Start with the question in front of you.
These tools are arranged in the order many families naturally move through the early autism and developmental-support journey.
A simple path through the early decisions
Start with concerns
Use the decision tree to identify the first program to contact.
Consider evaluation
Learn when and how families pursue an autism diagnosis.
Organize next steps
Use the roadmap after a diagnosis to reduce the overwhelm.
Understand supports
Connect reports and recommendations to therapies and services.
Plan for costs
Explore insurance, benefits, scholarships, Medicaid, and waivers.
Think about school fit
Compare educational options after you better understand your child’s needs.
First decision
Which program should I contact?
If you are concerned about your child’s development, behavior, communication, or learning, start here. This decision tree helps Wake County families identify whether CDSA, Project Enlightenment, Child Find, or Wake Pre-K may be the right first contact.
Then, if concerns continue
Should we pursue an autism evaluation?
Some families begin with early intervention or school supports. Others are ready to ask about a formal autism evaluation. This guide explains when to consider an evaluation, who can diagnose autism, and how to get started.
Learn About Autism Evaluations →After a diagnosis
What should we do next?
A diagnosis can answer some questions while raising many new ones. The post-diagnosis roadmap helps families organize medical follow-up, records, benefits, education, community supports, and family priorities.
Open the Post-Diagnosis Guide →When recommendations start coming in
What do the reports mean, and what supports may help?
Families often receive reports and recommendations from doctors, therapists, schools, or specialists. These tools explain evaluation language, therapy options, and how recommendations may connect to speech therapy, OT, PT, ABA, parent coaching, and school services.
Understand Evaluations & Reports → Explore Therapy & Supports →As services become real
How will we pay for this?
Once families begin exploring evaluations, therapies, school supports, or community services, financial questions often come next. Learn about insurance, HSA/FSA funds, scholarships, Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and waiver options.
Explore Financial Planning →When school fit becomes the question
Which educational setting makes sense?
Use this framework after you understand your child’s needs and begin comparing educational options. It can help families think through school research, tours, conversations, applications, enrollment, placement, and ongoing adjustments.
Explore Educational Pathways → Learn about Autism (Pre)Schools in the Triangle →You do not need to do everything at once.
Follow the path as your questions change. Start with the tool that matches the decision in front of you.
Return to Start Here →
