Getting an autism diagnosis can feel like the end of a journey, but it's actually the starting line. Kelley and Julianna walk through the full diagnostic process, from the first red flags to navigating medical diagnoses versus educational evaluations, and why each step matters. They share their own early experiences, break down the difference between screening and formal evaluation, and explain why self-diagnosis simply isn't enough. The conversation covers comorbid diagnoses, disclosure decisions, and practical first steps every family needs to take after receiving a diagnosis.

Key Takeaways

• The three steps of autism diagnosis are monitoring, screening, and formal assessment. Don't skip any of them.
• Self-diagnosis and online quizzes are a starting point only. A formal evaluation by a trained professional is essential.
• A medical autism diagnosis does not automatically qualify a child for school-based services under IDEA. Eligibility is determined by a team.
• 70% of individuals with ASD have at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder; 40% have two or more.
• Comorbid diagnoses like anxiety, OCD, and ADHD often surface over time and need to be revisited regularly.
• Late diagnosis as a teen or adult can provide meaningful self-understanding and relief.
• Treat the post-diagnosis process like a second job. Stay organized, maintain files, and collect every evaluation.
• Have more than one person fill out developmental questionnaires to get a fuller picture of your child.
• Disclosure is a personal decision with no single right answer. Do what works for your child and your family.
• Speed to acceptance and learning to manage anxiety are not one-time tasks. They run through every stage of this journey.

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Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments including SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, as well as MERT (Magnetic e-resonance therapy) for autistic people aged three or older. Learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com