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Parents & family

My child has been diagnosed with autism – what next?

Who is it for? For parents and guardians whose child has just received an autism diagnosis.

In brief

After a diagnosis, many feelings and questions often arrive at once. 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. According to the 2021 S3 guideline, a diagnosis does not automatically mean that therapy is needed permanently. [1, Empf. 1] It makes sense to set concrete goals for the near future together with professionals, to find out about options for support and your entitlements, and to look after yourself and the family as well.

This English translation was produced with AI assistance and has not yet been independently reviewed.

Status of the guideline: This article relies substantially on the German S3 guideline on the therapy of autism spectrum disorders from 2021. According to the DGKJP overview, its validity expired on 23 March 2026. [3] This means it is formally no longer regarded as a current guideline. The principles reproduced here do not automatically become wrong as a result, but they are currently not backed by a valid guideline. We will revise the article as soon as an updated guideline is available.

Take a breath: what is not needed immediately

All feelings are allowed, relief as much as worry, grief or being overwhelmed. After the diagnosis your child is the same child as before.

The 2021 S3 guideline stated that therapy or support is not automatically needed permanently. Measures should be used in a targeted way, with clear goals and for a limited time. This was a consensus-based recommendation. [1, Empf. 1] That does not mean you should wait with applications, registrations or early intervention: clarifying them early keeps your options open. Caution is needed, on the other hand, with offers that promise a quick cure; see Recognising dubious offers.

Understanding the report

At the end of an assessment, according to the expert overview, there should be individual, clearly defined treatment recommendations. [2] Ask if anything is unclear:

  • Which strengths and difficulties were identified?
  • Are there co-occurring conditions that should be treated?
  • Which recommendations are urgent, and which can wait?
  • Will I get a written report that I can keep?

Planning goals and support

The 2021 guideline recommended setting therapy goals together: with the child, as far as their age allows, and with the guardians. The goals should be realistic [1, Empf. 1], and whether they were reached should be checked. [1, Empf. 6, Kap. C.3.2] Where several kinds of help are needed, it recommended coordinating them from one place (case management). [1, Empf. 6, Kap. C.3.2]

An overview of possible help is given in Which support helps?.

Knowing your entitlements and help

According to the 2021 guideline, families should be informed about treatment options, support, legal requirements and entitlements. [1, Empf. 6, Kap. C.3.2] Relevant topics can be:

Independent advice can help you keep an overview: Finding advice.

Day-care, school and wider circle

Whether and when you inform day-care or school is your decision. It often helps to discuss together what your child needs. Further reading: Autism in day-care and Types of school and inclusion. How you can inform family and friends is described in Informing grandparents, friends and wider circle.

Keeping the whole family in view

The 2021 guideline recommended also checking, for every decision, whether a measure suits the whole family, including siblings. [1, Empf. 6, Kap. C.3.2] Pay attention to your own strength too; see Self-care for parents and Siblings of children with autism.

Note: This article provides general information. It is not a substitute for personal assessment, advice or treatment by professionals.

Sources and literature

  1. DGKJP, DGPPN et al. S3-Leitlinie Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen, Teil 2: Therapie. AWMF 028-047, 2021 (Empf. 1, Empf. 6 / Kap. C.3.2). – Guideline (in German); validity expired on 23 March 2026 according to the DGKJP overview [3]
  2. Höhne E, Kamp-Becker I. Diagnostik der Autismus-Spektrum-Störung. Pädiatrie 2024;(4+5):27–32. – Expert overview (in German)
  3. DGKJP: Aktuelle Leitlinien (Übersicht mit AWMF-Registernummer und Gültigkeitsdatum). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/ – Professional society (website in German)

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