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Autism Journey Blog Series: Starting from the Beginning – What Do I Do After My Child’s Autism Diagnosis?

SEPTEMBER 12, 2025

Table of contents

Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can feel like a turning point — it gives you answers, but it may also leave you asking, “What do we do next?”

If you’re a parent in Toronto or the GTA looking for an autism program or wondering about the first steps after an autism diagnosis, you are not alone. Many families feel the same way: hopeful, overwhelmed, and ready to learn. The first part of our Autism Journey Blog Series is all about where to start. We’ll walk you through what to expect, from the autism diagnostic assessment process to navigating supports like the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and other autism services in Ontario.

Diagnosis: What can I expect during an assessment for autism?

Getting an early diagnosis matters because it helps families access services and supports sooner. But knowing when to seek an assessment can feel tricky.

As a parent or caregiver, you know your child best. If you have a gut feeling that something may be different in their development, it’s worth exploring. Some early signs families notice include:

  • Not meeting developmental milestones in play or communication
  • Limited eye contact
  • Repetitive behaviours such as rocking or banging
  • Delays in language or speech
  • Having an older sibling with a diagnosis
  • Significant challenges with communication

At Surrey Place, we offer Early Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments for children ages 0-6 years, and many families who come to us have little ones around 15–16 months old. Parents often arrive with questions and concerns, wanting to understand their child better.

Here’s what you can expect with us:

  • First, you’ll complete an online inquiry form or call 1-888-575-KIDS (5437).
  • Next, we do a hybrid assessment: part online, part in-person. During the in-person portion, we use a play-based assessment called the ADOS-2.
  • Once complete, we provide a comprehensive report that includes: the autism diagnosis (based on diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder), recommended services, and step-by-step next steps, including registering with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).

The full process takes about 12 hours in total, and the report becomes a roadmap for your family — something you can rely on for the next 3–4 years as you access services and supports.

Every family’s experience of receiving a diagnosis is unique. For some, it can feel overwhelming; for others, it brings relief in finally having answers. No matter what emotions come up, our focus is on walking alongside families, making sure they feel supported, know what steps to take next, and leave feeling empowered to help best support their child.

LeighAnn Wayland, Psychologist & Manager of Interprofessional Clinical Services

Family Tip

Keep multiple copies of your report. You’ll need it often when applying for funding and services like the OAP.

Service Navigation: What comes next after my child’s autism diagnosis?

Getting an autism diagnosis is just the first step. The next big question many families ask is: “What services are right for my child, and how do I actually access them?” That’s where service navigation comes in.

Navigating the system can feel overwhelming — there are assessments, waitlists, school supports, funding programs, and dozens of therapy options. It can be hard to know where to start, especially if you’re new to the world of autism programs in Toronto and the GTA. Our role at Surrey Place is to simplify that journey and walk with you, step by step.

Here’s what typically happens once you connect with us online or by phone:

  • Quick response: A service coordinator will reach out within 3-5 business days, so you don’t feel left waiting.
  • Getting to know your family: We’ll schedule a 1-hour call (longer if you need an interpreter). This isn’t just paperwork — it’s a conversation about your child’s strengths, interests, and needs. We also often have staff at each of our locations to support families who prefer to ask questions in-person.
  • The F-words framework: We use the “F-words” (fun, family, fitness, friends, function, and future) to guide the conversation. This helps us understand not only your child’s developmental needs but also your family’s goals, routines, and values.
  • Reviewing the report: Together, we’ll go through your autism diagnostic report and connect the recommendations to real-world supports.
A classroom setting with three individuals sitting on a blue mat. Two adults— one in a white shirt and black pants, the other in a dark blue top and black pants—are engaging with a child wearing a light blue polo shirt and dark shorts. The child is holding yellow toy blocks. Behind them are shelves filled with educational materials and toys, and a desk with a chair.]

From there, we’ll talk about the services that make the most sense for your child and family, including those you can pay for using OAP funding or insurance, or are completely free. These might include:

And while you’re waiting for services, we don’t want you to feel “stuck.” Families can access free workshops, resource clinics, and wellness programs so you can continue learning and building skills during wait times.

Your Personal Service Plan

At the end of this process, all the options we’ve discussed will be put in a one-page Service Plan, which lists all the programs and services families will need and benefit from. This process is meant to take feelings of overwhelm and confusion out of the autism journey.

Think of service navigation as your personal guide through Ontario’s autism services system. We know this is a lot of information. Our goal is to reduce stress, save families time, and make sure no one feels lost in the process – like a one-stop-shop for autism services in the GTA.

Surrey Place is also often the first point of contact for a lot of families, as the SmartStart Hub for the GTA. Even before a diagnosis, we are there for families, helping to answer their early questions and guiding them through the process – from diagnosis to services and supports.

We’re privileged to support and know many of our clients and caregivers for many years, supporting them through different stages and ages. Families know they can come back to us when something new pops up, or there is a change in their needs. They come back because we build trust, a sense of community and connection, and we support individuals throughout their entire lifespan. There is something for everyone.

Natalie Healy, Manager, Intake, Cross Agency Clinical Services

Family Tip

Start small: choose one or two services, and add more as your child and family adjust.

