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Receiving an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your child can bring a wave of emotions—relief in finally having answers, but also uncertainty about what to do next. You may be wondering, What happens after the autism evaluation? How do we begin helping our child thrive? Understanding your child's symptoms and how they may change with age is an important first step.
The good news is this: an autism diagnosis isn’t an ending—it’s a beginning. It provides a clear path toward early intervention, personalized therapies, educational support, and the tools your family needs to move forward with confidence. Recognizing symptoms at a young age and tailoring support to your child's developmental stage can make a significant difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect after an autism diagnosis, outline essential services, and show how North Shore Pediatric Therapy, home to the Chicago Autism Testing Institute, supports families every step of the way—helping you address your child's unique symptoms and needs at every age.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological and developmental condition that influences how a person communicates, interacts, learns, and behaves. Because it is a spectrum disorder, each individual with autism experiences a unique combination of strengths and challenges—no two people are exactly alike. Understanding this broad range of differences is essential for families, educators, and healthcare professionals to provide the most effective support and treatment.
Research shows that early intervention and accurate diagnosis can make a meaningful change in a child’s development and long-term well-being. Healthcare professionals—including child psychiatrists, psychologists, and developmental pediatricians—play a vital role in identifying the signs of autism and guiding families toward the right interventions. By recognizing the early signs and seeking support, families can help their child build essential skills and access resources that foster growth and independence.
Learning about autism spectrum disorder empowers families to advocate for their child, communicate effectively with care teams, and make informed decisions about treatment options. The more you understand about ASD, the better equipped you’ll be to support your child’s journey.
What to Expect After an Autism Evaluation
After an evaluation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you’ll receive a detailed report outlining the findings. This report is more than just test scores—it’s a roadmap that provides insight into your child’s unique strengths and challenges.
Here are the key elements you can expect from the results and follow-up process:
- Clear Diagnosis or Ruling Out
If autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been identified, the report will explain its severity level and provide guidance on areas that require the most support. If autism is ruled out, the report may identify other developmental disorders, developmental delays, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or learning differences.
- Tailored Recommendations
Every evaluation concludes with a customized set of recommendations. These might include therapies like ABA, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or physical therapy, behavioral interventions, educational accommodations, social skills groups, or lifestyle adjustments to help your child thrive. Treatments are tailored to address your child's specific developmental delays and symptoms. These recommendations serve as the foundation for your child’s autism treatment plan.
- Collaborative Action Plan
The next step involves collaboration with your child’s care team—therapists, healthcare professionals, educators, and, of course, you. Together, you’ll set developmentally appropriate goals to support your child’s learning and growth.
Remember, an autism diagnosis isn’t a label—it’s a springboard to accessing the right resources and most effective treatments to help your child succeed.
Critical Next Steps for Families
Knowing your next steps after an autism diagnosis can bring peace of mind and purpose. Parents play a central role in seeking out the right resource and making decisions about how to treat their child's autism. Here are four critical actions families can take right away:
1. Begin Autism Therapy and Interventions Early
Early intervention is the key to unlocking your child’s potential. Research shows that the earlier a child receives support, the greater their chances of reaching developmental milestones. Based on your child’s needs, treatment options may include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): An evidence-based approach focusing on decreasing challenging behaviors, developing communication, and nurturing social skills in a structured environment.
- Speech and Feeding Therapy: Helps enhance social communication skills and language skills, enabling your child to express their needs and emotions.
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Focuses on improving fine motor skills, sensory integration, and daily living skills like dressing or using utensils.
- School Readiness Program: Half-day therapeutic preschool experience for children with autism, designed to build the routines, confidence, and foundational skills that help children thrive in classroom settings and beyond.
- Mental Health Services: Provided individual and family therapy, along with parent coaching to build into your child's support system.
- Physical Therapy: Improves strength, motor function, balance, and coordination.
North Shore Pediatric Therapy offers all of these services under one roof, creating a streamlined, personalized therapy plan that evolves with your child's needs and can be implemented in natural settings to support generalization of skills.
2. Explore Educational Support Plans
Your child’s autism diagnosis can qualify them for special education support through your local school district. These services ensure your child receives the accommodations they need to thrive in an educational setting.
Common school-based supports include:
- Individualized Education Programs (IEP): A tailored plan that outlines specific goals and services your child will receive in their educational setting.
- 504 Plan: If less extensive accommodations are needed, a 504 Plan can make education more accessible.
- Collaboration with Educators: Engaging with teachers and school staff ensures they understand your child’s unique learning style and needs.
3. Access Parent Training and Family Counseling
Parenting an autistic child comes with its own set of challenges, but you’re not alone. Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child's development, and being actively involved in therapy and support can make a significant difference. Family counseling and parent training can provide emotional support and practical tools to foster a nurturing environment at home.
These services provide:
- Tools for managing behaviors at home
- Education about autism and how it affects your child's needs and development
- Strategies for daily routines, transitions, and communication
- Emotional support for navigating the journey ahead
- Strengthening family dynamics
- Teaching behavioral strategies for parents to use with their child
- Building a network of support and additional resources through parent groups or counseling
4. Prioritize Self-Care
Caring for an autistic child requires tremendous energy, patience, and resilience. Prioritizing self-care for caregivers is essential—not selfish. Whether it’s joining a support group, seeking respite services, or scheduling time to recharge, your well-being as a caregiver is important for your entire family. When you’re supported and well-rested, you’re better equipped to help your child.
