I Just Learned My Child Has Autism — Now What?
with Seema Motwani, OTR/L and Gina G. Baldi, MEd
with Seema Motwani, OTR/L and Gina G. Baldi, MEd
Episode 27, Season 2 | April 13, 2022
The CDC and National Health Statistics Reports estimate that there is a 1-2% chance of a child being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the rates for boys are higher than that for girls. So, if your child has just been diagnosed with autism, you are not alone. In today’s podcast episode, CHC experts Seema Motwani, Occupational Therapist and Gina Baldi, Parent Trainer in our Early Support Program for Autism (ESPA) tell us where to turn for services, therapies and support. Best of all, they remind us that an autism diagnosis doesn’t change who our child is or what they’re capable of. (Hint: anything).
Seema has been a pediatric occupational therapist since 2013. Upon graduating from California State University, Dominguez Hills with her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy, she has immersed herself in the pediatric world. Her background includes working with children at a sensory clinic, home and school based environments, with children of all ages and diagnoses. She treats each child as an individual, finding motivating and exciting play activities while simultaneously challenging them to grow and improve.
Gina has over sixteen years of experience working with children and their families. Prior to joining Children’s Health Council, she was the Director of Early Intervention at Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE) and Area Director for Easter Seals Bay Area – Autism Program. Gina spent much of her time training and empowering parents to support their child’s skill development on all levels. She also trained and supported teams of developmental therapists, behavioral interventionists and teachers to develop successful programs for children on the Autism Spectrum. Gina has worked extensively coordinating services with several agencies and organizations in the Bay Area. She was thrilled to join the team at CHC to continue to offer parent training through ESPA. Gina grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and is still debating which baseball team to root for – Giants or Cardinals. When not working, Gina enjoys family, hiking and exploring San Francisco.
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From Seema & Gina:
Early Language Development Articles – Helpful Information and Tips for Parents
Some parents have found helpful tips on the following on-line free trainings: The first free training videos is at Profectum Foundation. Once you enter the site, select the free Parent Toolbox. These videos are based on Floortime.
Another free online training option is UC Davis MIND Institute’s Adept training – specific to parents. ADEPT Training | Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities | UC Davis MIND Institute.
You can also search videos on Youtube for Pivotal Responsive Therapy (PRT), Floortime and Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and find some ideas.
Articles:
Explaining an Autism Diagnosis to Your Child
Finding Stability After an Autism Diagnosis
Parenting a Neurodivergent Child Is Hard! Self-Compassion Is the Antidote to Stress and Pain
Autistic Girls’ Use of Language May Mask Social Difficulties
What is a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician?
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Engaging in a Social World
With Handout:
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Learn the Signs and Symptoms
Checklist: Autism Spectrum Disorders Symptoms and Signs
Self Evaluation Checklist for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Books
Books with Characters on the Autism Spectrum
Autism: What Does It Mean to Me? Workbook for Children and Youth
Pediatric Neurologist Writes Book to Help Children Understand Autism
The Power of Different: The Link Between Disorder and Genius
In ‘We’re Not Broken,’ Author Eric Garcia Takes On Myths About Autism
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