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A calm, ordered entry point. Pick the journey that fits where you are right now — or scroll down for the post-diagnosis steps in order.

Which one is closest to where you are?

If you’re not sure where to begin, pick the journey that sounds most like your week. Each one walks through the existing guides in the order most parents find useful.

If you’ve just received a diagnosis specifically, the ordered post-diagnosis steps are below.

Post-diagnosis · in order

If you’ve just received a diagnosis

The five steps below are the ones most worth doing in the first weeks. Not all at once — in the order they appear.

Getting a diagnosis — whether it was the confirmation you were expecting or a complete surprise — tends to bring a lot of feelings at once. Relief, worry, grief, hope, confusion. Often all of these on the same day. Start here. Everything else can wait.
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Step 1 · First weeks

In the first weeks

Don't try to do everything at once. These are the small, concrete actions that protect future options.

  1. 1

    Get the diagnosis in writing

    Request the diagnostic letter from the team. You'll need it for school, benefits and EHCP applications.

    Open the guide →
  2. 2

    Ask what referrals are being made

    OT, SALT, paediatrics — ask which and the realistic timescales.

  3. 3

    Contact your child's school or nursery SENCO

    Share the diagnosis. Ask what support can start now.

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Step 2 · Financial support

Financial support

Most autism families who qualify aren't claiming everything they're entitled to. Start with DLA — it unlocks other things.

Critical — do this today

Call 0800 121 4600 to request the DLA form before you do anything else. Your claim date starts from this call, not when you return the form.
  1. 1

    Apply for DLA — call 0800 121 4600 today

    Backdates from the day you call. Even if you can't fill the form for weeks, make the call now.

    Open the guide →
  2. 2

    Check eligibility for Carer's Allowance

    If you provide 35+ hours of care a week, you may qualify.

    Open the guide →
  3. 3

    Look into the Access Card and Sunflower Lanyard once DLA is awarded

    Discounts, queue-jumping, recognition at venues.

    Open the guide →
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Step 3 · Home & environment

Home & environment

Small environmental changes regulate the nervous system more than any therapy you can buy.

  1. 1

    Read the sensory room planning guide

    Profile-first thinking. Don't shop until you've read this.

    Open the guide →
  2. 2

    Consider the calming bedroom guide

    Lighting, sound, texture — covers the whole space.

    Open the guide →
  3. 3

    Start with lighting

    The highest-impact, lowest-cost change you can make today.

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Step 4 · School & education

School & education

You have rights here that schools sometimes forget to mention.

  1. 1

    Request a SEND support plan from the school SENCO

    In writing. Ask for a meeting and a plan with measurable goals.

  2. 2

    Understand your EHCP rights

    You can request an assessment yourself — you do not need the school's permission.

    Open the guide →
  3. 3

    Know about school refusal and morning routines

    Common, manageable, and not naughtiness.

    Open the guide →
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Step 5 · For you

For you

You just received a life-changing piece of information. The way you feel right now is allowed.

Permission slip

Grief, relief, anger, love, exhaustion — all appropriate responses. There is no right way to feel.
  1. 1

    Read the carer burnout guide

    Not yet, perhaps. But know it is here.

    Open the guide →
  2. 2

    Visit the For You section

    The space on this site that is just for you.

    Open the guide →

Read next

What to read next

Calm, ordered next steps. Pick the one closest to where you are right now.