You Have an Autism Diagnosis—Now What? A Practical Guide to Your Next Steps
- Liz Wooten
- 3 minutes read
By Liz Wooten, LPC
TL;DR:
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- Clarity helps you understand your diagnosis: Breaking down your report in plain language makes it easier to process and apply.
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- Support is key: Whether through therapy, coaching, or community connections, post-diagnosis resources help you navigate next steps.
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- Self-advocacy empowers confidence: Understanding your strengths, needs, and rights helps you build a life that works for you.
Finding Clarity and Confidence After an Autism Diagnosis
Receiving an autism diagnosis—whether for yourself or a loved one—is a significant moment. It can come with a mix of emotions: relief, validation, curiosity, and sometimes, a bit of uncertainty.
At Enlitens, I believe that an autism diagnosis is not the end of a journey but the beginning of a more self-aware and empowered life.
This guide will walk you through exactly what happens next, covering practical steps, support options, and ways to embrace this new understanding of yourself or your child.
Step 1: Understanding Your Diagnosis Report
Your diagnosis report is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a tool that can help you understand how your brain works and what supports might benefit you. However, clinical reports can sometimes feel overwhelming or filled with unfamiliar terminology.
Breaking It Down in Plain Language
I take the time to explain your report in simple, digestible terms. You’ll gain insight into key areas such as social communication, sensory sensitivities, and executive functioning skills—without the confusing clinical jargon.
Strengths-Based Framing
Your report doesn’t just highlight challenges—it emphasizes your strengths. Research suggests that discussing strengths helps individuals process their diagnosis in a positive, empowering way (source).
Visual Summaries & Infographics
Many autistic individuals are strong visual learners, which is why I incorporate charts, diagrams, and other visuals to make your report easier to understand (source).
Step 2: Processing the Emotional Impact of a Diagnosis
A diagnosis can bring a wave of emotions—excitement, grief, or even confusion. Understanding and normalizing these feelings is an important part of moving forward.
Give Yourself Time
It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right away. Processing a diagnosis is a journey, not a one-time event.
Join Support Groups
Connecting with other autistic individuals can provide valuable insight and reassurance. Local and online support communities can help you feel understood and validated (source).
Therapy & Coaching
Working with an autism-informed therapist can provide a space to process emotions, navigate self-acceptance, and explore next steps. Therapy can also help with anxiety, depression, or executive functioning challenges that often co-occur with autism.
Step 3: Navigating Accommodations and Support Systems
An autism diagnosis can open doors to accommodations and services that make daily life easier. Whether at work, school, or in social settings, knowing your rights and available supports is key.
For Adults
- Workplace Accommodations: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides protections for autistic individuals in the workplace. You can request accommodations such as noise-reducing headphones, flexible schedules, or written instructions instead of verbal ones (source).
- Executive Functioning Support: Strategies like time-blocking, visual schedules, and accountability coaching can improve organization and productivity.
- Disability Benefits & Resources: Some autistic adults qualify for support programs such as Vocational Rehabilitation, which provides job coaching, skills training, and employment support to help individuals find careers that align with their strengths. Exploring community-based programs and professional development resources can also provide valuable career guidance and workplace accommodations.
For Children & Teens
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) & 504 Plans: If your child is in school, they may qualify for accommodations such as extra time on tests, sensory-friendly classrooms, or speech therapy. I can help you navigate these options and advocate for appropriate services.
- Sensory and Social Support: Sensory-friendly tools, occupational therapy, and social skills groups can support children in feeling more comfortable and engaged in their environments.
- Family & Caregiver Resources: Learning about autism as a family ensures that parents and siblings understand how to create a supportive and inclusive home environment.
Step 4: Self-Advocacy & Building Confidence
One of the most empowering steps post-diagnosis is learning how to advocate for yourself or your child. Self-advocacy means understanding your needs, knowing your rights, and communicating effectively with others.
Scripts for Self-Advocacy
Practicing how to explain your needs in different situations—whether at work, school, or in social settings—can help build confidence.
Connecting with the Autistic Community
Many autistic adults and advocates share valuable insights through books, blogs, and social media. Learning from those with lived experiences can be incredibly empowering.
Reframing Autism as a Strength
Autism is not a defect—it’s a different way of experiencing the world. Recognizing the unique skills and perspectives that come with autism can foster self-acceptance and pride.
Step 5: Long-Term Growth & Support
Your autism journey doesn’t stop after the diagnosis—it’s a lifelong process of growth and self-discovery.
Ongoing Therapy & Coaching
Whether it’s help with social communication, sensory processing, or executive functioning, having professional guidance can provide structure and support.
Employment & Career Planning
Finding a job that aligns with your strengths and interests can increase job satisfaction and long-term success. Career coaches specializing in neurodiversity can provide guidance in improving organization, focus, and workplace accommodations.
Mental Health & Well-Being
Prioritizing self-care, stress management, and mental health support ensures that you thrive—not just survive.
Why Post-Diagnosis Support Matters
Getting diagnosed is just the beginning. What happens next?
- ✅ Self-advocacy: Learning how to navigate work, relationships, and accommodations.
- ✅ Therapy & Coaching: Working with an autism-informed therapist to unpack years of masking.
- ✅ Community & Connection: Finding other autistic adults who just get it.
At Enlitens, I make sure you don’t leave your diagnosis feeling lost. You’ll get:
- A clear roadmap for next steps.
- Resources for therapy, coaching, and self-advocacy.
- A supportive, neurodiversity-affirming approach to embracing your autistic identity.
If you’re looking for guidance after a diagnosis, Enlitens offers therapy and coaching to help you move forward with confidence.
Enlitens: Your Partner in Post-Diagnosis Support
At Enlitens, I’m committed to making sure that your autism diagnosis is a tool for empowerment, not confusion. My post-diagnostic support includes:
- ✅ One-on-One Consultations: We go over your report in detail, ensuring you understand each part.
- ✅ Personalized Support Plans: Guidance for navigating school, work, and daily life.
- ✅ Community Resources & Advocacy: Helping you access accommodations and external support networks.
- ✅ Ongoing Check-ins & Support: You never have to navigate this journey alone.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Let’s create a plan that works for you. 📅 Schedule a Consultation Today
*The information here is meant to guide and inform, not replace the care of a qualified healthcare professional. If you have questions or concerns about a medical or mental-health condition, please reach out to a trusted provider. The examples shared are based on general personas—no personal health details are used. At Enlitens, your privacy is a top priority, and we fully comply with HIPAA regulations to keep your information safe and confidential.
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