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:
1. How to choose between the different therapy options without committing to something we'll regret. 2. Whether to tell extended family right away or wait. 3. How to talk to my son himself, age-appropriately. 4. How to take care of myself through this — I feel completely depleted.
No wrong answers. I'm just trying to find solid ground.