Your Child Has Autism – Now What? A Parent’s Guide to Taking the Next Step Without the Overwhelm

Mar 24

4 min read

Does any of this sound familiar to you?

You’re patiently waiting in a doctor’s office, trying to grasp the words they’ve just spoken to you, and now you hold your breath, “Your child has autism.” You slowly nod. This may have been some part of what you expected, or perhaps if you didn’t. But after that, everything seems to come crashing down.

What does this mean for their future?

Will they be okay?

Where do you even start?

After leaving the office, you hold a folder of pamphlets and some websites to check alongside a suggestion to “research ABA therapy.” And you suddenly feel overwhelmed.

If you can feel that knot in your stomach, the anxiety of making the wrong decision, you are not alone. Every parent in your position has experienced this feeling. And here’s what I want you to know:

The best choice is not always the most complicated one. You do not need to solve everything today. Step by step, let’s tackle it together.

First, Take a Breath (Yes, Really)

You’re currently overwhelmed. You’re practically ready to pull your hair out after searching “autism therapy near me” and being bombarded with all the options such as: ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, early interventions, IEPs, and so much more.

I get it; it's more than enough to drive anyone crazy.

But here is why you should take a deep breath - there is no reason to try to solve everything all at once.

We both know how crucial the next step is, and that is where the bulk of the focus should be. So instead of diving into everything at once, let’s take one step at a time and begin by figuring out what ABA is and how to go about getting the right provider for your child.

What Is ABA (And Why Is Everyone Talking About It)?

You are not the only one who has heard mixed reviews of ABA therapy. Some people love it while other people are against it. In the case, there’s you – just trying your best to figure out what will work best for your child. So, let’s refrain from overcomplicating things.

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is a scientific method for teaching and skill-building

that strives to alleviate problem behaviors. But let’s focus on what is more important for you as a parent.

It teaches children how to communicate, learn, and take part in day to day activities.

It's flexible—meaning it is designed around your child’s abilities and needs.

The right provider will partner with the child—not against them.

That last part? That’s where so much of the confusion comes in. Because not all ABA is the same, the right provider can make all the difference.

Now, Imagine this…

Picture yourself coming home from work and feeling relaxed from your day. You walk into your child’s room, and a soothing sensation washes over you because there in the room of your child is a BCBA teacher who knows your son or daughter beyond his or her diagnosis. This teacher understands all the intricacies that make your child unique.

You are kept in the loop by your ABA provider. You don’t have to wonder what goes on behind closed doors, but instead feel like you are part of the process. The best part is seeing your child succeed and thrive.

“When your heart swells the…” “Today they put together the puzzle for the first time,” or, “They said help me please instead of crying.” “They played Candyland with another child for the first time.” These are simply small victories, but for you they mean a lot.

Instead of feeling as if you need to second guess every decision you make, you finally have peace of mind, and this is a wish every parent cherishes and wants during this time.

This is achievable, and our primary focus is to help you attain it.

How to Find the Right ABA Provider (Without the Headache)

You don’t just want any ABA provider. You want one that actually fits your child, your family, and your values.

Here’s our shortlist of how to choose the right ABA provider:

They talk to you like a parent, not a robot.

If they start throwing jargon at you without explaining it, that’s a red flag.

They involve you in the process.

A good ABA provider should treat you as part of the team—not just someone they report to.

They focus on real-life skills.

Your child’s progress should be meaningful: improving communication, self-help skills, and social interactions, not just following commands.

They listen.

If they don’t take the time to understand your child’s unique strengths and needs, they’re not the right fit.

This is your child. You get to ask questions. You get to be picky. And any quality provider will welcome that.

📩 Enter your email below, and we’ll send you our “Essential Questions to Ask an ABA Provider” guide—so you can walk into your first meeting prepared and confident.

Easing the Overwhelm: What to Focus on Right Now

Let's be honest, it’s effortless to get lost in the “what-ifs.” What if you tried to shift your

attention to thinking about the next step only?

👉🏼Start Here: Do not attempt to make an intricate 10-year plan overnight. The first step is to learn about ABA therapy. Just keep in mind that not all ABA is equal.

You can schedule a consultation with a professional that matches your values.

It's completely fine not having all the pieces to the puzzle in the beginning. You only need to deal with next steps. Whenever you have the time, we are available to help.