Referred for autism assessment

[MamaPhoenix14]

My DD 20 months has been referred for an autism assessment after attending a speech and language group. I just wanted to hear from anyone who's been in a similar position. What are the next steps? I've already been told its bound to be quite a long wait but I'm just unsure what to do now other than worry. Any tips on the wait, dealing with autism and coping with the day to day stuff ?

My son has been referred for one when he was 2, we've been told it's a case of seeing the community paedtrician first and then he'd be on the autism pathway which can involve getting other professionals assessments to get his diagnosis.

You mention going to a speech group, have they referred them to a block of therapy, and do they happen to go to nursery, if they don't it could be worth self referring to portage as they can give advice on things to do for their development with some home visits.
It's been about 8 months wait for us so far, I've found going to a toddler SEN play group has helped but i just have to keep telling myself I'm doing all i can and there's nothing else i can do at this point.