My child has received an autism diagnosis

Typical questions

• What does this mean for us now? My child has been diagnosed with autism – what next?. According to the 2021 S3 guideline, a diagnosis does not automatically mean that therapy is needed permanently. ^{[1, Empf. 1]} The guideline expired on 23 March 2026. ^[2]
• Who is responsible for what, and how do I apply? Understanding the support system: who is responsible for what?

First steps

1. Breathe and prioritise. You do not have to decide everything at once. But do ask the relevant bodies early how applications and registrations (for example for early intervention) work and how long they take. My child has been diagnosed with autism – what next?
2. Set goals with professionals. It makes sense to set concrete goals for the near future together with professionals.
3. Use advice. The independent participation advice service (EUTB) advises independently; you can ask there about participation questions.
4. Prepare applications. Useful materials in German include a checklist on the care level, an information sheet on deadlines and a sample letter for an objection.
5. Look after yourselves. A guide to relief and self-help, for example through the national self-help contact service NAKOS, the Kindernetzwerk or the Bundesverband autismus Deutschland, can help. You will find local services sorted by region in the directory of services (in German).

Terms

Eingliederungshilfe · Pflegegrad · Grad der Behinderung · Widerspruch

Sources and literature

1. DGKJP/DGPPN et al.: Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter, Teil 2: Therapie. Interdisziplinäre S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-047, Langversion, Stand Text 02.05.2021. https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/028-047l_S3_Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerungen-Kindes-Jugend-Erwachsenenalter-Therapie_2021-04_1.pdf
2. DGKJP: Aktuelle Leitlinien (Übersicht mit AWMF-Registernummer und Gültigkeitsdatum). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/