You’ve just gotten the diagnosis.

Maybe you suspected it. Maybe it caught you totally off guard. Either way, hearing the words—"Your child is autistic"—can hit like a wave. You love your kid more than anything, but now you’re suddenly expected to become an expert in therapies, funding applications, acronyms, and social stories overnight.

Let’s just say: it’s a lot.

At ARK, we know what this moment feels like. The swirling mix of emotions. The worry. The guilt. The fierce love. The overwhelm. So, let’s start here—with a deep breath—and remind you of a few things that are true, no matter what:

1. Your Child is Still Your Child.

Autism doesn’t change who they are—it helps explain who they’ve always been. The things they love, the ways they move through the world, the moments they light up or shut down—it all starts to make more sense now. That’s not scary. That’s information. That’s clarity.

You don’t need to "fix" them. You just get to know them better.

2. You Don’t Have to Know Everything Right Away.

We’ll say that again, louder for the parents in the back:

You do not need to become an autism expert overnight.

You will learn things. You will mess up. You will grow. But you don’t have to do it all today. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Start small. Ask for help. Accept help. Bookmark things. Take breaks.

3. You’re Allowed to Feel All the Feelings.

Grief? That’s okay. Relief? Also okay. Joy? Guilt? Anger? Confusion? All valid.

This moment isn’t about being a perfect parent or caregiver. It’s about showing up, however you are, and loving your child through it.

You can hold joy and fear in the same heart. That’s not weakness—it’s parenthood.

4. Community Matters—Big Time.

One of the most overwhelming parts of getting a new diagnosis is not knowing where to turn. That’s where we come in.

Autism Resources Kawartha (ARK) exists to support you. The parents. The siblings. The grandparents. The people walking through this journey alongside their autistic loved ones.

Whether you need:

A clear, no-jargon guide to where to start
Someone to cry with or laugh with
Local resources, tips, or community events

We’ve got you.

5. It’s Okay to Take It One Step at a Time.

We’re not here to give you a checklist of “shoulds.” We’re here to say: You’re doing better than you think. Your kid is lucky to have you. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to say no to things that don’t serve your family. You’re allowed to carve your own path.

This isn’t a sprint. It’s a lifelong relationship. Make it one filled with grace, patience, and permission to do it your way.

You're Not Alone—Not Now, Not Ever.

An autism diagnosis doesn’t close a door. It opens a new one. And behind that door is a whole community of people ready to walk with you—no judgment, no pressure, just real talk and real support.

When you’re ready, we’re here.

Where to Begin With a New (and Overwhelming) Autism Diagnosis