My child just received an autism diagnosis. What’s next?

Navigating a new autism diagnosis can be difficult, and families are sometimes left with more questions than answers. You don’t need to have everything figured out all at once, but here are a few things you can do today to help you move forward.

Save your child’s diagnostic report somewhere easy to access

Your child’s diagnostic report is a multi-page document that includes important information such as the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, the assessments used, and the clinician who ran the assessments. School districts, doctors, insurance, ABA therapy providers, and other medical providers (like speech therapists and occupational therapists) will often ask for a copy of your child’s diagnostic report to determine eligibility of benefits and services available to your child.

Whether you keep a physical copy or a digital copy, make sure the diagnostic report is safe and easy to access when you’re asked for it.

Ask your child’s pediatrician for referrals

An ASD diagnostic report will often include a list of recommended therapy services that may help your child. Your child’s pediatrician can help you find local providers in your area who may also be in network with your insurance.

Consider ABA therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a potential source of support for you and your child, and it is often included in diagnostic reports as a helpful service to consider. Research local ABA therapy companies in your area, or ask your child’s pediatrician for a referral to a provider near you.

Join multiple waitlists

Unfortunately, most ABA therapy companies have a waitlist. In most areas, there are simply not enough ABA therapists to serve the community’s needs. By signing up for multiple waitlists with a few different companies, you increase the chances of your child getting into therapy sooner rather than later. Depending on your area and the number of ABA therapy companies available to you, it can take months or even years before you can secure an open spot for your child.

Even if you’re on the fence about ABA therapy, join a few waitlists now and continue to learn more about whether ABA is right for your child while you wait to hear back.

Explore speech and occupational therapy

Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) and Occupational Therapists (OT) can often help children with ASD by addressing various symptoms and concerns such as difficulty with communication, daily livings skills, and sensory needs. Sometimes a diagnostician will include a recommendation for an SLP or an OT along with their recommendation for ABA therapy. Ask your child’s pediatrician if speech and occupational therapy would be helpful for your child, and see if they have any referrals for local SLP and OT providers in your area.

Connect with other families who understand

You are not alone in navigating a new autism diagnosis. Connect with other parents and caregivers through local Facebook groups, neighborhood parent support groups, school district events, and community organizations such as your child’s therapy providers so you don’t have to navigate the process by yourself.

Learn about your child’s individual strengths and needs

An autism diagnosis is only one part of your child’s overall development. Focus on understanding how your child communicates, what their own personal interests are, their strengths, and the daily challenges they face so you can learn how to best support them. As your child learns and grows with the help and support of their educational teams and therapy providers, learn and grow with them.

An autism diagnosis might be scary, but it can open the door to better understanding your child’s needs and getting them connected with providers who can help. Don’t be afraid to keep asking questions throughout the process so you can get a better understanding of how to best support your child.