Common Situations Parents of Children With Autism May Face

“I’m struggling or my partner is struggling to

accept that my child’s development may

be different.”

• Listen to your or your partner’s reactions without judgment—these feelings are completely normal

• Understand that seeking services early for your child is the most impactful way to help them

• Explain that even if your child doesn’t receive an autism diagnosis, there’s no harm done by an assessment or services to support their development

“I’ve been advised to get my child assessed for autism, and there is a multiple-month waitlist for an assessment at my preferred provider.”

• Get on multiple providers waitlists (see our directory of Colorado providers in the Appendix)

• Request to be on a cancellation list in case earlier spots open

• Call regularly to see if any new slots have opened

• Look into diagnostic assessments via Colorado Early Intervention or a local school district

“I’m getting services through Colorado’s Early Intervention, but I think my child may need

more help.”

• Seek out and utilize health insurance-based programs (most Colorado health insurance plans cover autism services)

“I think my child is struggling, but my doctor says to wait before making a diagnosis.”

• Advocate for your child: research and leading medical societies suggest early intervention is key for long-term child outcomes

• Consider seeking a second opinion from another doctor

“I’m unhappy with or have a concern about my autism provider.”

• Talk to your provider about your concerns and see if they can be addressed

• Consider switching to another provider

“I like my autism provider, but I’m unhappy with my therapy team.”

• Explain your concerns to your provider and see if a different therapy team can be assigned

• Consider switching to another provider

“I’ve received a special education placement in a school, but I wonder if I could be doing more for my child.”

• Consider supplementing school district services with health insurance-based services (most Colorado insurance plans cover autism care)

“I’m emotionally overwhelmed or feel isolated/alone.”

• Seek help from a professional therapist

or physician

• Ask for support from your family or community

• Find respite care

• Join a parent group

“My spouse is handling things differently than I am, or we are having challenges.”

• Seek to understand your spouse’s perspective and see if there could be a middle ground—everyone processes a diagnosis of autism differently

• Consider seeking couples therapy and support from a licensed professional counselor

“A loved one (grandparent, relative, close friend) disagrees with my choices for my child.”

• Point them to evidence-based resources on autism and autism therapy

• Suggest they look into support groups for extended family members

• Acknowledge—but don’t be intimidated by—their disagreement