From Autism Diagnosis to Therapy in Chicago | Autism Support Services

Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can bring a mix of emotions — relief, clarity, uncertainty, and new questions.

After completing autism testing in Chicago, many parents immediately ask:

“What happens next?”

If your child has recently received an autism diagnosis, you are not alone — and you are not without support. Understanding the next steps can help you move forward with confidence and a clear plan.

At the Chicago Autism Testing Institute, we specialize in comprehensive autism evaluations for toddlers and children across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. As part of North Shore Pediatric Therapy, we offer a seamless transition from diagnosis to therapy and ongoing developmental support.

This guide explains what typically happens after an autism diagnosis in Chicago and how families can access the right services quickly and confidently.

Step 1: Understanding the Autism Diagnosis

An autism diagnosis is based on a comprehensive evaluation that assesses:

• Social communication
• Repetitive behaviors or restricted interests
• Sensory processing differences
• Developmental history

If your child meets diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), your clinician will provide a detailed report outlining:

• Your child’s strengths
• Areas of challenge
• Recommendations for therapy
• Guidance for school supports

The diagnosis itself is not the end — it is a starting point for meaningful support.

Step 2: Early Intervention and Therapy Services in Chicago

One of the most important steps after an autism diagnosis is beginning appropriate therapy as soon as possible.

Research consistently shows that early intervention improves developmental outcomes, especially for toddlers and preschool-aged children.

Depending on your child’s needs, recommended autism support services in Chicago may include:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA Therapy)

ABA therapy focuses on building communication, social, and daily living skills while reducing behaviors that interfere with learning.

At North Shore Pediatric Therapy, ABA services are individualized and play-based, helping children:

• Improve communication
• Increase independence
• Develop social interaction skills
• Strengthen emotional regulation

Speech Therapy

Many children diagnosed with autism experience communication delays or differences.

Speech therapy may support:

• Expressive language (using words and sentences)
• Receptive language (understanding others)
• Social communication skills
• Alternative communication methods if needed

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational therapy addresses:

• Sensory processing challenges
• Fine motor skills
• Self-care tasks (dressing, feeding, grooming)
• Emotional regulation

For many children, OT is essential in helping them feel comfortable and regulated in everyday environments.

Physical Therapy (PT)

If your child has motor coordination challenges or delays in gross motor development, physical therapy may be recommended to improve:

• Strength
• Balance
• Coordination
• Body awareness

Step 3: School Supports and IEP Planning

After an autism diagnosis in Chicago, many families begin working with their child’s school district to determine eligibility for services.

Your diagnostic report can help support:

• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• 504 Plans
• Classroom accommodations
• Speech or occupational therapy within school

A comprehensive private autism evaluation provides documentation that schools rely on when determining appropriate supports.

Step 4: Insurance and Accessing Services

An official autism diagnosis often opens the door to insurance-covered therapy services in Illinois.

Parents may need to:

• Submit diagnostic documentation
• Verify coverage for ABA therapy
• Understand co-pays or session limits

Because Chicago Autism Testing Institute is part of North Shore Pediatric Therapy, families benefit from a coordinated transition to therapy services — reducing delays and confusion.

Why Integrated Care Matters

One of the biggest stressors families face after autism testing in Chicago is figuring out where to go next.

When diagnosis and therapy services are disconnected, parents often must:

• Search for multiple providers
• Transfer records
• Sit on additional waitlists
• Repeat intake processes

At Chicago Autism Testing Institute and North Shore Pediatric Therapy, families experience a streamlined approach. Our teams collaborate closely to ensure your child receives:

• Appropriate therapy recommendations
• Coordinated care across disciplines
• Consistent communication
• Support across developmental areas

This integrated model helps children begin services faster and with greater continuity.

What If My Child Is a Toddler?

Parents who pursue autism testing for toddlers in Chicago often feel urgency — and for good reason.

Early intervention services for toddlers may include:

• Early childhood ABA therapy
• Parent coaching
• Play-based speech therapy
• Sensory-focused occupational therapy

The earlier services begin, the more opportunities your child has to build foundational skills during critical developmental windows.

Emotional Support for Parents

After an autism diagnosis, parents may experience:

• Relief at finally having answers
• Worry about the future
• Questions about long-term outcomes

It’s important to remember:

An autism diagnosis does not define your child’s potential.

With the right support services in Chicago, children with autism can build meaningful communication skills, independence, and social relationships.

Seeking therapy is not about “fixing” your child — it’s about giving them tools to navigate the world more confidently.

How North Shore Pediatric Therapy Supports Families After Diagnosis

As part of North Shore Pediatric Therapy, families who complete autism testing at Chicago Autism Testing Institute have access to:

• ABA therapy across multiple Chicagoland locations
• Half-day school readiness program
• Speech therapy services
• Occupational therapy for sensory and motor support
• Physical therapy
• Mental health services

Our interdisciplinary team collaborates to create a personalized care plan based on your child’s unique strengths and needs.

Families benefit from:

• Seamless referrals
• Coordinated scheduling
• Consistent communication
• A child-centered, compassionate approach

From Diagnosis to Action: Taking the Next Step

If your child has recently completed autism testing in Chicago and received a diagnosis, the most important next step is beginning appropriate support services.

You do not have to navigate this journey alone.

The team at Chicago Autism Testing Institute and North Shore Pediatric Therapy is here to help you move from uncertainty to action — and from action to progress.

Ready to Begin Support Services?

If your child has received an autism diagnosis and you are ready to begin therapy in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, contact us today.

Our team will help you understand your options and develop a clear plan forward.Because a diagnosis is not the end of the story — it’s the beginning of meaningful support.