What should I do first after a new autism diagnosis?

Start by understanding what the diagnosis does and doesn't mean, then look at which therapies are evidence-based and which promise quick fixes. From there the practical decisions are: which questions to ask a potential provider, whether in-home or in-clinic fits your family, how many therapy hours to begin with, and how to connect with community and financial support. This guide walks through each of those in turn.

Do I need an autism diagnosis before starting ABA therapy?

Yes. ABA services require a diagnosis, and it's also the starting point for finding other support. Our guide on why a diagnosis is needed covers what that process looks like and where to turn if you're still waiting on one.

How many hours of ABA therapy should we start with?

There's no single right number. Your BCBA recommends hours after a personalized assessment. Comprehensive programs, especially in early intervention, typically run 30 to 40 hours a week, while learners working on focused goals like social skills may do well with 4 to 6. Many families start smaller and add hours as they see progress.

Is in-home or in-clinic ABA therapy better for my child?

Both have real advantages, and the right answer depends on your child. In-Academy settings offer specialized resources, trained professionals on hand, and built-in opportunities for social interaction with peers; in-home therapy works within your family's own routines and environment. Orchid offers both, so we can talk through which one fits.

How do I support my other children after a sibling's autism diagnosis?

Siblings often feel many things at once, from love and pride to embarrassment, jealousy, or worry, and they need room for all of it. Involving them in therapy sessions, celebrating milestones together, creating space for their feelings, and balancing responsibilities fairly all help strengthen the sibling bond.

Does insurance cover ABA therapy in Washington?

Orchid Academy accepts a range of private insurance plans, including Premera, Cigna, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, and Regence, and grants and scholarships such as Ben's Fund exist alongside them. What any individual plan covers depends on the plan, so our Washington insurance guide walks through the approval roadmap and how to verify your own benefits.

Your Guide to Navigating a New Autism Diagnosis

I just received my child's autism diagnosis - where do I go from here?

Embracing Your Journey After an Autism Diagnosis: The Orchid Way

Did your child just receive an autism diagnosis? Dr. Autumn Flick shares her advice for what comes next.

She covers finding your courage, choosing therapies, and celebrating milestones along the way.

Read about the first steps after diagnosis

Understanding Autism

This post covers both the challenges autistic people may face, like stereotyped or repetitive motions, and their strengths, such as their potential as visual learners.

It's written to help parents and caregivers understand neurodiversity and support their child with dignity, respect, and love.

Explore autism strengths and differences

Explore Key Autism Therapies and Their Roles in Supporting Development

This post walks through the main therapies for autism and what each one is for.

It also warns against therapies with no evidence behind them and anything that promises a quick fix.

Compare types of autism therapy

Supporting Siblings' Journey with Autism

How do I support all of my children after a diagnosis?

Understanding Autism for Siblings

Dr. Flick draws on nearly two decades of experience to explain how to talk with siblings about autism, from explaining unfamiliar behaviors to describing how sensory sensitivities affect their brother or sister.

The post takes on questions like these: When's the right time to talk about autism? What's age-appropriate? How do we point out strengths? How do we build empathy and connection between siblings?

Read about supporting siblings

How to Explain Autism to Siblings (and Make Room for Their Feelings)

Siblings of children with autism often experience a wide range of emotions, from love and pride to embarrassment, jealousy, and worry. Dr. Autumn Flick draws on her personal and professional experience to explain where siblings fit in the support around their autistic brother or sister.

She suggests involving siblings in therapy sessions, celebrating milestones together, making space for their feelings, and balancing responsibilities fairly. These steps build resilience and strengthen the sibling bond.

Read about supporting siblings

What Questions Should I Ask a Potential ABA Provider?

You choose your Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provider, and the right one should fit your family's needs, values, and goals.

We put together a list of questions to ask potential providers, so you can compare agencies before you commit to a long-term partnership with one.

Questions to ask an ABA provider

In-Home vs In-Clinic ABA: Which Setting Is Right for My Child?

