Next Steps: Therapies, Services, and Support Options
You have the evaluation results, and now you're probably wondering, "What comes next?" The good news is that there are many effective supports and services available to help your child thrive. The key is finding the right combination for your unique child and family.
Early intervention (ages 0-3): If your child is under three, they may qualify for early intervention services through your state's program. These services are provided at no cost and can include speech therapy, occupational therapy, and developmental support. Early intervention often takes place in your home or natural environments, which can be less overwhelming for young children.
Lane Diagnostics helps Florida families navigate these next steps after an autism diagnosis. Our experienced child psychologists provide ongoing consultation and can help you understand which services and therapies may be most beneficial for your child's specific needs and developmental profile.
School-based services: Once your child turns three (or if they're already school-age), they may qualify for special education services through your local school district. These might include:
Speech and language therapy to improve communication skills
Occupational therapy to help with sensory issues, fine motor skills, and daily living activities
Social skills groups to practice interaction with peers
Behavioral support to help with challenging behaviors
Academic accommodations like extra time on tests or breaks from overwhelming environments
Private therapies: Many families also pursue private services to supplement school-based support:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): This is one of the most researched autism interventions. ABA focuses on teaching new skills and reducing challenging behaviors using positive reinforcement. Quality ABA programs are individualized and focus on meaningful goals like communication and independence.
Speech and language therapy: Even children who speak well may benefit from speech therapy to work on conversation skills, understanding nonliteral language, or alternative communication methods.
Occupational therapy: OT can help with sensory processing, fine motor skills, daily living activities, and creating sensory-friendly environments.
Social skills training: These programs teach children how to navigate social situations, understand social cues, and build friendships.
What about alternative or complementary treatments? You'll encounter many claims about autism "cures" or treatments. Be cautious of approaches that promise dramatic results or cost significant money. Stick with evidence-based interventions, and always discuss new treatments with your child's medical team.
Insurance coverage: Many insurance plans now cover autism-related therapies, thanks to state and federal legislation. Contact your insurance company to understand your benefits and any requirements for coverage.
Lane Diagnostics works with Florida families to understand insurance benefits for autism services and can provide the necessary documentation for coverage. Our psychology practice offers follow-up consultations to help parents advocate effectively for their child's needs with schools and insurance providers throughout Florida.
Creating your support team: You might work with multiple professionals, so communication and coordination are important. Consider keeping a binder or digital file with reports, contact information, and progress notes. Don't hesitate to ask questions or advocate for services you think your child needs.
Supporting your child at home:
Create predictable routines and prepare them for changes
Identify and accommodate sensory needs
Focus on your child's interests and strengths
Practice social skills in low-pressure situations
Celebrate small victories and progress
What about medication? There's no medication that treats autism itself, but some children benefit from medication for co-occurring conditions like anxiety, ADHD, or sleep problems. This is a decision to make carefully with your child's physician.
Red flags in treatment providers:
Promise to "cure" autism
Use punishment-based approaches
Don't involve you in the treatment process
Focus only on making your child appear "normal"
Don't consider your child's individual needs and preferences
If you need guidance navigating autism services in Florida or want to discuss your child's evaluation results and next steps, Lane Diagnostics provides ongoing support to families throughout the state. Our team of autism specialists can help you create an effective treatment plan and connect with appropriate resources in your area.
Remember, the goal isn't to make your child less autistic. It's to help them develop skills, cope with challenges, and build on their strengths so they can live their best life.
