From Diagnosis to Support: Connecting Your Child to Services

Connecting Your Child to Services

Once your child has a diagnosis, one of the most important next steps is connecting your child to services. This is where the report you just received starts to open doors. The therapies and supports recommended in that report – like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral support – are what will help your child grow new skills and feel more confident in their world.

The system can feel complicated, especially at first. But taking it step by step makes it manageable. Think of it as building a team around your child: you’re not just accessing services, you’re connecting your child to services that become part of a long-term support network.

Where you start depends on your child’s age:

Ages 0–3: Early Intervention (EI)

Every U.S. state and territory offers Early Intervention services for children under age three who have developmental delays. These services are usually free or low-cost and may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, developmental support, or early learning programs.

Often, providers will come to your home or daycare so your child can learn skills in a familiar environment. A speech therapist might practice communication during playtime, or an occupational therapist might work on fine motor skills by stacking blocks or feeding with a spoon. Each session is really about connecting your child to services that meet them where they are. Small steps add up quickly, and starting early can make a huge difference in your child’s confidence and independence.

How to start:

• Search your state’s EI program here:
  Autism Speaks Early Intervention by State
• Or use the CDC’s national list of Act Early contacts:
  CDC Early Intervention Contact Info

✔️Tip: A pediatrician’s referral is not always required. In many states, you can begin connecting your child to services directly by requesting an evaluation.

Age 3+: School-Based Services

At age three, your child transitions from EI into the public school system for Special Education services. You can request an evaluation through your school district. If your child qualifies, the school will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to their learning and developmental needs. The IEP is one of the most effective tools for connecting your child to services within the school setting.

(If this is your first time navigating the process, here’s my guide on making IEPs work for your child.)

An IEP may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral support, classroom accommodations, or one-on-one assistance. For example, a child who struggles with sensory overload might get access to a quiet space, while another who needs help with social skills might receive small-group social instruction. The IEP is meant to be flexible, and it can change as your child’s needs evolve over time.

It’s natural to feel nervous about your first IEP meeting-many parents do. That’s why my very next post will walk you through what to expect and how to prepare, so you can feel more confident going in. I’ll also be sharing a downloadable list of IEP accommodations that you can bring with you as a reference. Having this resource in hand can make the process less overwhelming and give you clear, concrete ideas to help you advocate for the support your child deserves.

Helpful resources:

• USA.gov: Early Intervention & Special Education
• The Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers – Every state has a PTI that can guide you through the school system and your child’s rights.

Check Insurance, Medicaid, and State Benefits

Beyond EI and school services, many children also qualify for therapies through insurance or Medicaid. These programs are often the bridge for connecting your child to services that might otherwise be financially out of reach. Coverage varies widely by state, but may include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, or occupational therapy.

Because Medicaid coverage and state ASD policies differ, it’s important to look at what your specific state offers. Some states provide additional programs or waivers designed to make services accessible even if a family’s income would not normally qualify them for Medicaid.

Example 1: Arkansas

• TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act program): TEFRA allows children with disabilities to qualify for Medicaid based on their medical needs rather than family income.
• ARKids/AR HIP: Arkansas also offers ARKids First and the Arkansas Health Insurance Premium Payment (AR HIP) program. AR HIP can help families who already have private insurance by paying the family’s share of health insurance premiums if it’s cost-effective for the state. This makes therapies and medical services more affordable while allowing families to keep their existing insurance network.

Example 2: Georgia

• TEFRA/Katie Beckett: It allows children under 18 with disabilities to receive Medicaid coverage while living at home, even if their family income would normally make them ineligible. It covers medical care, therapies, and home-based support for children who require a level of care usually provided in a hospital or facility.

Example 3: California

• Medi-Cal: California’s Medicaid program provides coverage for children with developmental disabilities, including autism. Through certain waivers, it funds services such as therapies, medical care, and in-home support that help children live at home and participate in their community, and it can disregard parental income for eligibility.

These kinds of programs can make a huge difference, especially when therapies are frequent and costly. Be sure to check with your state’s Medicaid office or Department of Human Services to learn what benefits or waivers might be available where you live.

Resources to explore:

• Medicaid: Autism Services Overview
• Autism Benefits by State (The Treetop)
• Autism Benefits by State (Discovery ABA)

Connect with Advocacy and Support Networks

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Advocacy groups and nonprofit organizations can make connecting your child to services easier and help you understand your rights, navigate paperwork, and connect with community resources.

• Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) – Led by autistic individuals, offering resources on rights and policy.
• Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee: State Organizations
• Autism Awareness Centre: U.S. Resources
• Local nonprofits (for example, WI FACETS in Wisconsin) often provide training, advocacy, and peer support.

Building connections also helps emotionally. Talking with other parents who understand the ups and downs of therapies, IEP meetings, and insurance battles can make the journey less lonely.

Organize and Plan for the Long View

Keeping everything organized will make your journey smoother. Create a binder or digital folder to store:

• Diagnostic reports and evaluation summaries
• Therapy notes and progress updates
• School paperwork and IEPs
• Insurance approvals and denials
• A log of all communications with providers and schools

It’s also wise to think ahead. Services often shift around age 22 when your child transitions to adult systems of care. Starting early with planning ensures a smoother process for connecting your child to services throughout every stage of life.