Dr. Autumn Flick compares the advantages of in-Academy (clinic) and in-home ABA therapy at Orchid Academy.

The post covers what each setting offers, from specialized resources and trained professionals to chances for social interaction, so you can decide which one fits your child.

Compare in-academy and in-home ABA

Selecting the Right Number of ABA Therapy Hours for Your Child

This post covers how to set an ABA therapy schedule that fits your child's needs, your family, and your daily routines. It explains the recommended hours for intensive intervention, flexible options for high-functioning autism, and common questions about starting with fewer hours and adjusting as your child progresses.

It also looks at what research says about hours, and how to reach a schedule that respects both your child's well-being and your family's life.

Choose an ABA therapy schedule

Embracing Community Support After an Autism Diagnosis

Several organizations help families dealing with autism and developmental disabilities. Kindering and Encompass offer early intervention and personalized care. WAAA and The Arc of Washington State provide advocacy and support. DDA Services offers assistance across the lifespan, and Open Doors for Multicultural Families works on inclusion for families from many cultures.

The Orchid Community is part of that network too, a place where families get support and connect with each other.

Find community support after diagnosis

Financial Planning and Assistance: A Lifeline for Families Navigating Autism

This guide covers ways to pay for autism care, from grants and scholarships such as Ben's Fund to private insurance coverage through Premera, Cigna, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, and Regence.

Orchid Academy accepts a range of insurance plans, and the post explains how families can secure the services their child needs.

Explore financial support for autism care

Integrating Special Education Services and Advocacy

This article explains how special education services and advocacy fit together, with a focus on the Individualized Education Program (IEP). It covers the IEP process and your rights as a parent, so you can make informed decisions and advocate for your child.

It outlines what an IEP includes, your rights in the process, and why it helps to plan ahead. You can request meetings and reevaluations yourself and push for services that fit your child.

Learn about special education advocacy · Washington IEP guide · School-based ABA

New Autism Diagnosis: Questions Parents Ask First

What should I do first after a new autism diagnosis?: Start by understanding what the diagnosis does and doesn't mean, then look at which therapies are evidence-based and which promise quick fixes. From there the practical decisions are: which questions to ask a potential provider, whether in-home or in-clinic fits your family, how many therapy hours to begin with, and how to connect with community and financial support. This guide walks through each of those in turn. Start with the full guide
Do I need an autism diagnosis before starting ABA therapy?: Yes. ABA services require a diagnosis, and it's also the starting point for finding other support. Our guide on why a diagnosis is needed covers what that process looks like and where to turn if you're still waiting on one. Why a diagnosis is needed
How many hours of ABA therapy should we start with?: There's no single right number. Your BCBA recommends hours after a personalized assessment. Comprehensive programs, especially in early intervention, typically run 30 to 40 hours a week, while learners working on focused goals like social skills may do well with 4 to 6. Many families start smaller and add hours as they see progress. How ABA hours are set
Is in-home or in-clinic ABA therapy better for my child?: Both have real advantages, and the right answer depends on your child. In-Academy settings offer specialized resources, trained professionals on hand, and built-in opportunities for social interaction with peers; in-home therapy works within your family's own routines and environment. Orchid offers both, so we can talk through which one fits. In-home vs in-Academy ABA
How do I support my other children after a sibling's autism diagnosis?: Siblings often feel many things at once, from love and pride to embarrassment, jealousy, or worry, and they need room for all of it. Involving them in therapy sessions, celebrating milestones together, creating space for their feelings, and balancing responsibilities fairly all help strengthen the sibling bond. Supporting siblings
Does insurance cover ABA therapy in Washington?: Orchid Academy accepts a range of private insurance plans, including Premera, Cigna, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, and Regence, and grants and scholarships such as Ben's Fund exist alongside them. What any individual plan covers depends on the plan, so our Washington insurance guide walks through the approval roadmap and how to verify your own benefits. Washington insurance guide

Related guides & services

Keep going with the pages families usually need right after a diagnosis.

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