Children and Teenagers – Autism Post Diagnostic Support
If your child or young person has recently received a diagnosis of autism, you may be experiencing a mix of emotions – relief, overwhelm, validation, confusion, or all of the above. That’s completely normal.
Many families tell us that while receiving a diagnosis brings clarity, it also raises new questions. One of the most common things we hear is:
“What happens next?”
At The Retreat Clinics, we understand that an autism diagnosis is not the end of the story, it’s the beginning of a journey toward deeper understanding and support. That’s where post-diagnostic support comes in.
What is Post-Diagnostic Support?
Post-diagnostic support offers tailored, compassionate guidance following a diagnosis. It provides a safe space for families to explore what the diagnosis means and how to support their child moving forward. Our approach is neurodiversity-affirming, which means we don’t see autism as something to be ‘fixed’, but as a different and valid way of being in the world.
Support is built around your child’s unique strengths, sensory profile, communication style, and emotional needs. Sessions may explore:
- Understanding autism and what it means for your child and family
- Strength-based approaches to self-awareness and identity
- Emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Understanding sensory preferences and environmental adaptations
- Anxiety, routines, and transitions
- Supporting communication and relationships
- Promoting wellbeing and resilience at home and school
Support can be offered to parents/carers, directly to the young person, or a combination of both. For younger children (typically under 8), the focus is usually on working with parents in a way that’s practical, developmentally appropriate, and empowering.
National guidance and clinical research highlight the importance of early, autism-informed support and neurodiversity-affirming models are increasingly recognised as promoting better mental health, wellbeing, and self-esteem.
Timely support can help families feel more confident, connected, and equipped to navigate the path ahead without rushing to ‘fix’ anything, but instead learning to understand, adapt, and support.
What We Offer at The Retreat
At The Retreat Clinics, post-diagnostic support is delivered by experienced clinicians, including occupational therapists and psychologists, who specialise in working with neurodivergent young people and families. Our team are trained in neurodiversity-affirming approaches and work collaboratively with you to tailor the support to your needs.
Support is:
- Affirming – focused on understanding, not changing who your child is
- Flexible – typically offered as a 2-session package, with the option to extend
- Tailored – based on your priorities and goals
- Accessible – offered online or in-person, depending on your preference
Get in Touch
If you’re wondering whether post-diagnostic support could help your family, we’d be happy to talk. Whether you’re feeling confident or completely unsure, we’re here to listen.
📧 hello@theretreatclinics.org.uk
📞 01904 412 551
📍 In-person sessions available at The Tuke Centre, 28 Green Dykes Lane, York, YO10 3HH or via secure online platform