What’s next after an Autism Diagnosis?

Last Updated September 2023

This Fact Sheet is available for download in the following languages:

• English: What’s next after an Autism Diagnosis?
• Spanish Español: Su Hijo fue Diagnosticado con Espectro Autista: ¿Qué Sigue?

Table of Contents

• Table of Contents
• Is your child less than 3 years old?
• Is your child age 3-5?
• Is your child already enrolled in school (age 3 or older) or are you getting ready for school enrollment?
• Do you have limited resources and need child care before and/or after school? Or on days when school is closed?
• Is your child registered on the PUNS?
• Could you benefit from parent training/support?
• Could you benefit from respite services?
• Related Fact Sheets and Information

Is your child less than 3 years old?

• Is your child connected to Early Interventions Services? See: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30321
• Find your local office: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=12 (choose Early Intervention from the drop down menu or call 1-800-843-6154

Is your child age 3-5?

Have you explored early learning programs in your area? https://www.illinoiscaresforkids.org/

Is your child already enrolled in school (age 3 or older) or are you getting ready for school enrollment?

For help with your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) contact your Parent Training and Information Center:

• For Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, Kendall, McHenry and Grundy until October 1, 2025: https://frcd.org/ or 312-939-3513
• For all other counties and statewide after October 1, 2025, see: https://www.fmptic.org; 866-436-7842

Do you have limited resources and need child care before and/or after school? Or on days when school is closed?

Find resources: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=12 (choose Child Care from the drop down menu) See also:

• Department of Early Childhood
• https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30355
• Call IDHS Help line: 1-800-843-6154

Is your child registered on the PUNS?

The PUNS is a waiting list for Intellectual/Developmental Disability (IDD) Home and Community Based waivers: PUNS, The Basics

Could you benefit from parent training/support?

1. The UIC Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays (RCADD): 312-746-5447 (Chicago -West) or 312-747-8571 (Chicago -South); https://cfl.uic.edu/overview/rcadd/
2. Rush -Autism, Assessment, Research, Treatment, Services (AARTS): https://www.rush.edu/services/autism-care/autism-resource-directory/resources-caregivers/support-groups-autism , 312-942-0819
3. The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP), a network of four university partners and 11 service providers operating in 20 locations throughout IL: https://tap-illinois.org/ or call: 217-953-0894 x30477
4. Pediatric Developmental Center, Advocate Masonic Medical Center; 872-843-0300 (ask about the virtual parent informational series)
5. The Autism Society: https://www.autismsociety.org/contact-us

Could you benefit from respite services?

If you do not receive state services, such as home and community based waiver services, and are in crisis, you may be eligible for a $500 emergency respite stipend: 866-ILL-RESP (866-455-7677) or you may be eligible for up to 180 hours annually of in-home respite. Contact the Respite Coalition: https://www.illinoisrespitecoalition.org ; email: ilrespitecoalition@gmail.com

If you are on the PUNS, contact your ISC to inquire about possible respite funding availability while waiting for the PUNS selection.

Related Fact Sheets and Information

• PUNS, The Basics [English, Spanish, Arabic, Polish, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Tagalog, and Urdu]
• Resources while on an ABA Waiting List [English and Spanish]
• Special Education Resources [English, Spanish, Arabic, Polish, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Tagalog, and Urdu]
• Early Intervention Fact Sheet coming soon!
• Respite Fact Sheet coming soon!