If you have a young son or daughter who has recently been diagnosed with autism, you may be worried about what they’ll become and what the best things are that you can do for them. You’ve likely spent hours pouring over autism resources and research. Many parents, like you, worry about what will become of their children, and when you have a child who has unique and special needs, it’s only natural to wonder what kind of support they may or may not need down the road.

While unfortunately none of us can predict exactly what our future holds, you’ve already taken the steps by reading information like this to ensure that your child has the support and services they needs to know to help them reach their full potential. A comprehensive evaluation by a team of experts can help to clarify your child’s current strengths and determine how they learn best, so that an individualized treatment plan can be devised to help them do more of the things they’re already doing and bring their skills to the next level.

The good news is that the brain is plastic—it has the ability to change structurally—and children continue to learn throughout the lifespan! In fact, research shows that intensive, early intervention can essentially “re-wire” the brain! This happens when we learn new information. Talking with a professional about the best evidence-based treatments, school placement options, and optimal learning environment for your child is an important first step.