Dear Starters, What To Do After a Late Diagnosis
A late diagnosis can bring relief and grief together. For many families across Nigeria, a diagnosis after early childhood raises new questions about therapy, school, finances, and daily routines. This post offers a step-by-step plan that helps you focus on what matters most now, and how to build steady progress with resources that are realistic and sustainable.
First, allow the feelings
Getting an autism diagnosis later in childhood often triggers mixed emotions. Allow yourself to feel sad, angry, relieved, or hopeful. These emotions do not stop you from taking practical steps forward, and allowing space for them reduces stress as you plan.
Gather existing records and establish priorities
Collect school reports, clinic notes, and any past assessments into one folder. From here, make a short priority list (three items maximum) such as:
- Communication support (speech therapy or communication strategies).
- Behaviour or sensory supports at home and school.
- Immediate daily needs such as routine planning, calming strategies, or simple classroom accommodations.
Breaking decisions into small, manageable tasks helps avoid overwhelm.
Practical ways to find local supports
- Call local therapy centres and ask about waiting lists, group sessions, or sliding fees.
- Ask schools about in-class supports and whether they can start simple accommodations while you wait for therapy.
- Look for university clinics and training centres that often provide supervised, low-cost services.
- Join parent training programs or workshops that teach everyday strategies for home.
Create short daily goals
Set small, consistent goals that are achievable, for example:
- One communication activity per day, such as naming three pictures.
- A five-minute sensory break routine.
- A predictable bedtime routine practiced nightly.
Record a short line each day in a progress log: date, activity, child response. Small wins matter and build momentum.
Build a small team
Identify one or two people who can help with immediate needs, such as a trusted relative, a teacher, or a neighbour. Train them briefly on one strategy so your child sees consistency across settings.
Financial and practical planning
Therapy can be costly. Explore options like sliding fees, group therapy, community programs, or small fundraising. Prioritise essentials, and add small supports over time. See our guide on finding low-cost early intervention for tips on affordable routes in Nigeria.
Celebrate progress and practise patience
Progress is rarely linear, but steady routines and small, consistent supports create significant change. Celebrate small improvements, and keep a simple log to share with your team and professionals.