First Steps: What to Expect After an Autism Diagnosis

Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can spark a whirlwind of emotions – relief at having an explanation, grief, anxiety over next steps, and determination to get them the support they need.

Take a deep breath. You've taken the first important stride in getting your child on a path that leads to them living their best life possible.

Here are some typical first steps that will likely follow:

Accessing Early Intervention Services

If your child is under age 3, your family will be connected to free early intervention services in your state to begin therapies like ABA and speech right away. An evaluation and individualized treatment plan will be developed.

For ages 3 and up, your local public school system becomes a hub for special education services and therapies. An Individualized Education Program (IEP)meeting will lay out goals, needed accommodations and support hours.

Building a Care Team

You'll want to assemble a multidisciplinary team of providers like an ABA therapist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist and developmental pediatrician. Good communication and coordination between all professionals is key.

Many families find having a case manager to oversee everything and advocate for their child's needs is invaluable during this process.

Seeking Out Parent Support

Don't underestimate how important emotional support from other parents on similar journeys can be. Seek out local organizations, Facebook groups, or informal meetups to build connections and learn from others' experiences.

Preparing for ABA

Your child's ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy will likely become a significant part of their routine. ABA is a scientifically validated approach that focuses on increasing desired behaviors and decreasing challenging ones. Expect your ABA provider to conduct assessments to identify your child's strengths and areas needing improvement. They'll then design a personalized treatment plan targeting specific skills, such as communication, social interaction, and daily living skills.

During ABA sessions, your child will engage in various activities designed to teach new skills and reinforce positive behaviors. These sessions are structured, often incorporating visual aids, prompts, and rewards to facilitate learning. As a parent, you'll play an active role in your child's ABA therapy, receiving training on strategies to support their progress and generalization of skills to different settings.

It's important to approach ABA with an open mind and commitment to consistency. While progress may not always be linear, celebrating small victories along the way can help keep spirits high. Remember, every child is unique, and ABA programs are tailored to meet individual needs and goals.

As you navigate this new chapter, know that you're not alone. Reach out to your support network, lean on professionals for guidance, and trust in your child's potential for growth. Together, you'll chart a course filled with hope, progress, and endless possibilities.