box Breathing” app—proven to lower cortisol in 4 minutes.
Top 5 Autism Support Groups Online & Offline
- Cadabams CDC Parent Circle (weekly Zoom, free)
- Facebook: “Desi Autism Parents” (moderated)
- WhatsApp: “ASD Dads India” (evening check-ins)
- Local: Rotary Autism Support, Bangalore chapter
- National: Parent to Parent USA (mentor matching)
Sibling Support Strategies
- Create “special time” boxes—15 minutes daily with each neurotypical sibling.
- Explain autism in kid-friendly language: “Ravi’s brain works like a Mac in a Windows world—different, not broken.”
- Teach simple advocacy: role-play how to answer classmates’ questions.
Free Resources & Downloads
Printable Visual Schedules
Morning, bedtime, and school-day versions—laminate and stick to the fridge.
First-Then Charts & Token Boards
Use “First brush teeth, then iPad” to reduce resistance. Tokens exchange for 5-minute rewards.
Monthly Webinar Calendar
Every first Saturday, 11 a.m. IST—topics rotate from potty training to puberty.