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Beyond Diagnosis: Building Your Child's Core Support Team

  • Getting Started

You’ve taken the incredibly crucial first step of getting a diagnosis for your child – and I know firsthand how challenging and emotional that can be. Now, as you continue on this unique journey, the next big step is to assemble your child’s core support team. For me, these professionals became and still are more than just therapists; they were our guides and partners, each bringing a unique expertise to help my son thrive. This phase might feel like a lot to coordinate, and believe me, I understand that feeling, but remember, you are definitely not alone. Building this network will empower both you and your child every step of the way.

Your Child's Core Support Team

Building this dedicated network means connecting with a variety of professionals. Here’s a breakdown of who you might need on your side:

1. Find an Autism-Experienced Pediatrician

While your general pediatrician is wonderful for overall health, one who has specific experience with autism offers even more informed guidance. They can help with:

  • Common co-occurring conditions: Many autistic children may experience other challenges like GI (stomach) issues or sleep disturbances.  An experienced pediatrician can help manage these or refer you to appropriate specialists.
  • Care coordination: They can help you with referrals to the different therapies and specialists your child may need. I remember my own pediatrician often brought local resources to my attention that I would never have found otherwise – this guidance was truly invaluable.

How to find them:

  • First check with your current pediatrician as they may already be well versed in autism so you may not need to find another one.
  • Otherwise, ask for recommendations: Your diagnosing developmental pediatrician or child neurologist is a great source for referrals.
  • Check with other local parents in autism parent groups or on social media: Other parents are usually eager to help and will provide information on any they are using or know of.
  • Search online: Try something like “pediatrician autism specialist [your city/state]” in your search engine.
  • Inquire with local autism organizations: They often have lists of trusted providers.

2. Connect with Therapists

When my son was first diagnosed, the whole idea of “therapy” felt a bit scary and overwhelming. I was really skeptical and uneasy, especially with a two-year-old. But seeing the therapists in action, and watching how their sessions were play-based and how much my son actually enjoyed them, completely changed my perspective. It made me eager to get him all the help he needed!

These are the professionals who will work directly with your child on specific skill development. Bringing a Speech, Occupational, and potentially a Physical Therapist onto your team ensures comprehensive support.

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP):

  • What they do: SLPs are all about communication. They help with spoken language, non- verbal cues (like gestures or facial expressions), understanding the social “rules” of conversation, and using alternative communication methods (like picture exchange systems, communication devices and more).
  • My Experience: My son’s SLP was amazing. While she worked on speech sounds, she also focused on functional play, sign language, and helped with crucial skills like transitioning between different activities. 

Occupational Therapist (OT):

  • What they do: OTs address how your child interacts with their world through their senses and movements.  This includes sensory processing challenges (e.g., sensitivities to sounds, textures, light, fine motor skills (like handwriting, buttoning clothes, using utensils), and daily living activities (such as self-feeding, dressing, or hygiene).
  • My Experience: Our OT sessions made us aware of areas my son needed help with that we hadn’t even realized, particularly fine motor skills and sensory processing. She also gave practical strategies for how he could better handle stressful situations or environments he didn’t like.

 Physical Therapist (PT):

  • What they do: They can be incredibly helpful if your child experiences challenges with gross motor skills (large body movements like running or jumping), balance, coordination, or motor planning (how their brain plans and executes movements).
  • My Experience: When we were first referred for a PT evaluation, I was sure my son didn’t need it because he was walking and running just fine. To my surprise, there were aspects he really needed help with, and at the time, this therapy actually turned out to be the most beneficial for him! A huge bonus was that our therapists collaborated; the PT helped reinforce goals from Speech and OT in each session. If your child has difficulties with movement, balance, posture, struggles with their gait (how they walk), or finds it hard to participate in physical activities, considering a PT might offer valuable support in these areas, and the collaboration among therapists can be extremely helpful.
  • Other Specialized Therapists: See our Therapies page for more specialized therapies that you may find helpful for your child.

 How to find therapists (for all types):

  • Ask your doctors: Request referrals from your pediatrician or diagnosing doctor.
  • Local resources: Local therapy clinics, children’s hospitals, and early intervention programs are excellent starting points.
  • Online search: Do a web search for something like “[type of therapist] autism [your city/state]”.
  • Check with other local parents: In autism parent groups or on social media, other parents are usually eager to help and will provide information on any they are using or know of.

3. Research Local Autism Support Organizations

Look for helpful autism support organizations which can be hubs for reliable information, resources, and community connections.

  • Some things they offer: They sometimes host workshops for parents, provide advocacy support (helping you navigate systems like schools), and maintain lists of vetted local providers.
  • How to find them: Search online for “autism support [your city/state]” or “autism resources [your state].”

4. Join Parent Support Groups

Connecting with other families who are navigating similar journeys can provide immense emotional support, validation, and practical, real-world advice.

  • Why it helps: Sharing experiences can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and empower you with shared knowledge and coping strategies. It’s a place where you’ll find understanding and advice.
  • How to find them: Local autism organizations often host parent groups. Your pediatrician’s office or therapy clinics may also have information. Online forums and social media groups can also be a great source but always exercise caution and do not give out sensitive personal information.

A Parent’s Tips for Building Your Team

  • Ask for personal recommendations: Other families who have “been there” can often lead you to high-quality, trusted providers with proven track records. Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth in the autism community – it’s often the best way to find a good fit.
  • Interview providers: Before making a commitment, try to schedule brief consultations or “meet and greets.” Prepare questions about their experience with autism, their specific therapeutic approach, how their team collaborates, and how they involve families in the treatment plan. Finding professionals whose philosophy aligns with yours and who communicate effectively with you is absolutely key to a successful, long-term partnership.

Assembling Your Village of Support

Building this dedicated network of support will empower both you and your child on this journey. It will help you navigate the path forward with confidence, clarity, and the knowledge that you have a whole team standing with you to help you along the way.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information and personal experiences about building a support team for an autistic child. It is not intended to be medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for personalized recommendations, specific diagnoses, and treatment plans tailored to your child’s individual needs.

See next blog in this series: Navigating the Maze: Understanding Insurance & Funding for Autism Support