The Road Ahead: How can I move forward after an autism diagnosis?

An autism diagnosis isn’t the end of your child’s story — it’s the beginning of understanding.

Most importantly, remember this: an autism diagnosis does not define your child — it simply provides a framework to better understand their strengths, challenges, and needs. With ongoing guidance, community connection, and the right services, your child has every opportunity to succeed.

Assessments bring clarity. Diagnosis opens doors. Navigation connects you with the right supports. With the right guidance, children can thrive, and families can feel confident every step of the way.

You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help.

Connect with a Service Coordinator today to learn how Surrey Place can support you through every step of your autism journey.

 

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By 2 months

Has your baby had their hearing screened? YES NO

By 6 months

Does the child?

Startle in response to loud noises? YES NO
Turn to where a sound is coming from? YES NO
Make different cries for different needs (hungry, tired)? YES NO
Watch your face as you talk? YES NO
Smile/laugh in response to your smiles and laughs? YES NO
Imitate coughs or other sounds such as ah, eh, buh YES NO

By 9 months

Does the child?

Respond to their name? YES NO
Respond to the telephone ringing or a knock at the door? YES NO
Understand being told no? YES NO
Get what they want through using gestures (reaching to be picked up)? YES NO
Play social games with you (Peek-a-Boo)? YES NO
Enjoy being around people? YES NO
Babble and repeat sounds such as babababa or duhduhduh? YES NO

By 12 months

Does the child?

Follow simple one-step directions (sit down)? YES NO
Look across the room to a toy when adult points at it? YES NO
Consistently use three to five words? YES NO
Use gestures to communicate (waves hi/bye, shakes head for no)? YES NO
Get your attention using sounds, gestures and pointing while looking at your eyes? YES NO
Bring you toys to show you? YES NO
Perform for social attention and praise? YES NO
Combine lots of sounds together as though talking (abada baduh abee)? YES NO
Show an interest in simple picture books? YES NO

By 18 months

Does the child?

Understand the meaning of in and out, off and on? YES NO
Point to more than 2 body parts when asked? YES NO
Use at least 20 words consistently? YES NO
Respond with words or gestures to simple questions (Where's teddy? What's that?)? YES NO
Demonstrate some pretend play with toys (gives teddy bear a drink, pretends a bowl is a hat)? YES NO
Make at least four different consonant sounds (p ,b, m, n, d, g, w, h)? YES NO
Enjoy being read to and sharing simple books with you? YES NO
Point to pictures using one finger? YES NO

By 2 years

Does the child?

Follow two-step directions (Go find your teddy bear and show it to Grandma.)? YES NO
Use 100 to 150 words? YES NO
Use at least two pronouns (you, me, mine)? YES NO
Consistently combine two to four words in short phrases (Daddy hat. Truck go down.)? YES NO
Enjoy being around other children? YES NO
Begin to offer toys to other children and imitate other children's actions and words? YES NO
Use words that are understood by others 50 to 60 per cent of the time? YES NO
Form words or sounds easily and without effort? YES NO
Hold books the right way up and turn the pages? YES NO
Read to stuffed animals or toys? YES NO
Scribble with crayons? YES NO

By 30 months

Does the child?

Understand the concepts of size (big/little) and quantity (a little/a lot, more)? YES NO
Use some adult grammar (two cookies, bird flying, I jumped)? YES NO
Use over 350 words? YES NO
Use action words such as run, spill, fall? YES NO
Participate in some turn-taking activities with peers, using both words and toys? YES NO
Demonstrate concern when another child is hurt or sad? YES NO
Combine several actions in play (puts blocks in the train and drives the train, drops the blocks off.)? YES NO
Put sounds at the beginning of most words? YES NO
Use words with two or more syllables or beats (ba-na-na, com-pu-ter, a-pple)? YES NO
Recognize familiar logos and signs involving print (Stop sign)? YES NO
Remember and understand familiar stories? YES NO

By 3 years

Does the child?

Understand who, what, where and why questions? YES NO
Create long sentences using five to eight words? YES NO
Talk about past events (trip to grandparents house, day at child care)? YES NO
Tell simple stories? YES NO
Show affection for favourite playmates? YES NO
Engage in multi-step pretend play (pretending to cook a meal, repair a car)? YES NO
Talk in a way that most people outside of the family understand what she/he is saying most of the time? YES NO
Have an understanding of the function of print (menus, lists, signs)? YES NO
Show interest in, and awareness of, rhyming words? YES NO
Read to stuffed animals or toys? YES NO
Scribble with crayons? YES NO

By 4 years

Does the child?

Follow directions involving three or more steps (First get some paper, then draw a picture and give it to Mommy)? YES NO
Use adult type grammar? YES NO
Tell stories with a beginning, middle and end? YES NO
Talk to try and solve problems with adults and with other children? YES NO
Show increasingly complex imaginary play? YES NO
Talk in a way that is understood by strangers almost all the time? YES NO
Generate simple rhymes (cat-bat)? YES NO
Match some letters with their sounds (letter b says buh, letter t says tuh)? YES NO