First 90 days
What to do first
The diagnosis just landed. Here's what every family needs to do in the first 90 days — and then the age-specific path that will shape the next several years.
Last verified: May 2026
The 30-second version
- Get the full written evaluation report — not just a verbal summary.
- Call your state's Parent Training & Information Center (PTI) — free and federally funded.
- Get on your state's Medicaid waiver waitlist now — lists run 3–10 years.
- The next steps split by age: Early Intervention (under 3) vs. school district (3+).
Choose your path
After the basics above, your most important next step depends on your child's age. The federal system splits at age 3 — Early Intervention for under 3, the school district for 3 and older. Pick the path that fits.
Early Intervention
My child is under 3
Early Intervention is free, federally funded, and time-limited. The clock starts now.
School & IEP
My child is 3 or older
The school district is your primary lever. A written request starts a federal clock.
The Medicaid waiver waitlist
Most states fund therapy, respite, and support services through Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. The waitlists in most states run 3–10 years. Getting on the list now — regardless of your child's age — means services could be available when you need them most. Not getting on the list now means starting over later.
Find your state's waiver program on your state page. The application is usually through your state's Medicaid agency or DD (developmental disabilities) office.
Your free ally: the Parent Training & Information Center
Every state has a federally funded Parent Training & Information Center (PTI). They provide free training, information, and one-on-one support to families of children with disabilities. They know your state's IEP rules, due process procedures, and which local programs actually deliver. This is often the single most valuable call you can make.
Find your state's PTI at parentcenterhub.org.
For every family, right now
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Who helps with this?
The law
Federal
Federal law (IDEA, ACA, Medicaid) creates the floor — free evaluation rights, covered therapies, waiver funding. Parent Centers are federally funded in every state.
The system
Your state
Your state's PTI and DD Council are your best free allies. They know the local waitlists, IEP rules, and which programs actually work.
Add your location above to see state-specific resources.
The people
Your area
Local diagnostic centers, early intervention coordinators, and autism parent groups know which providers are actually taking new patients.
Set your county to see local help.
What to do next