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.
Explore local schools
Find Triangle-area preschools and schools serving autistic children and diverse learners.
Handle daily challenges
Find practical tools for communication, routines, sensory needs, safety, and more.
First decision
What should I do if I'm concerned about my child's development?
Start here if you are worried that your child may shows signs of development, behavior, communication, or learning delays. This decision tree helps Wake County, NC families identify which local program to contact first. If you live outside this area, similar programs may be available in your state and/or county.
Open the full-size First Steps guide ↗
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 full-size roadmap ↗
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 guides explain evaluation language, therapy options, and how recommendations may connect to therapies and school services.
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 medical tax deductions.
Explore Financial Considerations →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.
Open the full-size infographic ↗
Triangle-area school search
Which autism-supportive schools should we explore?
Review Triangle-area preschools and schools that serve autistic children and children with learning differences. Use the directory as a starting point for comparing age ranges, educational approaches, support models, locations, and school fit.
Explore Autism (Pre)Schools in the Triangle →Everyday support
What can help with daily life?
Visit Tips and Tools for practical ideas and resources for communication, visual schedules, transitions, eating, sensory needs, sleep, toileting, grooming, safety, outings, and working with your child’s team.
Explore Tips and Tools →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.