Guides for Autism | Cadabam’s Child Development Center
Parenting a child with autism can feel overwhelming, but the right guides for autism turn uncertainty into confidence. At Cadabams CDC, we’ve gathered everything you need—clear first steps, daily routines, therapy options, and printable tools—into one easy-to-navigate resource. Whether you just received a diagnosis or want fresh strategies for home, this article is your starting point.
Quick Access Autism Guides
Skip the search maze. Below are the three core autism resource guides parents open most often.
Parent’s First Steps After Diagnosis
- Pause and breathe. A diagnosis is information, not a verdict.
- Organize your paperwork. Keep diagnostic reports, school notes, and insurance details in one folder.
- Reach out. Cadabams CDC offers a free 15-minute call to answer initial questions.
- Start a simple journal to track behaviors, sleep, and eating patterns—this helps therapists tailor plans faster.
Daily Routine & Behavior Guides
- Visual schedules reduce morning meltdowns—laminate and stick them on the fridge.
- First-then boards (“First shoes, then park”) clarify expectations in under five words.
- Sensory breaks every 90 minutes prevent overload; try 5 minutes on a mini-trampoline or with noise-canceling headphones.
- Bedtime checklist with pictures (bath, pajamas, story, lights out) teaches independence and shortens routines by up to 30%.
Communication & Social Skills Tools
- PECS starter pack (Picture Exchange Communication System) lets non-verbal kids request items in 3 steps.
- Turn-taking cards for playdates—each card signals “my turn” or “your turn,” cutting conflict in half.
- Social stories (short, personalized books) explain new events like haircuts or birthday parties in child-friendly language.
- Emotion thermometers help children label feelings before they escalate.
Step-by-Step Autism Resource Guide
Step 1: Understanding the Diagnosis
- Learn the autism spectrum ranges from minimal support to high support needs.
- Request a plain-language report summary from your clinician; Cadabams CDC can translate jargon into everyday words.
- Connect with other parents in our moderated WhatsApp group—shared stories shrink isolation.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Therapy
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Evidence-based, goal-oriented, and insurance-friendly.
- Speech Therapy: Targets both verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Focuses on sensory integration and daily living skills.
- How to decide:
- List your child’s top 3 challenges.
- Match each challenge to therapy goals.
- Book a consultation at Cadabams CDC to build a blended plan.
Step 3: Creating a Home Support Plan
- Designate a calm corner with dim lighting, bean bags, and fidget toys.
- Post house rules using pictures—fewer words, more visuals.
- Set 3 micro-goals per week (e.g., “use 5 new words,” “try one new food”).
- Celebrate wins with a sticker chart—10 stickers earn a family dance party.
Autism Tools for Parents
Download, print, and start today.
Printable Visual Schedules
- Morning, school, and bedtime routines in color and black-and-white.
- Icons include brushing teeth, putting on shoes, and tablet time.
- Available in English, Hindi, and Kannada.
Sensory Checklists
- Tick-box list covering sound, touch, taste, and movement sensitivities.
- Helps you spot triggers before they explode into behaviors.
- Share the completed checklist with your therapist for faster progress.
Progress Trackers
- Weekly skills tracker: communication, self-care, and play.
- Simple 1–5 rating scale—no jargon.
- Graph functions show growth over 12 weeks, perfect for IEP meetings.
Additional Resources & Tools
Recommended Apps & Software
- Autism Core – daily data tracking made simple.
- Jellow – emotion-based AAC app developed in India.
- Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame – teaches problem-solving in 3 taps.
Books & eBooks
- Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew – quick read for grandparents.
- The Reason I Jump – first-hand insights, now in eBook and audiobook.
- Cadabams CDC’s free eBook: “First 30 Days After Diagnosis”—download on our site.
Community Support Groups
- Parent Circle Zoom meetups every Saturday at 4 p.m. IST.
- Sibling support groups for brothers and sisters aged 7–12.
- Dad’s Coffee Chat on the first Sunday of each month—no formal agenda, just shared stories.