parenting
and say,‘ No, I want this looked at properly.’ That’ s not overreacting. That’ s advocating.”
Diagnosis often involves a team: psychologist, paediatrician, speech therapist, and maybe more.“ They’ ll take a developmental history, observe behaviour, and may use structured tools like the ADOS( Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule),” says Eyre.
Archer calls it“ a comprehensive evaluation,” and Eyre adds,“ Filling out forms that reduce your child to checkboxes is tough. But the diagnosis brought clarity, and we could start accessing the right support.”
What happens after diagnosis?
Archer suggests:
• Speech and language therapy
• occupational therapy
• Psychotherapy or social skills groups
• Tailored educational support
• Sibling and family support
For Eyre’ s son,“ speech therapy helped with communication, and OT supported sensory and emotional regulation”. And she reccomends parenting coaching.“ Good therapy doesn’ t aim to change your child. It helps them feel safe, empowered, and understood.”
“ This journey can be hard,” Eyre admits.“ There are days when my autistic son is melting down and I’ m overwhelmed myself – and I still need to show up for my other child, too.”
Archer advises honest, age-appropriate conversations with your child’ s siblings, and finding support groups.“ Behind every diagnosis is a person – understanding that can lead to greater empathy and control.”
“ Some days feel too much,” says Eyre,“ but I remind myself that I didn’ t fail; I’ m learning too.”
What about the future?
“ Many individuals on the spectrum lead fulfilling lives,” says Archer.“ With the right support, they can thrive.”
Eyre puts it best:“ A diagnosis doesn’ t close doors – it helps you find the right doors to open. My son might not walk the same path as his peers, but that doesn’ t mean he won’ t thrive; it just means he’ ll do so on his own terms.”
Advocating in school
Archer says parents should“ learn about the diagnosis, seek school assessments, and trust the educators and professionals working with your child”, while Eyre, ever the realist, points out that you might have to educate educators.“ Ask for everything in writing, keep records, and speak up. A lot. Every time you do, you’ re modelling self-advocacy,” says Eyre.
Find your people
“ Connecting with others provides emotional support and practical advice,” says Archer.“ It helps you feel less isolated.”
Eyre agrees, adding:“ Finding other parents and autistic adults changed everything for me. It reminded me that autism isn’ t a tragedy. It’ s just a different way of being. Find your tribe. They’ ll carry you when you can’ t carry yourself.” �
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