Resources · Guide
After the diagnosis: a calm place to start.
If you're reading this in the days after your child's autism diagnosis, take a breath. You don't have to do everything this week. Here's what actually matters now, what can wait, and how to move forward without burning out.
"You did not cause this. You are not behind. Your child is the same child they were before the appointment — now with a word that unlocks understanding and support."
Let yourself feel it
Relief, grief, worry, hope — often all at once. Every reaction is normal. You don't need to have processed everything before you take the next step, and you don't have to explain your feelings to anyone.
Get the written report
Ask the diagnosing provider for the full written diagnostic report. You'll need it for insurance authorization, school services, and any provider you work with. Keep a digital copy somewhere you can find it.
Call your insurance — or let a provider do it
California requires most commercial plans to cover behavioral health treatment for autism, and Medi-Cal covers ABA for eligible children. You can call the number on your card and ask about "ABA benefits" — or contact a provider like us and we'll verify benefits for you at no cost.
Know your public supports
Depending on your child's age and needs, you may be eligible for support through your Regional Center (in the San Fernando Valley, the North Los Angeles County Regional Center), early intervention services for children under 3, or an IEP or 504 plan through your school district. These exist alongside therapy, not instead of it.
Choose providers carefully
You'll likely hear about ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. You don't have to start everything at once. Talk to a couple of providers, ask hard questions, and pick people you trust — see the list below.
Protect your own footing
Parent burnout is real, and it helps no one. Accept help. Find other parents a little farther down this road — their perspective is worth more than a hundred internet searches at midnight.
Questions to ask any ABA provider — including us
- Who designs and supervises my child's program, and how often will a BCBA actually be present?
- How are goals chosen, and how will my family's priorities shape them?
- How do you approach cooperation and assent? What happens when my child says no?
- How will you communicate progress — and how often?
- What does caregiver training look like in practice?
- How do you train, supervise, and retain your staff?
- What's your realistic timeline to start?
A good provider will welcome these questions. If someone bristles at them, that's information too.
Want to talk it through with a person?
First conversations are free, unhurried, and carry no commitment. We'll answer your questions honestly — including the ones about whether ABA is right for your child.
Schedule a free consultation