Steps After an Autism Diagnosis
- Stay connected or connect with your local Autism Program. Your local Autism Program can help as your child and family moves through the milestones and transitions of growing up.
- Apply for funding to help your child access therapies, supports, and services.
- Ask your support network for suggestions of reputable resources including groups or people to follow on social media.
- You do not have to do this alone. Surrounding yourself with people who “get it” can be a huge relief.
- Keep learning about your child’s unique profile. Every child is different and understanding your child’s strengths, interests, sensory preferences, and communication style will help you support them.
- Your relationship with your child is the important. Spend time together, have fun, and celebrate what brings them joy.
- Connect with parents of autistic children for support and to share similar experiences.
- Contact Autism Navigation if you need further assistance.
Building a Support Network
Contact your local Autism Program to see what services are available in your area:
- Screening
- Consultation
- Therapies
- Advocacy
- Resources
- Education groups
- Parent Support Groups
Consider options for private therapies:
Explore possible funding sources if needed:
- Employee health benefits
- Funding Programs
Join a local caregiver support group (in-person, virtual or social media)
Contact Autism Navigation if you need further assistance.
Meet the professionals who can help
| Autism Consultant | Serve as the local autism expert providing education, navigation support, screening and support for autism assessment. Autism consultants support children and their families, along with the agencies and services on their team to identify, understand and meet their needs from early childhood through transition to adulthood. Supports may include providing or facilitating therapies, social and behavioral differences and respite. |
| Autism Support Worker/Interventionist | Implements individualized therapeutic programming in homes, community or clinic under the direct supervision of an Autism Consultant. |
| Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) | Provides assessment and diagnosis of speech, language, and communication difficulties. SLPs help with learning to play, talk, and understand and can support social/emotional learning and executive function skills from infancy through adulthood. |
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | OT for autism often focuses on play skills, motor skills, learning strategies, and self-care. OT strategies can also help understand and manage sensory processing differences. The OT will begin by evaluating your child's current level of ability. |
| Social Worker (SW)/Mental Health Therapist | Works with both the parent and child implementing programs and strategies supporting mental health, emotional regulation, transition planning, and community engagement. |
| Behavior Consultant | With specific training in how children learn from a behavioral perspective, behavior consultants develop individualized programs to help children develop skills to be successful in their daily lives. Behavior programs may help children across all areas of learning. |
| Physical Therapist (PT) | Works on activities and exercises that help with motor skills and to improve strength, range of motion, posture and balance. PTs work on the skills needed for independence with walking, sitting, playing, and other movements and actions. |
| Psychometrist | Assists the psychologist with testing. |
| Dietician | Works with caregivers to feed their children the best possible nutrition through the foods they eat helping children feel well and be healthy. |
