Newly diagnosed at 4 — feeling overwhelmed, where do I even start?
Posted May 10, 2026
We just got the official diagnosis last week. Our son is 4. The clinician handed us a thick folder, recommended ABA "as soon as possible," and that was pretty much it.
I've cried a lot. I've also gone down some internet rabbit holes I probably shouldn't have. Today I'm trying to be practical and asking the parents who've been here: if you could go back to the week after diagnosis, what would you tell yourself?
Specifically I'm wrestling with:
- How to choose between the different therapy options without committing to something we'll regret.
- Whether to tell extended family right away or wait.
- How to talk to my son himself, age-appropriately.
- How to take care of myself through this — I feel completely depleted.
No wrong answers. I'm just trying to find solid ground.