What is the Second Thing to do After Getting an Autism Diagnosis? | Ep. 175

Connect with Samantha: www.everybrainisdifferent.com Download the Guide to Raising Your Neurodivergent Child: www.everybrainisdifferent.com   Samantha and Lauren continue their discussion on what to do when you suspect or receive an autism diagnosis, revisiting the idea of “being a detective” to learn what makes your child tick while also debating the line between respecting boundaries and pushing kids to get out into the world for social learning and health. They emphasize acting early to access supports, highlighting Medicaid options like the disability-based Katie Beckett Waiver (which can cover broad healthcare and therapies) and other state-specific waivers for non-traditional therapies, plus early intervention (Zero to Three), developmental preschool requirements, IEPs/504s, respite care, parent training, adaptive equipment, grants, and case management. They stress that professionals often won’t volunteer these resources, approvals can take months to years, denials are common, and parents should reapply, follow up persistently, join local Facebook groups for area-specific guidance, get on multiple therapy waitlists, keep organized records, and request school assessments in writing.   00:00 Welcome Back Recap 00:40 Boundaries Versus Pushing Growth 03:01 Why Social Practice Matters 05:09 Finding Help After Diagnosis 05:24 Medicaid Katie Beckett Waiver 08:11 Early Intervention and School Supports 09:45 Local Groups and Activity Options 11:52 Waitlists and Getting On Them 13:37 Be the Squeaky Wheel 15:20 Organize Paperwork and Ask Providers 19:53 Action Steps and Next Episode   Connect with Samantha Foote!Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent