Asd diagnosis what next

[Thirtysomethingmum1]

My child had just been given a diagnosis what next? I am clueless
Hes 10 btw

It really depends what his needs are. Is he struggling at school? In which case you should start thinking about applying for an EHCP. Especially important as he is approaching secondary applications.

What is Ehcp?

If you don’t already receive DLA you should claim. The Cerebra guide is helpful when completing the form.


An EHCP is an Education, Health and Care Plan, a statutory document in England that sets out DC’s needs and the provision they require to meet those needs. Scotland, NI and Wales have similar. Are school meeting DS’s needs and providing any support?


Have you had social care assessments? A carer’s assessment for you and an assessment via the disabled children’s team for DC.



Has DC seen a SALT and OT?


Depending on needs think about applying for a blue badge.


Scope offer mentoring to parents whose DC have recently been diagnosed. Also, see if your area run an EarlyBird, Early Bird plus type course or cygnet course.

What are his needs? Is he in mainstream school and coping?

Thank you
Its a lot to take in
I didn’t realise i could get dla for him
He is in mainstream and does struggle to get any work done
Weve not had any other info or assessment
I just got his diagnosis today
I need to speak to school to find out what they are doing to help him

If he is struggling now you should definitely be pursuing an EHCP now so he has it in place before secondary. Don't wait for your school to do this. Look at how to apply for a 'Needs Assessment' with your local council and also look at the IPSEA and NAS websites for help in how to apply.

There isn't a standard answer. Firstly think about why you were referred - eg was their learning issues, behavioural, anxiety? Then consider what (realistic) support would be useful to assist to improve these areas. It could mean an echp, it could mean a referral to nhs services, it could mean lower level support at school like extra time in tests and it quite frankly could mean nothing really.

My dd had low level support at school and has a mentor at university plus a counsellor, it's so individual it's impossible to say what he needs

Dla/pip once over 16 is possible but not a given, only some kids/adults are eligible, don't want to get your hopes up, it all depends on how much help he needs over and above a "normal" child

Do apply for an EHCNA.

Dla/pip once over 16 is possible but not a given, only some kids/adults are eligible, don't want to get your hopes up, it all depends on how much help he needs over and above a "normal" child

While it’s not a given and also many people have to appeal, DC with an ASD diagnosis should in theory qualify for some level of DLA as to get a diagnosis one must have difficulties in the triad of impairments that “limit and impair everyday functioning”.

Ok thank you all
He does struggle in school do apply for echp thru school?

You can apply for an EHCNA yourself, you don’t need to wait for school to apply. On their website IPSEA have a model letter you can use.

We found nothing after diagnosis. There seems to be more help before diagnosis than after!