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Getting an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis for your child can bring up a range of emotions. Whether you’re worried, overwhelmed or even relieved, “it’s a different experience for every parent and that’s absolutely okay,” says Dr. Nancy Freeman, a clinical psychologist and director of core autism services at Surrey Place, a not-for-profit organization serving people with ASD in northwestern Ontario and the Toronto area. 
The common goal among most parents of newly diagnosed children" To find support and get started right away. And while wait times are a reality for some publicly funded services, others, like some of those provided through Surrey Place, are often available immediately, getting kids well on their way with valuable services. Discover the most important thing to keep in mind after a diagnosis, learn about the range of autism services available and how to access each. Practice acceptance around the ASD diagnosis
Even if you knew ASD was a likely diagnosis, the confirmation can be jarring. The first thing Dr. Freeman wants parents to remember is that your child is the same as they were before the diagnosis. The ASD label doesn’t change who they are. “From there, we can help parents understand why their child may have had some challenges with learning or why their behaviour seemed different than other children their age,” she adds.

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