By Arise Autism Center Team
You do not have to decide everything today
An autism diagnosis can bring questions, relief, uncertainty, or several feelings at once. There is no correct way to feel, and you do not need a complete plan before asking for help. Your child is still the same child you know and love. A useful first step is simply making space to understand the evaluation and choosing one question to discuss with your pediatrician.
This guide is for families who are wondering what comes next. It is general information, not a replacement for advice from the professionals who know your child. Arise provides ABA therapy, not autism evaluations or diagnostic services. We focus on early intervention for newly diagnosed children up to age 5, with services shaped around each child's needs and family goals.
Keep the evaluation and your questions together
Ask the evaluating professional for a copy of the written report and an explanation of any recommendations you do not understand. Keep the report somewhere you can find it when discussing care. You might use a folder for reports, appointment notes, and insurance information. You do not need to turn this into a large project; a short list on paper can be enough.
Write down what matters in everyday life. Perhaps your child needs help asking for something, joining a play routine, or moving between activities. Include interests and things that already go well, too. These observations can help you ask more specific questions without feeling pressure to use clinical language. Ask your pediatrician which recommendations to address first and who can explain your available options.
Understand the diagnosis requirement
Arise cannot begin ABA services until your child has an autism diagnosis. If an evaluation is still in progress, talk with your pediatrician about a referral to a developmental-behavioral pediatrician or pediatric neurologist. You can contact Arise with general questions while you are arranging the evaluation, but contacting us does not replace the evaluation or mean therapy can begin before a diagnosis.
If the diagnosis is complete, ask what documents you should have ready for an inquiry and your insurance review. There is no need to share your child's entire history in a first phone conversation. Start with the questions you want answered, and ask the team how to provide any needed paperwork through the appropriate process.
Explore support that fits your family's routines
Arise has clinics in Lake Mary, Sanford, Clermont, and offers center-based ABA, in-home ABA, ABA at daycares, and parent training. Ask which setting may fit your child's needs and where services are available. Consider travel, daycare routines, and the activities that matter at home. A first inquiry is a chance to discuss these practical details, not a commitment to a particular schedule.
Arise can verify insurance benefits for free. Have your insurance information available and ask about coverage, authorization requirements, and any costs your family may be responsible for. A benefits check is not a guarantee of coverage or payment. Understanding the next steps before making assumptions can help you compare options and plan conversations with your insurer.
Take one next step
The starting process includes a BCBA assessment and an individualized treatment plan before therapy begins. Use that conversation to describe your child's strengths, interests, and the skills your family wants to support. Ask how goals will be discussed and how parent training fits into care. You are allowed to ask for explanations and time to think. When you are ready, contact Arise to ask questions and request a free benefits check.