Does Autism Go Away? What Bay Area Parents Are Really Asking

You finally sit down after a long day.

There’s a plate of food on the floor, Slack is still running, and your mind is racing between your child’s speech session, that blog post on ABA therapies in the Bay Area that you started reading halfway through, and the one question at the back of your mind that is never far away no matter how many tabs you open: 

Does Autism Go Away?

Does autism go away? You wouldn’t say it out loud at a support group. Maybe not even to your partner. But it’s there.

If you’re a parent in the Bay Area, particularly one who works in tech and balances a dual-career household, that question hits differently. You are used to making things better, getting clarity, and solving problems.

Now, they hand you a diagnosis, a waitlist, and a bunch of acronyms and tell you to be patient. That doesn't feel like clarity. It feels like too much.

It's time to have this conversation, and I want to be gentle while being as honest as possible. I am going to use real-world strategies that you can apply today, not in theory, but in your very full life.

Autism Doesn’t “Go Away” — But That’s Not the Right Question

Let’s start here: autism is not a disease. It’s not an infection. And it’s not something to be “cured.”

According to the CDC, autism is a developmental disability that affects how people communicate, interact, and learn. [CDC – Autism Spectrum Disorder]

In other words, autism is a developmental difference—a different way of seeing, processing, and engaging with the world.

And while the diagnosis of autism may remain, your child’s skills, behaviors, and abilities can absolutely change.

In fact, some early studies have shown that certain children may no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for autism later in life. [NIH Study] This doesn’t indicate autism was ever “cured.” It just highlights what can occur when a child is supported properly at the right time.

Because here’s what’s true, no matter where your child starts:

They can grow. 🪴

They can adapt.👍🏻

They can connect.🛜

They can thrive.🥳

But not because the autism “went away.”

Because you showed up.

Because you gave them tools, structure, and support.

Because they had it in them all along.

What Progress Actually Looks Like (Not What Google Tells You)

We work with families every week who share observations like these:

"He played functionally with the toys."

"He sat with the group when they cut the cake."

"He didn’t engage much with peers, but he stayed calm."

These moments might seem small. But they are massive.

Progress is not always eye contact or full conversations or dramatic changes in speech.

Sometimes it’s:

• A child who used to bolt at the mall now walks calmly, holding your hand.

• A child who used to scream when leaving the beach now transitions with just a small prompt.

• A child who didn’t respond to their name now looks when you say it—sometimes.

If you’re in the early stages, you might miss these signs. That’s okay. That’s why we’re here.

But Will They Ever Catch Up?

You’re probably wondering, will my child ever catch up? This is the next big fear, right?

You hear terms like “developmental delay,” and suddenly your brain jumps 10 years into the future.

Will my child fall behind in school?

Will they ever catch up to their peers?

Are we already too late?

If that’s you, take a deep breath with me.

Because here’s the truth: your child doesn’t need to “catch up.” They need support. The kind that meets them exactly where they are—and helps them grow from there.

That support might look like:

• Speech therapy to help them communicate in ways that work for them—not necessarily full sentences, but signs, words, or even gestures.

• ABA therapy to build practical skills like sharing, transitions, and waiting (without the meltdowns). Learn more about our personalized ABA therapy services in San Francisco.

• Parent coaching so you can reinforce those same strategies at home—even during your packed tech workday or in the middle of a Target run.

We’re not racing a clock here. 🕐

This isn’t about pushing them to meet someone else’s timeline. It’s about creating an environment where your child can thrive on their timeline, with your support.

And you’re already doing that. Just by being here.

A Better Question: What Will Help My Child Thrive?

Let’s pause here for a second. You’re not wrong for wondering if autism goes away. That’s the question every parent has at some point—even if they don’t say it out loud.

But what if we reframed it?

Instead of asking, “Will this go away?” maybe a better question is:

“What can I do today to help my child grow, connect, and thrive?”

Because here’s the good news: there are things you can do. Even before services start. Even while you’re juggling meetings, school drop-offs, and your own emotions.

You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a place to begin.

Let’s walk through a few strategies you can start using this week—no training or therapy team required.

Practical Strategies for Parents (That Actually Work)

You don’t need a PhD or a full therapy team to start making progress. These are real things you can try this week—even if you’re still waiting for services. Think of these like the tips I’d share if I were sitting at your kitchen table, walking through what’s worked for other families (and for mine).

1. Use "First/Then" Language to Improve Transitions

Transitions are hard. Leaving the park, ending screen time, putting shoes on — all of it can feel like a minefield some days. One simple shift that works wonders is using

"First/Then" statements.

Instead of giving long explanations or bargaining, try:

"First shoes on, then outside."

"First clean up, then iPad."

Use the same phrasing every time. Predictability is calming, and routines give your child a sense of control within structure.

A dad I work with in Mountain View started using this during the morning rush. His daughter would scream when it was time to put her shoes on. We added a simple, consistent routine: "First shoes, then car." Within a week, she was sitting by the door waiting with her shoes—because she finally understood what came next.

Try it today. Pick one part of your routine that’s usually stressful and use a First/Then phrase. Repeat it exactly the same way for a few days, and watch what happens. (Share the results with us, we’d love to know!)

2. Celebrate Small Wins, Out Loud

You are your child’s most important cheerleader. What you notice and name, grows.

