If you’re child has received an autism diagnosis, you may feel like all of the hopes and dreams you had for your child’s future have ended. These feelings of guilt, grief and fear are normal for parents when they first discover their child is autistic. However, you need to know that you’re not alone and there is help out there for both you and your child.

To help you cope with the autism diagnosis, the following are 10 guidelines for you to take into consideration:

1. Don’t Panic – Feeling overwhelmed is natural at first, but this drowning feeling will pass. You need to remember autism – although a challenging condition – is not a life threatening illness. Autism isn’t the end of the world; take the time to calm down and rationally think things through.

2. Your child is still the same – An autism diagnosis doesn’t mean your child is any different than he/she was prior to your knowledge of his/her condition. A diagnosis has only provided you with the chance to better understand your child, so you can provide him/her with the support that will allow him/her to have the best life. The love you have for your child and all the good you see in him or her will remain their forever. No diagnosis can change that.

3. Educate yourself – Find out everything there is to know about autism. You can find information in books and articles in your local library, bookstore and online. The internet is a fantastic resource for autism.

4. Ask questions – don’t forget to address any questions or concerns you may have with your doctor.

» Read more: Autism Tips – Autism Diagnosis for Your Child, What to Do After All