My child has just been diagnosed with Autistic Disorder, Asperger's disorder or PDD-NOS. What should I do next?

For a child under 7 years of age, you should contact the ACT Autism Advisors immediately (see http://autismaspergeract.com.au/advisors).

For an school-age or older child, the pathway is more complex. Firstly, whoever diagnosed your child should have provided some form of treatment plan. If that does not help much then you can think about:

• addressing your child's needs in their education setting
• getting help with the clinical aspect's of your child's disorder
• getting support for community access, if required
• respite and other family supports

Discuss your situation with families having similar experiences. You may be able to meet them though our organisations. Perhaps come to a few Monthly Meetings where you can meet others and ask them some of your questions.

The Federal Government has a Helping Children with Autism package (see our links section). The most relevant part for this age group is funded by DEEWR ... the website is http://www.deewr.gov.au/schooling/HelpingChildrenwithAutism/Pages/HelpingChildrenwithAutism.aspx.

Find out more from the internet or from books (note that Autism Asperger ACT has an extensive library).