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What happens after an autism diagnosis

What happens after an autism diagnosis

Published 07 November, 2025

Receiving an autism diagnosis can bring a wave of emotions; relief, clarity, and sometimes confusion or uncertainty about what comes next. Whether the diagnosis is for you or your child, this moment can feel both validating and overwhelming.

The good news is: a diagnosis is not an ending, it’s a starting point for understanding yourself or your child more deeply, accessing support and learning how to thrive.

This article will guide you through what to do after an autism diagnosis in the UK, including how to understand your report, access post-diagnostic support and take practical next steps at work, school or home.

Understanding your diagnosis

After an autism assessment with Xyla, you will receive a detailed diagnostic report. This report doesn’t just confirm a diagnosis, it helps you understand what it means for daily life, learning and wellbeing.

While each report looks slightly different, here is some key information you might find:

Summary of findings: a clear statement of diagnosis based on your assessment results
Strengths and challenges: highlighting abilities as well as areas that may need support
Recommendations: practical next steps, from therapy and adjustments to lifestyle strategies
Legal entitlements: information about your rights at school, university or work under the Equality Act 2010

Your clinician will also arrange a follow-up call to walk you through the report, answer questions and discuss next steps.

Take time to read through your report carefully. Many families find it helpful to highlight key sections and discuss them with healthcare providers, teachers or employers. Keeping a copy accessible can be valuable when applying for support or adjustments.

Getting post-diagnostic support

Support after a diagnosis is just as important as the diagnosis itself. Having access to the right services can help you or your child navigate daily life, education, or work more confidently. Below are some of the most common types of post-diagnostic support in the UK.

1. Workplace accommodations

If you’re an adult with a diagnosis, you have the legal right to reasonable adjustments in the workplace under the Equality Act 2010. These might include:

Flexible working hours
Quiet spaces for focused work
Clear written instructions alongside verbal ones
Assistive technology to support communication or organisation

Employers are legally required to consider these requests. Resources like ACAS and the National Autistic Society provide guidance on how to start this conversation.

It’s also completely okay to ask for reasonable adjustments during a job interview process, for example, extra time for tasks, receiving questions in advance, or a quieter interview setting. Being open about what helps you perform at your best shows self-awareness and professionalism. Preparing a few questions or notes beforehand can help you feel confident when discussing your needs.

2. Adjustments at school

For children and teens, schools must provide support tailored to individual needs. This may involve:

A SEN Support Plan outlining the specific strategies and adjustments the school will use to help your child succeed
Referrals to other professionals for support
A teaching assistant for extra classroom help
Sensory breaks throughout the school day
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) if more formal support is required

The UK government sets out guidance on special educational needs (SEN) which schools are legally bound to follow. Speaking with your child’s school SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) can be a good starting point.

3. Support in higher education

Universities and colleges are also required to make reasonable adjustments. Students may be eligible for:

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) for specialist equipment or mentoring support
Extra time in exams
Access to quiet study areas

You can find more information about the DSA on GOV.UK.

4. Therapy and coaching

Therapeutic support comes in many forms and can help manage challenges that come with autism, such as anxiety, sensory differences or social communication. Depending on age and need, options might include:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Speech and language therapy
Occupational therapy
Autism-specific coaching or mentoring

At Xyla, we offer post-diagnostic support tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Our clinicians combine practical strategies with emotional guidance to help you or your child not just manage but understand and embrace your strengths.

Deciding who to tell about your autism diagnosis is a personal choice. Some people find sharing helps others understand and support them better – at work, school or in relationships.

If you choose to share, you might:

Prepare what you’d like to say and how much detail to include
Focus on how the diagnosis helps you understand your needs or strengths
Use reliable resources (like Xyla or the National Autistic Society) to help explain autism clearly and positively

Remember, sharing your diagnosis is about creating understanding, not justification. You’re in control of your story.

Ready to take the first step?

We understand that taking the first step toward understanding or managing autism can feel daunting. At Xyla, our expert team are here to guide you every step of the way. Receiving a diagnosis is not the end, it’s the beginning of accessing the right support, understanding your strengths and challenges and learning how to thrive.

If you’re wondering what happens after an autism diagnosis, our team can help you explore your options and create a tailored plan for life after diagnosis. Book a free consultation today to see how Xyla can support you or your child.

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