What happens after a diagnosis
A diagnosis is the start of a journey, not the end. You may feel relief, grief, validation, confusion, or all of those at once. All of this is normal.
In the first few weeks
- Read the written report carefully. Ask the team to explain anything unclear.
- Share the diagnosis with school (with your child's agreement, if age-appropriate) and discuss what support should change.
- Tell key family members in your own time, and only what you are comfortable sharing.
- Give yourself space. There is no "right" emotional response.
Practical next steps
- Update the school's record and ask for a meeting with the .
- Check whether your child may be eligible for for children based on their care or mobility needs.
- Consider whether Carer's Allowance may apply if you provide significant care.
- Ask the local authority's local offer about post-diagnostic support, parent courses and short breaks.
Supporting your child
- Use age-appropriate language to explain the diagnosis if and when they are ready.
- Focus on strengths and self-understanding, not "fixing".
- Connect with other autistic young people or trusted role models if possible.
Key message
Your child has not changed — but you now have a clearer language for understanding and advocating for them.