What to Do After Your Child Is Diagnosed With Autism

First, give yourself a moment

A diagnosis can bring many feelings at once: relief at having an answer, worry about the future, sadness, or a sudden urge to fix everything this week. All of these are normal. Your child is the same child they were before the appointment. What has changed is that you now have a clearer way to understand them and to look for the right support.

Autism is a difference in how the brain develops, and every autistic child has their own mix of strengths and support needs. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that people with autism have a wide range of needs, so there is no single best approach. That is one reason to take the next steps one at a time.

Go over the report with your pediatrician

Share a copy of the written report with your child's pediatrician and ask for an appointment to talk it through. The pediatrician can help coordinate care and refer you to other services. The CDC notes that a change in behavior is sometimes caused by a medical problem a child cannot describe, such as a headache or toothache, so regular check-ups still matter.

NIMH explains that children with autism may be referred to providers who use behavioral, psychological, educational, occupational, physical or speech-language approaches, and that working closely with health care and service providers is an important part of finding the right combination. Ask your pediatrician which of these make sense for your child, and how to find them where you live.

Any decisions about medication belong with your child's doctor. Bring your questions to that conversation.

Early intervention and preschool services

For babies and young children, early intervention is the name for services and supports for children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. The CDC explains that every state has its own early intervention program with its own eligibility rules, and that these publicly funded programs provide services for free or at reduced cost for any child who is eligible.

1. 1If your child is under 3The CDC says to call your state's early intervention program and say you have concerns about your child's development and would like your child evaluated to see if they are eligible. A doctor's referral is not necessary.
2. 2If your child is 3 or olderThe CDC suggests calling any local public elementary school, even one your child does not attend, and asking for an evaluation for preschool special education services. If the person who answers is unsure, ask for the special education director.

Asking the school for an evaluation in writing

For school-age children, special education is decided through the public school system. Under the federal special education regulations, either a parent or the school may ask for an initial evaluation to decide whether a child is a child with a disability who needs special education. A school's evaluation looks at eligibility for school services. It is a separate process from the clinical diagnosis you already have, and the school makes its own decision.

It is wise to make your request in writing, date it and keep a copy. Some states require it: in Pennsylvania, for example, the state code says a parent's request for an evaluation must be in writing. NIMH also suggests keeping records of your meetings with providers and teachers and copies of reports and evaluations.

You can choose to share your child's private evaluation with the school. The federal rules say that if a parent shares an evaluation obtained at private expense, the school must consider the results, if it meets the school's criteria, in decisions about the child's education. Considering a report is not the same as accepting its recommendations, so ask the school how it will be used. This is general information, not legal advice.

Caring for yourself and the rest of the family

The CDC acknowledges that meeting the needs of a child with autism can put families under a great deal of stress, emotional, financial and sometimes physical, and that respite care can give parents a needed break and help maintain family well-being. Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your child.

• Share the load with a partner, relative or friend, even for small tasks.
• Connect with other parents. NIMH suggests finding an autism support group, where families share information and experiences.
• Talk with siblings in simple terms about what the diagnosis means and does not mean.
• Notice your own sleep, mood and worry, and reach out for support if they stay heavy.

How we can help

Locascio Wellness does not offer autism therapy, ABA, speech or occupational therapy; those are arranged with your doctor or school. What therapists on our team do offer, by secure video, is child therapy for feelings and worries that can come with being autistic, and family therapy to help the whole family adjust, communicate and plan together.

If your child has not been evaluated yet, we offer a child autism evaluation by secure video. Evaluations are offered only to people who are physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during appointments. A parent or guardian arranges it and takes part. Evaluations are private-pay with a sliding scale available, and you can start with the short evaluation request form.

For therapy or an evaluation, you can also set up a free 15-minute consultation on our booking page. If you or your child is in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.