If you’re reading this soon after your child’s autism diagnosis, you might be feeling a dozen things at once — and you might not be sure what to do first. Take a breath. You’re in the right place, and you don’t have to have it all figured out today.
This guide walks you through what comes next in clear, simple steps: how to find support in Maryland, what kinds of help are out there, and how to take care of yourself along the way. Think of it as a calm starting point, not a to-do list you have to finish this week.
A diagnosis can stir up a lot of emotions, and there’s no wrong way to feel right now. Many parents describe a mix of relief at finally having answers, along with worry, sadness, or even guilt. All of that is normal, and none of it says anything about the kind of parent you are.
You don’t need to make big decisions today. The days right after a diagnosis are for absorbing the news, asking questions, and being kind to yourself. The next steps will still be there when you’re ready.
It’s worth saying plainly: the diagnosis hasn’t changed who your child is. They’re the same kid they were the day before — with the same laugh, the same quirks, the same things that make them them.
What’s changed is that you now understand them a little better, and you have access to more tools and more people ready to help. Autism is a different way of experiencing the world, not a limit on a child’s worth or potential. The goal of any support you choose isn’t to change who your child is — it’s to help them communicate, connect, and grow as themselves.
When you feel ready, here are some gentle first moves that help most families:
You don’t have to do these all at once, or in this exact order. Even one small step is real progress.
One practical tip: evaluations and services can sometimes take a while to begin, so it’s okay to reach out and start the process even while you’re still gathering information. Starting a conversation doesn’t commit you to anything.
If your child is young, one of the most helpful early moves is connecting with Maryland’s early-intervention system — and you can reach out even while you’re still gathering information.
For children under age 3: Maryland’s birth-to-three services run through the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program (MITP), with a local office in every county, including Frederick, Montgomery, and Carroll. You don’t need a doctor’s referral, and you don’t need to wait — a parent can refer their own child by contacting their county’s Infants and Toddlers Program or using Maryland’s online referral system. The program evaluates your child at no cost, and if your child is eligible, your family helps create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) — a plan built around your child and your daily routines, with many services provided right in your home.
For children ages 3 and older: Support shifts to your local public school system, which offers preschool special education and related services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). You can request an evaluation through your county’s school system, often called the “Child Find” process.
Many of these public services are offered at little or no cost. Program details can change over time, so your county’s program staff are the best source for the current process — and they’ll walk you through it step by step. They’re a strong, no-pressure first resource — and a good complement to anything you decide to pursue privately.
Every autistic child is different, so support looks different from family to family. After a diagnosis, your child’s doctor or evaluation team may suggest one or more of these:
There’s no single “right” combination. The best plan is the one shaped around your child’s specific strengths and needs, ideally with guidance from your pediatrician or a specialist. (If you’d like to understand the ABA option more deeply, our guide on what ABA therapy is breaks it down in plain language.)
This is a lot to take in, and you were never meant to carry it by yourself. A few places to lean on:
And if English isn’t the language you’re most comfortable in, that shouldn’t stand between your family and good support. At Arluna, our team works with families in both English and Spanish, so you can ask questions, share concerns, and take part fully in the language you’re most comfortable with.
It’s easy to pour everything into your child and forget that you matter in this picture as well. Rest when you can. Accept help when it’s offered. Talk with people who understand what you’re going through.
Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s part of taking care of your child. You’ll have more to give when your own tank isn’t running on empty.
You may have heard that starting support early matters, and there’s truth to that: the early years are a time of fast growth, and beginning support sooner can help. But please hear this too — you don’t have to solve everything today, and you haven’t missed your chance. Children grow and make meaningful progress at many ages, and the most important thing right now is simply taking the next small step.
Your child is the same wonderful kid they were the day before the diagnosis. What’s different is that you now have a clearer picture, and more tools and people ready to walk alongside you.
There’s no rush and no pressure. If and when you want to explore whether ABA therapy could be part of your child’s support, Arluna is glad to answer your questions — in English or Spanish, in your home or online, on your timeline. We were founded by a BCBA with more than a decade of experience supporting children on the spectrum, on a simple belief: families deserve care that’s both clinically excellent and genuinely within reach.
For now, be gentle with yourself. You’re already doing the most important thing — showing up for your child.
Have questions about your child’s next steps? Reach out to Arluna ABA whenever you’re ready. We’re happy to talk things through, point you toward local resources, and help you understand your options — no pressure, no commitment.
We are accepting new clients! Complete our secure, HIPAA-compliant intake form to tell us about your child’s needs. Our intake team will review your information and reach out to discuss how therapy can support your child’s development.