What happens after my child gets an autism diagnosis?

If your child has got an autism diagnosis, it may feel a little daunting. Remember that your child has not changed because they’ve got a diagnosis.

Having a diagnosis means that you now have the information you need. This can help you to understand your child and their needs better.

This is part of our guide to autism assessment and diagnosis.

• What should I do if I think my child is autistic?
• My child has been referred for an autism assessment, what should I expect?

• How can I support my child without an autism diagnosis?
• What happens after my child gets an autism diagnosis?

• Find out about what may be available to support you as a family. You could consider accessing a support group. The National Autistic Society run local groups for families.
• You could also try the National Autistic Society’s Early Bird Course. This can help you to understand autism better. It can give you confidence in communicating with your child.
• Your child might want to meet other autistic children. You can find what’s available in your area on the Autism Services Directory.

• It’s important to make sure that any other children in the home also feel supported.
• Spend time helping any other children in the house to understand what is happening. Spend one-on-one time with them to talk about it. Listen to them and ask them if they have any particular worries.
• You could also involve older children in conversations supporting your autistic child.
• Look at what support is offered by Sibs. This is a charity helping to support the siblings of disabled people.

• A diagnosis may help your child get the extra support they need at school.  Make sure you speak to your school about what support they can offer your child.
• You can also include a diagnosis in an EHCP application or renewal.

• If your child is considered to be “in need, they should be eligible for local authority support.
• This can be with or without a diagnosis.
• Usually, you can get this by requesting a needs assessment. You may also be able to be assessed as a carer, which will give you access to support.

• Depending on the needs of your child, you may be eligible for certain benefits.
• This includes Carer’s Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.

Back: How can I support my child without an autism diagnosis?