Autism Journey Blog Series: Starting from the Beginning – What Do I Do After My Child’s Autism Diagnosis?
OCTOBER 12, 2025
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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.
Family Tip: Keep multiple copies of your report. You’ll need it often when applying for funding and services like the OAP.
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.
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:
- Group therapy such as ABA-based groups or multidisciplinary groups” that bring together different specialists.
- Individual services such as 1-to-1 Focused-Behavioural Interventions and Full Day ABA.
Additional assessments such as:
- Speech and language assessments to identify communication strengths and needs.
- Occupational therapy assessments to support sensory processing, motor skills, and daily living skills.
- Psychoeducational assessments to better understand how your child learns best. It looks at cognitive abilities, academic skills (like reading, writing, math), and processing strengths and challenges.
- Mental health services for children and families who need emotional or behavioural support.
- Caregiver supports such as Foundational Family Services, Caregiver-Mediated Early Years programs, and Respite options to give families a break.
- Funding navigation to support with registering for the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and applying for programs like Special Services at Home or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD).
- School planning — whether your child is starting daycare, preschool, or kindergarten, we’ll coach you on what to expect, what questions to ask, and how to prepare for school meetings or with school board committees called identification, placement and review committees IPRCs.
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.
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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