What should I do after my child receives an autism diagnosis?

Start by reviewing your evaluation report carefully and meeting with a licensed psychologist or developmental specialist to discuss next steps. Focus on understanding your child’s strengths, developmental profile, and evidence-based supports such as speech therapy, ABA, or occupational therapy.

What therapies are recommended after an autism diagnosis?

Evidence-based therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and parent coaching are commonly recommended. The right combination depends on your child’s age, goals, and learning style.

Can parents get support after an autism diagnosis?

Yes. Access Autism Testing offers virtual parent consultations and support groups where families can learn strategies, connect with others, and get emotional support from a licensed psychologist specializing in autism.

Is testing and support available virtually?

Yes. Access Autism Testing provides 100% virtual autism evaluations, consultations, and support groups for families across Texas, Florida, and Louisiana — no travel or long waitlists required.

How can parents support social and language development at home?

Parents can support communication by modeling simple language, using gestures or visuals, creating predictable routines, and encouraging play-based interactions. Access Autism Testing provides parent coaching to integrate these strategies into daily life.

What are common signs of social or communication challenges in autism?

Some signs include limited eye contact, repetitive speech, challenges with peer interaction, or difficulty understanding tone and facial expressions. A professional evaluation can clarify your child’s unique communication profile.

Can autism assessments be done virtually?

Yes. Access Autism Testing provides comprehensive virtual autism evaluations for children, teens, and adults across Texas, Florida, and Louisiana. The telehealth process is convenient, personalized, and strength-focused.

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Next Steps After an Autism Diagnosis: A Compassionate Guide for Families

Understanding What Comes Next

Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child (or for yourself) can bring a mix of emotions — relief, uncertainty, and questions about what to do next. An autism diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is; it simply helps you understand their strengths, differences, and needs more clearly.

At Access Autism Testing & Consultation (AATC), our goal is to make sure you leave your evaluation not only with answers, but also with a clear, compassionate plan for moving forward.

Take Time to Process

Many parents describe feeling overwhelmed after a diagnosis, even when they suspected it. It’s okay to take a breath before jumping into decisions about therapies and schools.

Give yourself and your child time to:

Reflect on your child’s unique strengths and challenges
Learn more about autism from reliable, neurodiversity-affirming sources
Connect with supportive people and communities
💡 Tip: Focus on what your child enjoys and does well. Those interests and abilities will be key to building meaningful progress.

Review the Evaluation Report Carefully

Your evaluation report is your roadmap. It includes:

A clear explanation of testing results
Your child’s areas of strength and growth
Recommendations for home, school, and therapy

If you completed your assessment with our team, your report will also include personalized, strength-based next steps — not just a list of deficits.

📞 Need help understanding your report? We offer follow-up parent consultation sessions to review findings and help you prioritize recommendations.

Share Results Thoughtfully

When you’re ready, it’s helpful to share your child’s diagnosis and recommendations with:

Teachers and schools — to support IEPs, 504 plans, or learning accommodations
Therapists and healthcare providers — to guide therapy plans
Trusted family and caregivers — to build understanding and consistent support

You don’t have to share everything at once. Start with the people who will directly help your child day-to-day.

Consider a Follow-Up Parent Consultation

Many families choose to schedule a parent consultation session after their evaluation to:

Prioritize recommendations from the report
Learn practical strategies for communication, social skills, and flexibility
Navigate school or therapy options
Create a home plan that feels realistic and encouraging

You don’t have to navigate this alone — we’re here to help you turn insight into action.

If you are located in Texas, Florida, or Louisiana, please do not hesitate to contact us to see how we can serve your family!

Relevant Resources:

Understanding an Autism Diagnosis

Benefits of Early Autism Diagnosis

How to Build a Support Team

Parent Support & Training

Parent Workshops & Training

Parent Consultation vs. Therapy

What are the Right Therapies for Autism?

What does an Autism Diagnosis Mean

How to Interpret an Autism Evaluation Report

Understanding Sensory Needs

Navigating IEPs & School Support

How to Request a School Evaluation

Supporting Social & Language Skills