After an Autism Diagnosis: First Steps for Parents

The moment you hear the words “your child has autism,” the world can feel like it has shifted. Some parents feel relief because they finally have an explanation. Others feel grief, fear or confusion. Many feel all of these at once. Whatever you are feeling, it is valid.

The diagnosis does not change who your child is. They are the same child they were yesterday. What it does change is your access to support. This guide lays out practical first steps for the weeks after a diagnosis, so you can move forward one step at a time instead of trying to do everything at once.

Give yourself a moment

Before diving into phone calls and paperwork, give yourself permission to process. Talk to your partner, a trusted friend or family member. Write down your questions as they come up. You do not need to have everything figured out this week.

Step 1: Get the written report

Ask the clinician who diagnosed your child for a written report if you do not already have one. This report usually includes:

The diagnosis.
What the clinician observed.
Your child’s strengths and areas of need.
Recommended services.

This document is important. Insurance companies, therapy providers and schools often ask for it. Keep a few copies, and save a digital version.

Step 2: Understand the recommendations

Read the recommendations carefully. They might include applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, developmental support or school services. If anything is unclear, call the clinician and ask them to explain.

The CDC notes that there are many types of treatment for autism, and that behavioral approaches like ABA have the most evidence for treating symptoms. The CDC also notes that there are no medications that treat the core symptoms of autism, though some medications can help with co-occurring issues. Your child’s doctor can talk to you about whether any of that applies to your child.

Step 3: Talk to your pediatrician

Share the report with your child’s pediatrician. They can:

Help coordinate care.
Write referrals your insurance may need.
Check for other health issues that sometimes come with autism, such as sleep or stomach problems.
Answer questions about your child’s overall health.

Step 4: Check your insurance

Call your insurance company and ask what services are covered. Our upcoming article on questions to ask your insurance about ABA will go into more detail, but key questions include:

Is ABA therapy covered?
Do I need a referral or prior authorization?
Is there a limit on hours or visits?
What will my out-of-pocket costs be?

If your child has Medicaid, children under 21 are entitled to the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit, which covers medically necessary services. Ask your plan how this applies to your child.

Step 5: Contact therapy providers

Many families start by contacting ABA providers, since ABA is often recommended. When you call, ask:

Do you have openings, and is there a waitlist?
What insurance do you accept?
What does the intake process look like?
Do you offer clinic-based sessions, in-home sessions or both?

Our guide on how to choose the right ABA therapy provider has a longer list of questions. You can also learn about clinic-based ABA therapy and in-home ABA therapy at Adapt For Life.

Step 6: Look into early intervention or school services

The services available depend on your child’s age.

Under 3: Indiana’s early intervention program, First Steps, serves infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Your pediatrician can help with a referral, or you can contact the program directly.
3 and older: Your local school district may offer special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). You can request an evaluation in writing.

Our article on working with your child’s school and IEP team will cover this in more detail later this month.

Step 7: Start a simple organizing system

You are about to collect a lot of paperwork. A simple system helps:

A binder or folder with sections for medical, insurance, therapy and school.
A notebook or phone notes for phone calls: date, who you spoke to, what they said.
A calendar for appointments.

This saves time and stress later.

Step 8: Learn, but pace yourself

There is a lot of information about autism online, and not all of it is accurate. Stick to trusted sources like the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics and your child’s care team. Our ABA therapy resource hub and article on navigating autism are good places to start.

Try not to read everything at once. Focus on what you need to know for the next step.

Step 9: Find support for yourself

Caring for your child includes caring for yourself. Consider:

Local parent support groups.
Online communities moderated by reputable organizations.
Talking to a counselor if you are struggling.
Asking family and friends for specific help, such as a meal or an hour of childcare.

Step 10: Keep seeing your child, not just the diagnosis

It is easy to start seeing everything through the lens of the diagnosis. Remember to enjoy your child, celebrate their strengths and notice the things that make them unique. Therapy is about helping your child build skills, not changing who they are.

A sample first-month plan

Week	Focus
Week 1	Get the report, process the news, write down questions
Week 2	Talk to your pediatrician, call your insurance
Week 3	Contact two or three therapy providers, start intake
Week 4	Contact early intervention or school, set up your binder

This is just an example. Move at a pace that works for your family.

Talking to family and friends

Deciding who to tell, and when, is a personal choice. Some parents share the news right away; others wait until they feel ready. When you do share, it can help to keep it short and focused on what you need. For example: “Our daughter was diagnosed with autism. We are starting therapy soon. The best way you can help is to learn a little about it and keep inviting us to things.” You may get unhelpful comments from people who mean well. It is fine to set boundaries and point them to reliable sources like the CDC.

Talking to your child

How and when you talk to your child about the diagnosis depends on their age and understanding. Young children may not need an explanation yet. Older children often benefit from honest, simple language that focuses on strengths: “Your brain works in its own way. It is great at some things and finds other things harder. We are going to get help with the hard parts.” Your child’s care team can suggest age-appropriate books or approaches.

How Adapt For Life can help

At Adapt For Life, we work with families from the very first phone call. We can help you understand your child’s recommendations, check your insurance benefits and plan a starting point. Our BCBAs create plans built around your child’s strengths and your family’s goals.

Talk to Our Fort Wayne Team

If your child was recently diagnosed and you live in or near Fort Wayne, our team can help you understand your options and plan the next steps.

Adapt For Life – Fort Wayne

Address: 4118 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Phone: +1 (260) 267-0767
Email: fortwayne@aflaba.com
Location page: ABA therapy in Fort Wayne
Main helpline: +1 (502) 965-1116

Ready to take the next step? Get started today and our team will walk you through intake, insurance and scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first after my child’s autism diagnosis?

Get the written report, understand the recommendations and talk to your pediatrician. Then check your insurance and contact therapy providers.

Is ABA therapy the only option after a diagnosis?

No. Recommendations may include speech therapy, occupational therapy and school services. ABA is often recommended because behavioral approaches have strong evidence.

How soon should therapy start?

Your clinician will give guidance. Many families start the process soon after a diagnosis because waitlists and paperwork can take time.

Does Indiana have early intervention for toddlers?

Yes. Indiana’s First Steps program serves infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Your pediatrician can help with a referral.

Can Adapt For Life help Fort Wayne families after a diagnosis?

Yes. Contact our Fort Wayne clinic and the team will walk you through intake and next steps.