My Child Received an Autism Diagnosis. Now What?

An autism diagnosis isn’t an ending. It’s a starting point. It gives you clarity, direction, and access to supports that can help your child learn, grow, and thrive. And most importantly, you don’t have to figure any of this out on your own.

First, give yourself time to breathe

Before scheduling appointments or researching therapies, pause. Processing a diagnosis takes time. You might feel grief, confusion, guilt, or even a sense of urgency to “do everything right away.” Try to give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up.

Your child is the same person they were before the diagnosis. Autism doesn’t change who they are. It simply gives you a clearer understanding of how they experience the world and how you can best support them.

Learn about autism from reliable sources

Once you’re ready, learning more about autism can help you feel grounded and informed. The internet is full of information, but not all of it is accurate or helpful. Focus on evidence-based, medically reviewed resources and guidance from professionals and autistic voices.

Many families find it helpful to learn about:

• How autism can affect communication and social interaction
• Sensory sensitivities and processing differences
• The wide range of ways autism can present at different ages
• Early intervention and therapy options
• What regression in autism may look like

Learn more: Autism Resources for Families

Write down your questions

It’s common to leave appointments feeling like you forgot to ask something important. Writing down your questions ahead of time can help future conversations feel less stressful and more productive.

Some questions parents often ask include:

• What therapies or supports should we consider first?
• How can we support our child’s learning at home?
• What skills or milestones should we look for next?
• What information should we share with teachers or caregivers?
• Are there local resources or parent support groups we should know about?

Keeping a binder or digital folder with evaluations, therapy notes, and school documents can also help you stay organized and feel more in control as your care team grows.

Learn more: 10 At-Home Sensory Activities for Autistic Children

Decide when and how to share the diagnosis

Sharing your child’s diagnosis is a personal decision. There’s no right timeline and no script you have to follow.

When you’re ready, letting teachers, caregivers, or close family members know can help your child receive consistent support across settings. Many people want to help but aren’t sure how. Simple guidance, like asking for extra patience or flexibility, can go a long way.

Explore therapy and support options

After a diagnosis, your child’s pediatrician may recommend therapies based on their individual strengths and needs. One commonly recommended option is applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy.

ABA therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps children diagnosed with autism build meaningful, functional skills using individualized strategies and positive reinforcement. Therapy plans are personalized and focus on areas like communication, social skills, and behavior support.

At Action Behavior Centers, the process typically includes:

• An initial assessment completed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst^® (BCBA^®) to understand your child’s needs and your family’s goals
• Personalized therapy delivered by a Behavioral Therapist or Registered Behavior Technician^®, supervised by a BCBA
• Ongoing progress tracking, with goals updated as your child learns new skills
• Family Guidance sessions, where parents meet regularly with the BCBA to review progress and learn ways to support skill-building at home

Understand insurance and coverage early

Insurance can feel like one of the most overwhelming parts of the process. Coverage, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs aren’t always clear upfront.

At Action Behavior Centers, the admissions team works directly with insurance providers to verify ABA therapy coverage and explain benefits before services begin. This allows families to focus on their child’s care, not paperwork.

Learn more: Insurance & Financial Assistance

Build your support network

Raising an autistic child is not something you’re meant to do alone. A strong support team might include therapists, healthcare providers, teachers, extended family, and other parents who understand what you’re navigating.

You are your child’s strongest advocate, and having the right people around you can make all the difference.

You’re not alone!

An autism diagnosis opens the door to understanding, support, and new possibilities. Take things one step at a time. Ask questions. Lean on others. Celebrate every milestone moment, big or small.

Learn more: Post Autism Diagnosis Guide for Families