Post-Diagnostic Support

We know that finding out about a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can give rise to a whole host of emotions for both the individual and their family. For some, it may provide an explanation for the challenges and differences they have experienced throughout their lives. It may be validating and it may bring more access to resources, support, and a community that understands their experiences.

It may also bring feelings of confusion and uncertainty as individuals learn how to relate to their diagnosis. There may be concerns about stigma and there may be opportunities for self-discovery and personal growth. We know that it can take time to process a new diagnosis. Some people benefit from additional help with this.

Post-Diagnostic Support – Feedback Session

As part of our package, we offer to provide a one-hour feedback session to discuss the outcome of the assessment after the report has been sent. This is an opportunity for the family to ask any questions that they have about the report and diagnostic outcome.

For some people, it may be helpful to have some additional time and space to process, reflect on or ask questions about this diagnosis. To facilitate this, we may have some capacity to offer this with one of our psychologists. Post-diagnostic support following an autism diagnosis is a crucial aspect of supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder to lead fulfilling and empowered lives. We will signpost you to support for this in your report. Some families may also like to access our post diagnostic psychology sessions to help with this.

Focus

Post-diagnostic support can focus on different areas. Firstly, we can provide psychoeducation and information to individuals and families. Understanding the traits, needs, strengths and potential challenges that can be associated with autism can be helpful in identifying effective coping strategies.

We may also be able to recommend suitable therapeutic interventions to help support areas of difficulty and talk about the benefits of peer and community support. It may also be that the environment around the individual requires adaptation and we may be able to offer advice on this. Parents of younger children who have recently received a diagnosis of autism, may wish to have some processing time and/or discussion about how to best share the diagnosis with their child.

Post-diagnosis support could also include some processing and reflection time for older children and adolescents who have recently received a diagnosis.

Please let us know if this is something that you would like to request by completing our form and we’ll be in touch. Unfortunately, our capacity to offer post-diagnostic support is currently small and we may not always have the resource to offer this. Please feel free to connect with us on Facebook too.

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