Your Child Has an Autism Diagnosis: Now What? The Clear Path to Growth and Success
Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child is a pivotal moment. It can bring a sense of clarity – finally, an answer! – alongside a natural feeling of being overwhelmed. This isn't about changing who your child is; it's about gaining a clearer understanding of their unique needs and how best to support their incredible journey of growth.
This guide will provide a clear, step-by-step path forward, highlighting why Fabian House is designed to be your ultimate partner in your child's success.
Step 1: Process the News and Prioritize Your Well-being.
Acknowledge Your Emotions: There's no "right" way to feel. You might experience grief, anxiety, relief, or a mix of everything. Give yourself permission to process these emotions.
Lean on Your Support System: Talk to your partner, trusted family, or friends. If helpful, consider speaking with a therapist who specializes in supporting families of children with special needs.
Start Learning, But Don't Rush: Begin educating yourself from reputable sources like Autism Speaks, the Autism Society, and the CDC. Understand that autism is a spectrum, and your child's path will be uniquely theirs.
Step 2: Build Your Core Support Team, Starting with Foundational Expertise.
Your Child's Medical Oversight: Maintain regular contact with a developmental pediatrician or neurologist for ongoing medical guidance.
The Foundation of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): ABA is widely recognized as the most evidence-based approach for children with autism. It focuses on teaching critical skills and addressing challenging behaviors. This is where expert programs like Fabian House excel.
Organize Your Information: Create a dedicated binder or digital folder for all diagnostic reports, evaluations, and contact information for your child's care team. This will be vital for organization and advocacy.
Step 3: Embrace the Integrated Approach: Why Fabian House is the Clear Choice.
As you consider the best environment for your child's development and education, we strongly advocate for Fabian House in Lehi, Utah. Fabian House isn't just a program; it's a completely integrated solution, built on the principle of immediate application and expert guidance with our hands-on, hands-in learning model.
Completely Integrated Program: Skills Applied Immediately. At Fabian House, your child learns crucial skills – whether academic, social, communication, assertiveness training, or daily living – and then applies them right away in the same, supportive environment. Imagine your child learning a new social skill during an individualized ABA session and then instantly practicing it with peers and expert educators within their preschool, pre-kindergarten, or after-school classroom. This seamless integration of learning and real-world application is the cornerstone of lasting success.
Expert-Led & Evidence-Based: We are experts in our field. Fabian House is led by highly skilled Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), alongside elite educators. Our programs are rooted in evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) methodologies, ensuring that your child receives the most effective and personalized intervention.
A "One-Stop Shop" Solution for Families: Instead of coordinating multiple therapists and programs across different locations, Fabian House offers a comprehensive private education program seamlessly integrated with ABA therapy. This reduces logistical stress for families and ensures a consistent, collaborative approach to your child's growth.
Tailored Programs for Every Stage: From our Early Preschool (2.5-3.5 years) and Pre-Kindergarten (3.5-5 years) to our Young Leaders Club (K-5th grade), Fabian House provides programs designed to meet a range of developmental needs, including those for children with autism who benefit from structured, integrated learning.
Step 4: Empowering Parents: Our Commitment to Your Family's Journey.
At Fabian House, we believe in empowering parents as a vital part of their child's success. Once your child is enrolled in our ABA program, you gain access to our comprehensive parent training and support system:
One-on-One Parent Training with a BCBA: Our expert Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) will provide personalized, one-on-one training sessions. These sessions are tailored to your child's specific goals and challenges, equipping you with practical strategies and techniques to implement at home, ensuring consistency and reinforcing progress.
Monthly Parent Support Group Sessions: You are not alone. Once a month, we host group sessions where parents can connect, share experiences, and learn from each other in a supportive, understanding environment. Facilitated by our team, these sessions foster community and provide additional insights and resources.
Step 5: Explore Financial Support for Specialized Programs.
Scholarships Designed to Help: Specialized education can be an investment, but financial support is available.
Carson Smith Scholarship: Fabian House is a proud recipient of the Carson Smith Scholarship, which can significantly offset tuition or ABA costs for children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Our team can guide you through the application process.
Utah Fits All Scholarship Program: Administered by Odyssey (as of May 2025), this program offers up to $8,000 to Utah K-12 students through an education savings account (ESA). Check their official website for the latest information and eligibility: https://support.withodyssey.com/.
Autism Council of Utah: They may offer grants or connect families to other funding opportunities. Visit their website for current information: https://www.autismcouncilofutah.org/grants.
Step 6: Consider Additional Therapies (As Needed and Integrated with Your Core Plan).
While a robust ABA program is foundational, some children may also benefit from additional specialized therapies.
Speech-Language Pathology: To further support specific communication challenges.
Occupational Therapy: To address sensory processing needs or fine motor skill development.
Step 7: Build a Supportive Home Environment and Celebrate Progress.
Implement Structure and Predictability: Many children with autism thrive on routines. Use visual schedules and clear expectations to create a predictable home environment.
Understand Sensory Needs: Learn about your child's unique sensory preferences and sensitivities, adjusting their environment to promote comfort and reduce overwhelm.
Practice What's Learned: Reinforce skills learned at Fabian House within your home environment. Consistent application leads to mastery.
Celebrate Every Milestone: Acknowledge and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. Your encouragement is a powerful motivator for your child.
Your Child's Future Starts Here: Enroll with Fabian House Today!
You've taken the essential first steps. Now, let our experts guide your child toward a future of growth, independence, and success.
Ready to see the Fabian House difference for yourself?
Visit Our Website: Explore our programs and philosophy at https://www.fabianhouse.com/.
Schedule Your Personal Tour: Come experience our unique, integrated learning environment firsthand. See how our "hands-on/hands-in" approach empowers children every day. You can schedule your tour directly through our website!
Connect with Our Experts: Our team is ready to answer your questions, discuss your child's specific needs, and help you navigate enrollment and scholarship opportunities.
Don't wait to give your child the integrated, expert support they deserve. Enroll with Fabian House – where learning and application happen seamlessly, every day.