When your child:

• Responds to their name

• Waits their turn (even for 3 seconds)

• Tries a new word or gesture

Say it. Out loud. Right away.

"You waited so patiently! That was amazing."

"You told me 'more' with your hands. I love how you did that."

One mom I work with in San Mateo told me, “I didn’t want to overdo the praise, but now when I say things like ‘You waited your turn!’ my son beams. I didn’t even realize how much he was noticing.”

Try this tonight at dinner or bath time. Look for one small moment that went well, and name it out loud.

3. Make Sharing Easier with a Visual Timer

Sharing is hard. And it’s not about being selfish—it’s about not knowing when something will be over.

Using a visual timer (we love Time Timer) helps make the abstract idea of "waiting" concrete.

Try this:

"Now is mom’s turn. When timer is done, your turn."

It takes the emotional pressure off the moment. The timer becomes the neutral guide, not you.

A family I support in Redwood City used this for turn-taking with an iPad. At first, it was chaos. But with a 1-minute visual timer, their daughter started handing it over as soon as the red disappeared. She could see the end—and that made all the difference.

Start with just 30 seconds or 1 minute. The goal is to build the skill of waiting, not win the sharing Olympics

4. Track the Wins (Not Just the Worries)

It’s easy to remember tantrums. It’s harder to remember the tiny moment your child looked you in the eye, or waited at the curb without bolting.

Start a daily log. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just jot down:

• A win you saw today

• What triggered a meltdown (if any)

• What helped calm them

You can use your Notes app, a whiteboard on the fridge, or a sticky note by your coffee.

One mom I work with started writing hers on a Post-it during her morning coffee. She told me, “On days when I feel like nothing’s working, I read a few of those notes, and it reminds me—we are making progress.”

Try it today. After bedtime, write down one thing that went well. Just one. It’s enough.

Why Bay Area Families Face Unique Pressures

Let’s be honest for a second.

Being a parent is already hard. But being a parent in the Bay Area looking for autism support? That’s a whole different game.

You’re likely juggling:

• Two full-time jobs

• Waitlists at every clinic you call

• A mortgage that makes you gasp every time you check Zillow

• Family members who love your child but say things like, “Are you sure it’s autism?”

And on top of that? You’re surrounded by other parents whose toddlers are apparently fluent in Mandarin and Python and enrolled in Montessori immersion coding camps.

It’s no wonder you feel like you’re behind. Discover how Celeration ABA supports families navigating autism in the Bay Area.

But you’re not.

Your child is not a spreadsheet. And their progress doesn’t have to look like someone else’s chart.

Your path might look different. And that’s okay. Different doesn’t mean broken. It means you need a plan that actually fits your life.

If You’re Still Waiting for Services, You’re Not Stuck

I hear from families every week who say, “We just got the diagnosis—and now we’re on a waitlist for everything.” Sound familiar?

The good news is: you don’t have to wait to get started. There’s so much you can do right now that will help your child grow—and help you feel more in control.

Here’s what I’d recommend if we were sitting together, sipping coffee in your kitchen:

Start with parent coaching. Some providers (like us!) offer 1:1 sessions that are fully reimbursable through insurance. Explore our approach to personalized ABA therapy and parent coaching. You don’t need to wait for a full team to start seeing progress at home.

Join our Monthly Live Q&A. Even if you’re not in services yet, come ask questions, listen in, and see what’s working for other families. It’s free, and it’s designed for overwhelmed parents just like you.

Pick one focus area for the month. Seriously. Just one. Not five.

Maybe this month, it’s:

• Reducing tantrums during transitions

• Using one sign consistently during meals

• Practicing turn-taking with a visual timer

Let the rest wait.

You don’t need to do everything. You just need to start somewhere.

And if you're not sure where to start?

Email me. Really. Just send a message to chris@celerationaba.com. I’ll read it. I’ll answer. I get these questions every day, and I love helping families make sense of it all.

Or better yet—get on our email list. You’ll get updates, answers, and practical tips that actually work (and don’t make you feel like you need a PhD to understand them).

If you’re feeling stuck, I promise: this is the place to get unstuck.

You’re not behind. You’re right on time. And I’d be honored to help you take the next step.

So… Does Autism Go Away?

Here’s the honest answer:

🚫No, autism doesn’t go away.

But your fear can.

Because once you understand what autism really means…

Once you know how to support your child in ways that actually work…

Once you start seeing those tiny wins stack up — the look, the sign, the pause before the meltdown…

You’ll stop asking if it goes away.

And you’ll start asking, what’s next?

You’re Not Behind. You’re Right on Time.

Whether your child is 2 or 12…

Whether they’re still on a waitlist or already in services…

Whether they’re non-speaking, scripting, or starting to use signs…

You’re doing it right.

And if you're looking for someone who understands the tech world, who knows the chaos of the Bay Area, the too-busy Calendar clicks, the Googling that doesn't seem to end, we've got your back.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

You don’t have to wait for services to make progress.

And you don’t need to do everything right now.

Just start with one small step.

Email me directly at chris@celerationaba.com or contact us directly through our website. We’ll send you updates, tips, and real talk from someone who’s walking this path with you.

Want to talk it through? Join our next steps plan!

You already have what it takes.

Your child is already showing you who they are.

Let’s build the tools to help them shine.

And I’d be honored to help you do that.