Post-Diagnostic Guide

After an Autism Diagnosis: What Comes Next

A resource guide curated to support families navigating autism services, evaluations, and community supports.

Start Here

1. Share the Report

Send your diagnostic report to your child’s pediatrician, school team, and current therapy providers.

Who to share it with
  • Your child’s pediatrician
  • Your child’s school team or IEP team
  • Current therapy providers
  • Any new therapy provider you are contacting

2. Contact Insurance

Ask about coverage, referral requirements, and in-network providers for recommended services.

What to ask insurance
  • Which autism-related services are covered?
  • Are ABA, speech, occupational, feeding, or physical therapy covered?
  • Do we need a referral or prior authorization?
  • Can you provide a list of in-network providers?
  • What are our copays, coinsurance, or deductible responsibilities?

3. Get on Waitlists

Even if you are still deciding, getting on multiple waitlists can help your child access care faster.

Provider search links

Continuing Care at ICAN

Families may choose to begin services at ICAN or with another provider that fits their needs, insurance, and schedule. If you continue care with ICAN, your therapy team can review your child’s diagnostic information and collaborate with our diagnostic team to support a more connected care plan.

Wherever your family chooses to receive care, this guide is meant to help you understand your options and take the next step with more confidence.

A Simple Timeline

Right Away

Start with the steps that help your family understand the diagnosis and begin accessing support.

Recommended first steps
  • Share the report with your child’s pediatrician, school team, and current providers.
  • Contact your insurance company to ask about coverage and provider options.
  • Begin getting on waitlists for recommended services.
  • Review safety planning resources, especially related to wandering, water safety, and accidents.

Next Month

Focus on connecting with systems that may support your child across home, school, and the community.

Helpful next steps
  • Coordinate with your child’s school district about IEP services or school-based supports.
  • Contact DSHS Developmental Disabilities Administration to ask about eligibility.
  • Explore SSI for children if your family would like to review eligibility criteria.
  • Review parent education resources to better understand autism and available supports.

Next 3–6 Months

Once services and referrals are moving, continue learning what supports your child best.

Things to consider
  • Monitor how recommended therapies are going.
  • Talk with your pediatrician about genetic testing if recommended or if your family is interested.
  • Ask about cognitive testing if it was recommended or may be helpful for planning.
  • Gather questions for a diagnostic follow-up appointment if one is recommended.

Ongoing

As your child grows, needs may change. Continue sharing updates with your care team and school team.

Ongoing supports
  • Keep your pediatrician and therapy providers updated.
  • Share new reports or recommendations with your school team.
  • Revisit community, financial, and safety resources as your child’s needs change.
  • Continue using trusted education resources and therapist-led learning tools.

Understanding Recommended Services

ABA Therapy

ABA is an evidence-based intervention that promotes adaptive, social, and communication skills while reducing challenging behaviors.

Find services

Speech-Language Therapy

Supports your child's communication—whether that’s using words, gestures, or other ways to express their needs, understand others, and connect socially.

Find services
  • This service may be covered through your insurance. You can explore options at ICAN or contact your insurance provider for additional in-network providers.

Occupational Therapy

Supports your child build everyday skills like play, self-care, and regulation, including things like dressing, feeding, and managing sensory needs.

Find services
  • This service may be covered through your insurance. You can explore options at ICAN or contact your insurance provider for additional in-network providers.

Feeding Therapy

Supports your child to feel more comfortable with eating by improving food variety, reducing stress around meals, and supporting safe and effective feeding.

Find services
  • This service may be covered through your insurance. You can explore options at ICAN or contact your insurance provider for additional in-network providers.

Physical Therapy

Supports gross motor skills, balance, and coordination.

Find services
  • This service may be covered through your insurance. ICAN does not currently provide physical therapy. You can contact your insurance provider or review their directory to find in-network options.

Additional Supports to Consider

School & IEP Support

Coordinate through your child’s school district to develop a tailored educational plan.

School resources

Psychiatric Services & Waitlists

Families are encouraged to seek referrals through their pediatrician.

Provider options

Cognitive Testing

Cognitive testing can provide more information about a child’s learning profile, strengths, and areas of need.

About WISC-V testing
  • The WISC-V measures verbal comprehension, visual-spatial reasoning, working memory, fluid reasoning, and processing speed.
  • It provides an overall IQ score and detailed cognitive profile for ages 6 to 16.
  • ICAN administers WISC-V in-person, currently at our Lakemont Center.

Genetic Testing

Families may talk with their pediatrician about genetic testing options after an autism diagnosis.

Testing information
  • SPARK for Autism: free nationwide research study
  • Fragile X: CPT 81243
  • Chromosomal Microarray / SNP Array: CPT 81229
  • Discuss coverage details with your insurance company.

Community Supports

Community programs may help families access support beyond therapy appointments.

Community resources

Financial Supports

Some families may qualify for funding or grants to support autism-related needs.

Funding resources
  • Ben’s Fund: up to $1,000 per year for autism-related supportsMay cover therapies, camps, safety devices, technology, and more.
  • SSI for Children

Safety Resources

Children with autism face a higher risk of wandering, drowning, and other accidents — safety planning is critical.

Safety resources

Parent Education & Learning

Courses & Guides

These resources can help families better understand autism and next steps after diagnosis.

Learning resources

Books, Videos & Tools

Helpful resources for learning, play, routines, and social skills.

Recommended resources
  • Helping Your Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders: What Every Parent Needs to Know
  • The Incredible Years
  • Children with Autism: A Parent’s Guide
  • Do2Learn.com
  • The Social Skills Picture Book
  • The New Social Story Book
  • Skillstreaming in Early Childhood
  • Comic Strip Conversations

ICAN Videos

Practical, therapist-led videos with activities to support your child’s development.

Watch ICAN Videos

Not sure what to do first?

You do not have to figure this out alone. Our team can help you understand your child’s recommendations, answer questions about ICAN services, and identify the next best step for your family.

Contact ICAN Explore Services