My Child Was Diagnosed With Autism: What Happens Next?

After an autism diagnosis, start by getting a copy of your child’s evaluation report, reviewing the recommendations with their healthcare provider, and identifying the supports that fit their needs. You can also contact early intervention or your school district and begin conversations with therapy providers. You don’t have to tackle everything in one day.

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An autism diagnosis can bring answers, questions, relief, uncertainty, or several feelings at once. If you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out today. Your child is still the same child you know and love, with their own interests, strengths, personality, and ways of experiencing the world.

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At BPI, we believe meaningful support begins with understanding each child and family. This checklist can help you turn a long list of recommendations into manageable next steps.

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1. Gather your child’s reports and important documents

Request the complete written diagnostic evaluation and keep it somewhere you can easily find it. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reviewing the report and discussing its recommendations with your child’s pediatrician.

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Create a secure digital folder or binder for:

• Your child’s diagnostic evaluation and recommendations
• Relevant medical records and referrals
• Previous speech, occupational therapy, or developmental evaluations
• School evaluations and any existing education plan
• Insurance information and provider contact details
• Questions, appointment notes, and follow-up tasks

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Before sending records, ask each provider which documents they need and how to submit them securely. A simple record of what you sent and when will make follow-up easier.

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2. Ask someone to walk through the recommendations with you

Reports can include unfamiliar language or several recommendations at once. These recommendations aren’t always intuitive, and that’s okay. Schedule a conversation with the evaluating clinician or your child’s healthcare provider to understand what each recommendation means for your child.

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Helpful questions include:

• What strengths did you notice during the evaluation?
• Which needs should we address first?
• What is the purpose of each recommended service?
• Are any additional evaluations or medical follow-ups recommended?
• Who can help us coordinate referrals?

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If you have concerns about sleep, eating, discomfort, or changes in behavior, bring them up with your child’s healthcare provider. Not every difficulty is related to autism, and it’s worth checking.

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3. Write down what matters most in your child’s daily life

Before contacting providers, make a short list of your child’s interests, communication preferences, and routines. Include what’s going well and where your child could use more support.

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For example, your family might want help with communicating a need for a break, navigating transitions, participating in meals, or enjoying play with others.

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Try this starting point: “A meaningful change for our child would be…”

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Your observations help providers connect recommendations to everyday life. Your child’s voice matters here too, so include their preferences in whatever way works best for them.

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4. Explore supports based on your child’s needs

An autism diagnosis doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all service plan. Ask your care team which supports match your child’s current needs and what each one would aim to accomplish.

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Services may include speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, individualized behavioral support, caregiver education, and school services. Ask how providers will work together so goals aren’t duplicated and your child’s schedule doesn’t become overwhelming.

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If ABA therapy is recommended, our team is happy to walk you through what it could look like for your child. You can also learn more about ABA therapy at BPI. When talking with any provider, ask how goals are individualized, how your child’s interests guide sessions, and how the team responds when your child needs a break or shows discomfort.

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5. Contact early intervention or your school district

Educational supports have their own evaluation process. According to the CDC, families of children under age 3 can request an evaluation through their state’s early intervention program. For children age 3 and older, contact your local public school district about an evaluation and available supports, even if your child hasn’t started kindergarten yet.

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Your child’s medical diagnosis and school services are connected, but they’re separate processes. The school team evaluates educational needs and eligibility on its own. You also don’t have to wait for a medical diagnosis to request an early intervention or school evaluation.

• Contact the appropriate early intervention program or school district.
• Ask how to request an evaluation and which documents to provide.
• If your child already receives services, ask to discuss the new report.
• Keep copies of requests and notes from conversations.

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The CDC’s guide to accessing autism services explains these starting points.

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6. Prepare questions about insurance and costs

Before scheduling a service, ask your insurer and the provider’s intake team to explain coverage and potential costs for your specific plan.

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Use these questions during your calls:

• Is this provider in-network for our exact plan?
• What records or referrals do you need?
• Is authorization required before the assessment or treatment?
• What out-of-pocket costs should we expect?
• Are assessment and ongoing therapy handled differently?
• Who should we contact if more information is requested?

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Write down the date, the representative’s name, and any call reference number. Ask for written information when it’s available so you can refer back to it.

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7. Contact providers and compare the fit

An initial call is a chance to ask questions and learn about a provider’s approach. You don’t need to arrive with every decision already made.

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Ask prospective providers:

• Do you serve children my child’s age with similar support needs?
• Who will oversee my child’s program, and how often will a BCBA be involved?
• What happens during the assessment and the first few sessions?
• How will you include our family in selecting goals?
• How do you support communication, choice, and comfort?
• How are progress and recommendations reviewed?
• What are the current scheduling options and expected start timeline?
• With our permission, how do you coordinate with other providers and educators?

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At BPI, we welcome these questions. A good provider should be glad you asked them.

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If you’re considering a clinic setting, explore BPI’s clinic-based ABA services and ask what a typical day might look like for your child.

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8. Keep space for connection and family life

Between appointments and phone calls, keep making time for the things your child enjoys. Reading together, playing with favorite toys, or sharing a familiar routine can offer moments of connection without turning every activity into a task.

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It’s also okay to ask a trusted person to help organize paperwork or take notes during a call. Parent communities and the perspectives of autistic adults can offer valuable understanding alongside guidance from your child’s care team.

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Frequently asked questions after an autism diagnosis

What should I do first after my child is diagnosed with autism?
Get the written evaluation report and arrange a conversation about its recommendations. Then choose one manageable next step, such as requesting a referral, contacting your school district, or calling a provider.

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Does every child diagnosed with autism need ABA therapy?
Not necessarily. Every child’s needs are different, and a diagnosis on its own doesn’t determine which services are right. Talk with qualified professionals about your child’s strengths, support needs, and family priorities to understand whether ABA or other services would be a good fit.

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Do we have to start every recommended service at once?
No. Ask your care team to help prioritize recommendations and explain which needs are time-sensitive. When planning appointments, consider your child’s energy, school schedule, other services, and time for rest and play.

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What should I have ready when calling an ABA provider?
Keep your child’s age, diagnostic report (if available), insurance information, general availability, and main questions nearby. If you’re missing a document, that’s okay. Ask the intake team how to begin and what you’ll need next.

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Your Next Step

There’s no perfect order to these steps, and every family moves at its own pace. Small actions add up, and support is available whenever you’re ready.

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Take your next step with BPI

BPI provides individualized ABA services for autistic children, with clinics in Aurora, Oswego, Yorkville, West Chicago, Crystal Lake, Champaign, Springfield, Danville, and Glen Carbon, Illinois, and South Austin, Texas.

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If you’re exploring ABA therapy after an autism diagnosis, our team is here to help! Our New Client Liaisons can walk you through the intake process and discuss services, insurance verification, and availability at your location.

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Call BPI at (224) 760-4279 or complete our Get Started form to begin the conversation.