So you just got an ASD diagnosis, what next?

I'm hoping to  make this a series of tips and information for parents of children with autism - however I'm sure a lot of the information would apply to children with other disabilities! Please feel free to post comments or share your tips, or ideas for further parts to the series. If your child has another disability and you're interested in writing a similar post or series please contact me!

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Part 1

the best starting point would be to look at AAACT's fantastic info book (that's Autism Asperger ACT) http://www.autismaspergeract.com.au/whatdowedonow

If your child is under 7 you should be entitled to the Helping Children With Autism package
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/disability-and-carers/program-services/for-people-with-disability/helping-children-with-autism#2
the best way to find out more about this is to contact AAACT and speak with an Autism Advisor.

 If your child is over 7 unfortunately there is no funding available, however you can attend the free (and highly recommended) Positive Partnerships courses, or work through the modules online.
http://www.autismtraining.com.au/public/index.cfm

If you have a diagnosis of Autism or Asperger Syndrome you should be able to apply for and be eligible for Carer's Allowance (just over $100 per fortnight), if the diagnosis is PDD-NOS you will have to prove your need for it.  when you do this application you should be sent out a Health Care Card - if not contact Centrelink for further information.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/carer-allowance

Various  types of therapy can be useful for your child, your family and yourself. A starting point can be to contact Therapy ACT (TACT) for a multi-disciplinary assessment and to access therapists including social workers, psychologists, speech therapists and occupational therapists.
I believe before you can access their services you will need to attend a series of workshops as an introduction to Autism. unfortunately the days and times for these are very limited and as a working parent I was unable to attend - however my mother was able to attend on my behalf.
http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/therapyact/about_us/TAS

AAACT also run support groups of various kinds including for parents of young children and school age children, as well as a number of activities for kids and families.  If you become a member of AAACT (free) you will have access to their extensive and free library, member newsletters and updates and any workshops etc they run.
http://www.autismaspergeract.com.au/

Online support groups are common to and one of the best ACT region groups is CASPAR (Canberra Autism Spectrum Parents and Relatives)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/casparcanberra/

this newsletter by Anna Tullemans might help with who to tell, how to tell and what to do yourself
http://www.annatullemans.com/assets/documents/newsletters/meeting_the_needs_newsletter_no14.pdf