Social Skills Development
Building social skills is a cornerstone of helping autistic individuals thrive in daily life. Many children diagnosed with ASD find social situations challenging, but with the right support, they can learn to connect, communicate, and form meaningful relationships.
Social skills groups and therapies—such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, and speech therapy—are designed to help children develop the tools they need to navigate social interactions. These therapies focus on practical skills like making eye contact, starting and maintaining conversations, understanding body language, and building friendships. By practicing these skills in a structured environment, children gain confidence and learn how to communicate more effectively.
The autism community offers a wealth of resources, including support groups for both children and families. These groups provide a safe space to share experiences, learn from others, and build a network of support. Speech therapy, in particular, can help children develop both verbal and non-verbal communication skills, making it easier to express their needs and emotions.
By participating in social skills groups and connecting with the broader autism community, families can access valuable resources and support that make a real difference in their child’s ability to communicate and build relationships.
Managing Mental Health
Mental health is a crucial aspect of well-being for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Research shows that people with ASD are at a higher risk for mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. Addressing these needs is essential for supporting the whole person—not just their autism diagnosis.
Working with healthcare professionals who have experience in autism spectrum disorder can help families identify and manage mental health conditions early. Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches are tailored to help individuals with ASD understand and cope with their emotions, manage stress, and develop healthy coping strategies.
It’s important for families to monitor changes in behavior and seek support if they notice signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. Open communication with your child’s care team ensures that mental health is prioritized alongside other therapies and interventions. By addressing mental health proactively, families can help their child build resilience and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Navigating Healthcare Systems
Navigating the healthcare system after an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but understanding how to access and coordinate care is key to ensuring your child receives the support they need. Start by connecting with healthcare professionals who specialize in autism spectrum disorder, as they can guide you through available treatment options and help you prioritize interventions.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage, including which autism therapies and services are included, and how to obtain referrals or authorizations if needed. Many families find it helpful to keep a detailed record of appointments, reports, and recommendations to streamline communication between providers.
Advocating for your child within the healthcare system may involve working with case managers, social workers, or patient navigators who can help coordinate services and connect you with additional resources. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification about your child’s treatment plan—your involvement is a vital part of their care team.
By staying organized and informed, families can more easily access the full range of services and supports available, ensuring their child receives comprehensive, continuous care throughout their developmental journey.
The Importance of Continuous Care
Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition, and your child’s needs will evolve over time. Support needs may continue into adolescence and adulthood, making it important to plan for lifelong interventions and assistance. Establishing a foundation of continuous care early in their life helps create a smoother path forward. That’s why it’s crucial to have a care team that can adapt to your child’s learning and changing developmental milestones.
Early intervention services might focus on communication and sensory needs, while older children and adolescents may need support transitioning into new social, academic, or vocational environments. As children with autism grow, their needs change with age, and ongoing care may include managing co-occurring medical conditions such as seizures, sleep disturbances, or gastrointestinal issues. Regular check-ins with your child’s therapists and care team ensure their goals and strategies remain relevant as they grow.
At the Chicago Autism Testing Institute, we believe in not just providing an evaluation but serving as a trusted partner throughout your child’s developmental journey.
Comprehensive Autism Therapy at North Shore Pediatric Therapy
Navigating a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Chicago Autism Testing Institute, as part of North Shore Pediatric Therapy, is proud to offer seamless access to a wide range of interdisciplinary services. Here’s what sets us apart:
- A Holistic Network of Services: With 12+ Chicagoland locations, your child has access to therapy, academic support, and medical experts without needing to coordinate care separately.
- Proven Expertise You Can Trust: For over 20 years, we’ve helped families like yours find answers and create strategies for success.
- Continuity Across Developmental Stages: From your first evaluation appointment to ongoing services like ABA therapy or school advocacy, care is designed to grow with your child.
- A Comprehensive Resource for Families: We serve as a dedicated resource, providing families with up-to-date information about clinical trials, other treatments for autism spectrum disorder, and connections to specialized support and advocacy programs.
How North Shore Pediatric Therapy Supports Families After Diagnosis
At North Shore Pediatric Therapy, home of the Chicago Autism Testing Institute, we go beyond evaluation. We offer seamless access to all the services your child needs in one place. Our team can also guide families in understanding complementary and alternative treatments, such as special diets, and help clarify the role of medicine in autism therapy.
Our Unique Approach Includes:
- Comprehensive Therapy Services: ABA, occupational therapy, speech and feeding therapy, mental health services, and physical therapy—all under one roof
- Fast Access to Care: No long waitlists for early autism services
- 12+ Locations in Chicagoland: Convenient care close to home
- Compassionate, Neuro-Affirming Approach: We support your child’s unique strengths while addressing their needs
- Care That Grows With Your Child: Therapy and services that evolve through every stage of development
Your Partner on This Journey
Autism is a part of your child’s story—but it’s not the whole story. With the right support, they can achieve incredible growth and lead a fulfilling life. At North Shore Pediatric Therapy, we’re here to walk alongside your family from that very first evaluation to every milestone ahead. If you're wondering what to do after your child’s autism diagnosis, we’re ready to help.
If your family is ready to explore the next steps for therapy, contact North Shore Pediatric Therapy to begin your seamless transition from evaluation to care. Together, we can help your child reach their fullest potential.
