(855) 223-7123
REFER A CLIENT
GET STARTED
The Stages of Acceptance of Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis
The stages a parent goes through after learning of an autism diagnosis in their child are often described using Elisabeth Kubler-Ross' model. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance are very real and not necessarily linear. However, learning about what each stage may bring will hopefully help ease the confusion, loneliness, sadness, and impotence you are experiencing today.
Though commonly known as the Stages of Grief, we would rather refer to these as Stages of Acceptance, which is more aligned with the vision of progress, love, and action that lies ahead for you and your child.
You’re Not Alone. We’re Here For You.
Our goal is simple: help people with autism and other developmental disabilities fulfill their full potential. We understand that this journey can feel like an insurmountable obstacle, especially at the beginning, and especially if you’re a parent. But that’s why we’re here to help, because nobody should have to do it alone. Ready to get started? Sign-up Today!
Stages of Acceptance
Denial
While some parents feel shocked when learning of their child's autism diagnosis, others act with disbelief. You may probably think there is a mistake and seek a third, fourth, and fifth opinion.
On the upside, denial may move you to seek answers and the help of professionals in the field. However, it may also paralyze you and delay action.
Anger
Anger is considered a healthy reaction to the frustration and stress associated with overwhelming news. Unfortunately, it may manifest itself as rage toward yourself, your children, your spouse, or the Universe itself. Parents often aim their anger toward the professional who announces the diagnosis.
Think of anger as a mechanism that helps us release tension and find a way to vent that doesn't hurt your relationship with others or harm you.
![Steps-[Bargaining]](https://blog.acesaba.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Steps-Bargaining.jpg "Steps-[Bargaining]")
Bargaining
At this point, magical thinking kicks in. You will promise yourself, a higher power or an expert, to do certain things to change the diagnosis. Or you may buy into the idea that specific treatment, class, or therapy will bring a definite "solution."
Autism is not a disease; be suspicious of anyone who promises a "cure" or an easy fix."
Depression
After the initial shock, there comes deep sadness and grief. Consciously or not, we all entertain visions of our children's future. Parents of children with autism mourn that vision.
Allowing yourself to experience this sadness is necessary to move to a place of acceptance and action.
Acceptance
Eventually, you will accept the diagnosis as inevitable. The path forward will become clearer. You will find power in asking questions and in learning the answers. At this stage, many families are more eager to investigate treatment options and get support from others experiencing a similar situation.
This is not the end of the road. There will be times when the previous stages will come back in various forms and degrees. But there is also hope, progress, and joy in the journey.
If you are ready to get help from experienced professional, ACES can help. We are an autism therapy center and have been dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. We offer a variety of autism therapy services including ABA therapy. ABA therapy is one of the best ways to help individuals with autism reach their full potential while also changing long-standing hurtful perceptions of autism along the way. If you are ready to get started, contact us or find an ACES location near you today!
Join an Award-Winning Team
Join the best! ACES is the only autism provider who is nationally recognized for quality care as part of Aetna/CVS’s Institute of Quality. Join us and see why Forbes named us one of America’s Best Midsize Employers for four consecutive years!
Join an Award-Winning Team
Join the best! ACES is the only autism provider who is nationally recognized for quality care as part of Aetna/CVS’s Institute of Quality. We are also an award-winning workplace where you can grow your career, collaborate with a supportive team, and make a lasting impact on the lives of people in your community. Join us and see why Forbes named us one of America’s Best Midsize Employers for four consecutive years!
