What challenges do parents face when trying to get support and therapy for their children with autism, especially without a formal diagnosis?
As a autism center , We observed that one of the biggest challenges parents face when seeking support for their child with autism—especially before receiving a formal diagnosis—is navigating a system that often requires “proof” before offering help. 1. Delayed Access to Services Many therapy centers, schools, and even insurance providers require an official diagnosis before a child can begin receiving services like speech therapy , occupational therapy , or special education. This creates a frustrating gap—parents can clearly see their child’s developmental differences, but are told to “wait for the report” before starting intervention. Unfortunately, early intervention is critical in autism, and these delays can impact a child’s developmental progress. 2. Limited Awareness and Guidance Parents often don’t know where to begin. They may notice signs—like lack of eye contact, delayed speech, or social withdrawal—but are unsure whether it’s “just a phase.” Without guidance from traine...