Facing a diagnosis with lifelong consequences can be devastating for parents and families of people with autism. It's natural to feel denial, anger and grief – your child hasn't died, but many of your dreams have. It's important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of autism doesn't rule out a happy, productive and even independent life for the child – it just makes it more challenging to achieve.

First things first.
In study after study, it's been shown that treatment that starts early and is intensive can increase the ability of the person with autism to communicate, interact and learn. There are many resources available to help you get the treatment that your child needs, from Early Intervention services through transition placement into adult services if needed. Contact your local school department or visit the National Early Childhood Technical Assistance web site for information on getting services for your child and your family.

Dealing with Stress
Dealing with autism on a daily basis can put a lot of stress on your family, and every member in it. Be aware of it and take steps to combat it. If possible, find respite services in your area to give you a `break' from caring for your child on occasion, and make a point of finding time for other children in your family. You may find that regular family counseling sessions help relieve stress, or find a stress-releaser in taking yoga, meditation courses, or even engaging in an active sport once a week. The important thing is to remember that you can be a more effective parent to your child if you are taking care of yourself.

Support Groups
One of the most effective places to turn for help is to a support group of other families that are dealing with similar problems. While every child with autism is different, many of the stresses and problems are the same. From a listening ear and sympathy to concrete suggestions on how to deal with situations from someone who's been there, support groups can help you get through when you're sure that it's all about to fall apart.

Mentoring
As your child grows up, you may find one of the best resources of all for him or her among adults with autism spectrum disorders. There are a number of associations made up of people who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders who have taken it upon themselves to advocate for people with autism. It's not unusual among these groups for an adult who is living with Asperger Syndrome, for instance, to take a teen with AS under his wing and help him deal with the conflicting emotions and problems of growing up `different'.

Dealing with Financial Stress
Therapies and treatments for your child can be expensive, and aren't always covered by your existing insurance. There are many programs that can help out with the financial stresses brought on by having a family member with autism. One of the best moves that you can make after a diagnosis of autism is to get in contact with a local chapter of one of the national groups for people with autism. They'll be aware of medical benefits and other benefits that you may be able to access to lift some of the financial burden and its associated stress.