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.

• 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.