When a child receives an autism diagnosis, many parents feel a huge weight of uncertainty — about both the long- and short-term implications. It’s not only, “What will their future look like?” but also, “What do I do now?”

As a multidisciplinary pediatric therapy clinic offering ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ADOS testing in Southwest Florida, we at FOCUS Therapy understand the mix of emotions parents experience — concern, confusion, and the deep desire to do what is best for their child.

The good news? Early identification and intervention are crucial in supporting your child’s development — and you’re in the right place for that.

Whether your child has recently been diagnosed or you’re just starting to question whether there’s cause for concern, you’re already taking important steps toward securing the critical early intervention services that are proven to make a world of difference for children with autism.

Step 1: Recognizing the Signs and Seeking an Evaluation

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. While every child is unique, some common early signs of autism include:

• Delayed speech or language development
• Limited eye contact or lack of response to their name
• Repetitive movements (e.g., hand flapping, rocking)
• Difficulty with changes in routine
• Reduced interest in social engagement with peers or caregivers

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for developmental delays at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months, with specific autism screening at 18 and 24 months. If you have concerns, the first step is to bring them up with your pediatrician, who can refer you for a more comprehensive autism evaluation.

It is NOT advisable to take a “wait and see” approach, wherein parents just wait and see if the child’s developmental delay simply improves on its own. This approach is not supported by research. A landmark study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that children who receive early intervention services before the age of 3 showed significantly greater improvements in communication, cognitive ability and social skills compared to those who started later. This is not to discourage parents of children older than that from seeking treatment, but we do know the sooner you start, the better the long-term outcomes.

Rather than waiting, parents should take proactive steps to get their child the support they need. Early intervention services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, can help build essential skills and improve long-term outcomes.

Step 2: Undergoing an Autism Evaluation (ADOS and Other Assessments)

A formal autism diagnosis requires an evaluation by a qualified professional, such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or pediatric neurologist. One of the most widely used and trusted tools for diagnosing autism is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).

The ADOS is a structured, play-based assessment designed to evaluate social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. It is often considered the gold standard for autism diagnosis and can be administered by licensed psychologists, developmental pediatricians, or other trained professionals. The evaluation typically consists of:

• Engaging the child in structured and unstructured activities to assess communication and social behaviors.
• Observing the child’s ability to interact, respond, and initiate social interactions.
• Scoring the child’s responses to determine whether their behaviors align with an autism diagnosis.

FOCUS Therapy provides ADOS testing at our Fort Myers clinic. You will not receive a diagnosis immediately after the ADOS test is complete, but it is an important piece of evidence that the pediatric specialist will consider (in conjunction with other factors) when deciding whether an autism diagnosis is appropriate.

Step 3: Understanding the Diagnosis

Once an autism diagnosis is confirmed, it is natural to feel a flood of emotions. Many parents experience relief in having an explanation for their child’s behaviors, but also anxiety about what the future holds.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It is a spectrum, meaning each child’s strengths and challenges will be unique.
• Early intervention is key. Research consistently shows that starting therapy as early as possible leads to better developmental outcomes. This typically includes a combination of ABA therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. (FOCUS offers all three, which can be a life-saver when your child needs all of them multiple times every week.)
• This doesn’t mean the future is bleak. There is no “cure” for autism. However, many people with autism go on to live very healthy, productive, happy lives. We believe a strong foundation of early intervention therapy gives them the best possible chance of that outcome. Every patient is different, but many of those who came to us as toddlers have since gone on to attend general education classes in elementary school and beyond (though they may continue to need certain supports through an IEP or 504 plan to really thrive). A lot of families and patients also fully embrace and celebrate their neurodiversity. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” them. It’s about giving them the tools to function in everyday life.
• Your child is still the same wonderful individual. A diagnosis does not change who they are, but it can help unlock the right support to help them thrive.

Step 4: Accessing Support and Therapy Services

Once your child receives an autism diagnosis, the next step is enrolling them in appropriate therapy services. Some key interventions include:

• ABA Therapy: Focuses on teaching communication, social, and life skills while reducing challenging behaviors.
• Speech Therapy: Helps with language development, articulation, and alternative communication methods for nonverbal children.
• Occupational Therapy: Supports sensory processing, fine motor skills, and activities of daily living.

In Southwest Florida, there are a number of clinics (including FOCUS Therapy) that offers these therapies under one roof, making it easier for families to access comprehensive care all in one place.

If your child is under the age of 3, you can receive some services through Early Steps. As of this writing, these services are free and available to eligible babies and toddlers (up to 36 months). These include individual family support plans and services like speech therapy, occupational therapy and ABA therapy.

If the autism diagnosis is issued early enough to qualify your child for Early Steps services – by all means, take them up on it! However, understand that it will only last until they are 3. Chances are, your child may still need services, and your best bet at that point are private clinics. Because there can be a waitlist for therapy services in Florida, it’s a good idea to start getting that lined up before your child ages out of Early Steps.

School systems have programs for pre-kindergarten kids age 3-5 (such as Head Start). They may provide academic supports for your child once they start kindergarten in the form of an IEP or 504 plan. (FOCUS can provide IEP planning and assistance for parents in Southwest Florida.) However, those services tend to focus solely on academic skills. Those who receive outside therapy in addition to whatever the schools offer tend to fare better because we focus on the whole child.

Step 6: Connecting with Community Resources

Beyond therapy, there are many resources available to help families adjust to an autism diagnosis:

• Support Groups: Organizations like the Autism Society of Florida provide a community where parents can connect and share experiences.
• Educational Advocacy: Understanding your child’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) can help you secure appropriate school services.
• Financial Assistance: Programs like Medicaid Waivers and grants from autism organizations can help offset therapy costs.

If you are on a pediatric therapy clinic waitlist for early intervention services, FOCUS also offers behavior consulting / parent coaching that can serve as a stop gap so you can make the most of the time in the interim – even if your child isn’t on the waitlist for services at FOCUS.

Step 7: Embracing the Journey Ahead

While an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming, it also marks the beginning of a new journey—one filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. With the right support, your child can develop essential skills and lead a fulfilling life.

As a dedicated pediatric therapy clinic in Southwest Florida, we are here to walk this journey with you. From initial evaluations like ADOS testing to ongoing therapy and parent coaching, we are committed to providing the highest level of care for children with autism and their families.

If you have questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Early action can make all the difference, and together, we will do all we can to help your child reach their fullest potential.

FOCUS offers ABA therapy, ADOS testing, behavior consulting, speech therapy, and occupational therapy to children in Lee County, Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.

Additional Resources:

Why Act Early if You’re Concerned about Development? CDC

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Why In-Clinic ABA Therapy Outshines At-Home ABA Therapy: Insights from a BCBA