Parent Information/Resources
If my child is diagnosed with autism, what are some of the recommendations provided and/or next steps that I can expect?
If your child receives an autism diagnosis, your provider should talk with you about next steps and recommendations that would be helpful for supporting your child’s continued development and functioning. Although recommendations can vary depending on your child’s age and specific presentation, common areas where recommendations are made may include early intervention/school programming, accessing additional services, and/or supports you can implement in the home setting to support your child. Here is more detailed information across each of these areas:
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Early Intervention/School Programming:
o Young Children: If your child is not yet enrolled in school due to young age, your provider may recommend initiating early intervention services through your county. As long as your child is deemed eligible, these services are provided to you at no cost by the county and can help ease the transition of your child into the school system as they get older through the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) when your child turns 3 years old.
o School-Aged Children: For children already enrolled in school, your provider may recommend that you meet with your child’s school team to determine whether your child is eligible for an IEP or 504 Plan based on his/her new autism diagnosis. Your provider should discuss with you what services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc.) and supports (e.g., classroom accommodations, social skills supports, etc.) should be provided to your child in the school setting.
o Older Adolescents: For older adolescents, your provider may also talk with you about your child’s upcoming transition into adulthood (e.g., job training, postsecondary education, etc.).
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Services:
​Depending on your child’s specific areas of concern, your provider may recommend initiating private services to support your child’s development and functioning. Common services that may be recommended include:
o Speech/language therapy
o Occupational therapy
o Physical therapy
o Behavioral/mental health therapy
o Psychiatry/medication management
o Feeding therapy
o Psychological/neuropsychological evaluation
o Developmental monitoring (via a developmental pediatrician or nurse practitioner
with expertise in developmental medicine)
o Participation in a social skills group or other therapeutic group
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Home Supports:
Depending on your specific concerns, your provider may also discuss strategies you can implement at home to support your child. Common recommendations may include ways to assist with behavioral concerns, promoting language development, facilitating social skill development, addressing safety concerns, promoting flexible thinking and behavior, etc. Your provider may also include book and website resources that you can explore to learn more about autism and any additional concerns you may have for your child.​​