My child was just diagnosed…I don’t know where to start
You might be here because everything suddenly feels different — even if nothing about your child has actually changed.
A diagnosis can land with relief, grief, confusion, validation, fear, or all of it at once. You may be questioning past decisions, replaying moments, wondering what this means for your child’s future, your family, school, friendships, and everyday life.
You might feel pressure to do something immediately, while also feeling completely overwhelmed by information, opinions, loved ones responses to the news, and systems that don’t always feel kind or clear.
If you’re exhausted, unsure where to start, or worried about getting it “wrong,” you are not alone — and you are not failing your child, you are doing an amazing job!
How I can support you during this stage
Understanding What This Diagnosis Means
I support families to gently make sense of your child’s needs, reduce overwhelm, and create realistic ways to support daily life.
I can support you to:
Understand the why behind your child’s behaviour (not just what it looks like)
See behaviour through a nervous system lens, not “bad behaviour”
Recognise signs of overwhelm early and respond in ways that help
Reduce escalation, stress, and family burnout
Create simple, predictable routines that feel safe and manageable
Use visual supports and strategies to increase independence
Reduce power struggles and strengthen connection
Feel more calm, clear, and confident in your parenting
My Child Was Just Diagnosed With Autism or ADHD
What Happens After an Autism or ADHD Diagnosis?
Receiving an autism or ADHD diagnosis can bring many emotions.
Some parents feel relief because they finally have answers. Others feel overwhelmed, uncertain, worried, or unsure where to begin.
Many experience all of these feelings at once.
A diagnosis does not change who your child is. Instead, it may provide a framework for understanding their experiences, strengths, challenges, and support needs.
Common Questions Families Ask
After diagnosis, parents often wonder:
What does this diagnosis mean?
How do I explain it to my child?
What support does my child need?
Does my child need therapy?
What should I tell the school?
Is NDIS available?
What accommodations may help?
These questions are completely normal.
Understanding Your Child Beyond the Diagnosis
Every autistic or ADHD child is unique.
Two children with the same diagnosis may have very different strengths, interests, sensory profiles, communication styles, learning needs, and support requirements.
Support is most effective when it focuses on understanding the individual child rather than applying generic advice.
Moving Forward
The goal is not to "fix" your child.
The goal is to understand them more deeply, reduce barriers, support wellbeing, and help them access environments where they can thrive.
Autism and ADHD in Girls
Autism and ADHD in Girls
Why Are So Many Girls Missed?
Many girls with autism and ADHD are identified later than boys.
Some receive diagnoses during adolescence or adulthood. Others are never formally identified despite experiencing significant challenges.
This is often because girls may present differently from traditional stereotypes that informed earlier diagnostic research.
Common Signs of Autism in Girls
Autistic girls may:
Mask their difficulties
Copy peers to fit in
Appear socially capable but feel confused or exhausted
Develop intense interests that seem age-appropriate
Experience high levels of anxiety
Become overwhelmed by social expectations
Experience sensory sensitivities
Many autistic girls work incredibly hard to meet expectations and may appear to be coping until burnout occurs.
Common Signs of ADHD in Girls
Girls with ADHD may:
Daydream
Lose track of instructions
Forget tasks
Struggle with organisation
Experience emotional intensity
Develop anxiety
Be labelled as sensitive or dramatic
Because they are often less disruptive than boys with ADHD, their difficulties may go unnoticed.
Supporting Girls Effectively
Early understanding can reduce shame, improve self-esteem, support wellbeing, and help girls access appropriate accommodations both at school and at home.
Education Support
School, Systems & Advocacy Support
Helping parents feel confident, not intimidated
If you’re noticing your child struggling at school or finding it hard to access the support they need, you can explore practical strategies and advocacy services and tips here.