For Families
Navigate your child's
diagnosis with confidence.
Evidence-based guidance, practical tools, and personalized support — for every stage of your family's journey.
Understanding Your Child
What your child's diagnosis means — and what it doesn't
Tap any card to learn more.
What's Next
What to expect after diagnosis.
The period right after a diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Here's a clear roadmap, so you know what to do.
Give Yourself Grace
It's normal to feel grief, relief, fear, or all three at once. A diagnosis doesn't change who your child is — it gives your team a clearer picture of how they experience the world. Give yourself time before making any major decisions.
Request the Full Evaluation Report
Get a written copy of every evaluation. This document is the foundation of your child's support plan — required for school services, insurance authorization, and therapy referrals. Ask for it in plain language if anything is unclear.
Connect with Early Intervention
In Florida, children under 3 may qualify for Early Steps. Children 3+ are entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) — including an IEP. Contact your school district's ESE department as soon as possible.
Explore Therapy Options
Depending on the diagnosis, your child may benefit from ABA therapy, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, or a combination. Ask your pediatrician for referrals and verify which providers are covered by your insurance.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Florida law requires most insurance plans to cover autism spectrum disorder treatment, including ABA therapy. Contact your insurer to confirm benefits, co-pays, and prior authorization requirements before scheduling.
Build Your Support Network
Connect with other families, join parent advocacy groups, and consider a parent advocate if IEP meetings feel overwhelming. You learn fastest from people who've been exactly where you are.
Family Consultation
Every family's situation is different.
Let's talk about yours.
A 1-on-1 session with a behavioral health specialist — dedicated time to understand your child's diagnosis, answer every question, and leave with a clear, personalized plan.
- Understanding your child's diagnosis and developmental profile
- Reviewing evaluation reports and therapy recommendations
- Preparing for IEP meetings and advocating effectively
- Building a home support strategy tailored to your family
- Guidance on selecting and evaluating therapists and providers
What parents say
“After our session I finally understood my daughter's evaluation report. I went to the IEP meeting prepared, and for the first time I actually advocated for what she needed.”
— Florida Parent
“The session gave me a roadmap I didn't know I needed — and the confidence to use it.”
— Florida Parent
ABA Therapy
What every parent should understand about ABA
What Is ABA?
ABA applies our understanding of how behavior works to real-life situations — then uses that knowledge to teach skills and improve quality of life.
Who Is on the Team?
A BCBA designs and supervises the program. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) implement it directly with your child.
What Does a Session Look Like?
Sessions use naturalistic play, skill-building exercises, and positive reinforcement — at home, school, or a clinic.
Positive reinforcement means adding something enjoyable after a behavior, making it more likely to happen again. Therapists identify what motivates your child and use it strategically to build skills. This is not bribery — it's teaching, the same way we all learn.
School & IEP
Your child has legal rights at school.
Under IDEA, every eligible child is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education. Here's what that means in practice.
Your Rights as a Parent
- You are a full and equal member of your child's IEP team.
- You can request an evaluation at no cost if you believe your child has a disability.
- You must receive written notice before any change to placement or services.
- You can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if you disagree with the school's assessment.
- You can bring a support person or advocate to any IEP meeting.
- You are entitled to a copy of all educational records — at no cost.
What an IEP Must Include
- Present levels of academic achievement and functional performance
- Annual measurable goals — academic and functional
- Special education and related services (speech, OT, ABA)
- Accommodation and modification list
- Least restrictive environment (LRE) statement
- Transition plan (required at age 16 in Florida)
Florida Families — ESE Services
Florida's term for special education is Exceptional Student Education (ESE). Contact your school district's ESE office — they are legally required to respond to your evaluation request within 60 days and provide services at no cost.
Home Life
7 strategies that work — even on the hardest days.
Free Resources
Your parent toolkit — free.
IEP Meeting Preparation Checklist
What to bring, ask, and expect — in plain language.
Behavior Observation Log
Track behaviors at home to share with your therapy team.
Visual Daily Schedule Template
Printable visual schedule — great for routine-based kids.
Sensory Profile Questionnaire
Identify sensory sensitivities to share with your OT.
ABA Terms for Parents Glossary
Plain-language guide to therapy terms your team uses.
Provider Interview Question Guide
25 questions to ask before choosing any provider.
You're not navigating this alone.
Our Family Resource Bundles give you everything in one place — curated guides, checklists, and tools designed for parents who want practical support. Skip the searching. Get what actually works.