I’ve got an autism diagnosis - so what now?

Receiving an autism diagnosis can stir up a whirlwind of emotions. For some, it brings relief—a long-awaited answer to the questions they’ve been asking themselves for years. For others, it might feel like a new challenge or even a little overwhelming. The big question is: What happens now?

Finding answers

For many, the diagnosis provides much-needed clarity and helps make sense of past struggles. It’s the missing puzzle piece that sheds light on behaviours, communication styles, and how the world is experienced. But with that newfound understanding comes another question: What do I do with this information?

You might find yourself wondering whether you should:

• Seek out a community of like-minded individuals who truly get it.

• Explore resources and support networks designed for autistic people.

• Consider applying for financial support or accommodations that could make daily life a little easier.

• Maybe even approach your employer to request changes to your working environment that recognise your needs as an autistic individual.

  
  

There’s no single right way to move forward, but there are plenty of avenues to explore.

The power of the diagnosis: a label or a tool?

Let’s talk about the word "diagnosis" for a second. It’s easy to see it as a label, a tag that suddenly defines who you are. But here’s the thing: the diagnosis doesn’t require you to act any differently just because it’s there. You don’t have to make any major life changes, and the label doesn’t change who you are at your core.

In fact, I believe the diagnosis is more of a tool than a label. It’s a tool that helps others understand you better and gives you access to resources, support, and accommodations that can make life a little smoother. But, crucially, it’s not a mandate to do anything differently.

As a parent of an autistic child, I get it. When my son received his diagnosis, I didn’t see it as just a label. It became a key that unlocked the doors to the support, recognition, and resources we desperately needed. The diagnosis helped us find the right school, connect with the right people, and secure the financial assistance that was essential for his unique needs.

A glimpse into the future

Looking ahead, I think we’re moving toward a future where the way we assess autism may look very different. In 20 years, maybe even sooner—the term “autism” could be a thing of the past. I hope I’m wrong, but it’s not hard to imagine a world where neurodiversity is no longer about categorizing people and slapping labels on them. Instead, the focus could shift toward understanding the unique needs of each individual, without the need for labels.

What should you do now?

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whether you decide to seek support, connect with others, or simply continue living your life as you always have, the diagnosis doesn’t change who you are. It just provides you with more tools to help you navigate the world.

And let’s be clear—there’s no one-size-fits-all response to an autism diagnosis. It’s all about finding what works best for you. It’s your journey, and the road ahead is yours to navigate.

As a parent, I was desperate to know everything I could about autism, so I could see how it fit with my own son’s experience. I wanted answers to the million questions that always seemed to start with, “Why does he...?”

The good news? You don’t have to have all the answers today. There’s time, support, and resources to guide you on your journey. And don’t forget, you don’t have to go it alone.