Hearing the words “your child is on the autism spectrum” can stir up a flood of emotions. For some parents, the diagnosis feels like a relief because it puts a name to challenges they’ve noticed for years. For others, it brings grief, worry, or uncertainty about the future. You might be wondering what this means for your child’s development, schooling, friendships, and independence. It’s also common to feel overwhelmed by questions like “Where do we go from here?” or “What support will my child need?”
If you’ve recently received an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your child—or even for yourself as an adult—you’re not alone. Families across Argyle, Denton, Flower Mound, Highland Village, and the DFW area are walking this road every day. At Harvest Counseling & Wellness, we meet families right where they are, helping them take the next step with clarity, compassion, and comprehensive support. Here, you don’t have to piece together care from multiple providers—we bring it all under one roof so your family feels supported from every angle.
Understanding the Diagnosis
What Does Autism Spectrum Disorder Mean?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person processes information, communicates, and interacts with the world. The word spectrum matters: it reflects the wide variety of experiences and abilities among people with autism. Some may need significant daily support, while others live independently, pursue careers, and build meaningful relationships.
Autism is lifelong, but with the right support, many individuals discover strengths, talents, and coping strategies that help them flourish. Knowing that you have a team who understands autism and can guide your child through challenges can make all the difference—which is why at Harvest, we offer an integrated approach that supports both the child and the whole family.
Myths vs. Realities
When you hear “autism,” certain stereotypes might come to mind. Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:
Myth: People with autism don’t want social connection.
Reality: Many individuals with autism deeply desire friendships and connection, though they may express or pursue it differently.Myth: Autism always comes with intellectual disability.
Reality: Cognitive abilities vary widely. Some individuals have average or above-average intelligence, while others may need more support.Myth: Autism can be “cured.”
Reality: Autism isn’t an illness—it’s a different way of experiencing and engaging with the world. Support and therapies help individuals thrive, not erase their identity.
First Steps After Diagnosis
Processing Your Feelings
Parents often describe the early days after diagnosis as an emotional rollercoaster. Relief, sadness, guilt, and determination can coexist. It’s okay to take time to grieve the expectations you once held, while also celebrating your child’s unique strengths.
Give yourself space to acknowledge emotions, and don’t be surprised if they shift from day to day. The goal isn’t to “get over” your feelings but to adapt and move forward with clarity. Having a team of supportive professionals under one roof at Harvest makes this adjustment easier—because you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Talking About the Diagnosis
When and how to share the diagnosis is a personal choice:
With your child: Tailor the conversation to their age and developmental stage. For younger children, keep it simple: “Your brain works differently, and that’s okay.” For teens, focus on empowerment, identity, and self-understanding.
With family: Extended relatives may not understand autism. Providing resources or inviting them to therapy sessions can help bridge gaps.
With schools: Sharing the diagnosis with teachers and administrators opens the door to support through IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) or 504 plans in Denton County schools.
At Harvest, our education advocates partner with families through this process, so you don’t feel like you’re in uncharted territory.
Managing Practical Next Steps
The paperwork side of a new diagnosis can be daunting: insurance forms, therapy referrals, and school meetings. Organizing a binder with evaluation reports, medical notes, and therapy recommendations can help. Still, it’s often the emotional load that weighs parents down. Having counseling, advocacy, and nutrition services available in one place means fewer calls, fewer commutes, and more time focusing on your child’s growth.
Building a Support Team
A diagnosis is only the beginning of your child’s journey. Building a team of trusted professionals ensures your family has the right support. This is where Harvest’s all-in-one approach truly matters: instead of driving to separate offices and repeating your story multiple times, you can walk into one location and access a full spectrum of care.
Counselors & Therapists
Counselors provide emotional support for children adjusting to their diagnosis, as well as guidance for parents and siblings. At Harvest, our therapists offer play therapy, teen counseling, EMDR for trauma, and family counseling—all under one roof.
Dietitians & Nutritionists
Children with autism often experience feeding challenges—whether it’s selective eating, sensory sensitivities, or gastrointestinal concerns. Our registered dietitian nutritionists help families with meal planning, mindful eating, and tailored nutritional support.
Education Advocates
Navigating the school system can feel overwhelming. Our education advocates work directly with parents to ensure children get the accommodations and resources they need, from classroom support to IEP development.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
For families considering medication or natural supplements, our psychiatric nurse practitioner provides thorough evaluations and ongoing support. At Harvest, this care is holistic, blending medication management, functional nutrition, and mind-body practices—right alongside counseling and advocacy.
The Benefit of “All Under One Roof”
Instead of chasing down referrals or juggling conflicting recommendations, families at Harvest find relief in knowing every professional is working together. Your counselor, dietitian, advocate, and psychiatric provider communicate, collaborate, and coordinate—so you’re not left piecing things together.
Everyday Life with an Autism Diagnosis
Creating Structure & Routine
Consistency helps many individuals with autism feel safe. Morning checklists, visual schedules, and predictable routines can make daily life smoother for both parents and children. Our counselors often equip parents with strategies they can use at home, bridging the gap between therapy sessions and everyday life.
Supporting Social Skills
Building social connections can be challenging but rewarding. At Harvest, therapists use role-play, group therapy, and even community outings to help children practice social skills in real-life situations. Parents can also encourage social opportunities by choosing extracurricular activities that align with their child’s interests.
Encouraging Independence
From teaching life skills like cooking and laundry to supporting decision-making, fostering independence builds confidence. Even small steps, like choosing their own clothes or packing a lunch, help a child feel capable. Our nutrition team often works alongside families to make mealtimes part of building independence.
Caring for the Caregivers
Parents often pour everything into their child and overlook their own needs. Remember: you cannot pour from an empty cup. At Harvest, support doesn’t stop with the child. Parents can meet with counselors for guidance, or attend family sessions where everyone’s needs are acknowledged. Having those services in the same building reduces barriers to getting help for yourself, too.
Words of Encouragement
An autism diagnosis doesn’t define your child’s future—it equips you with the understanding to better support them. Many individuals with autism grow up to live full, independent lives filled with friendships, careers, and family. With the right environment and encouragement, your child’s potential is limitless.
At Harvest Counseling & Wellness, we’ve seen families breathe easier once they realize they don’t have to piece everything together. Getting the help you need all under one roof means fewer obstacles and more progress. Most importantly, it means your child has a team cheering them on from every angle—because you don’t have to do this alone.
Take it one step at a time. Celebrate small victories. Surround yourself with supportive professionals who understand your journey. And above all, keep sight of the fact that your child’s story is still being written, with chapters filled with growth, love, and opportunity.
Have you recently received an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and are unsure what to do next?
Know that support is available right here in your community. At Harvest Counseling & Wellness, we bring together counseling, nutrition services, education advocacy, and psychiatric care all under one roof for families in Argyle, Denton, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Northlake, Southlake, and the greater DFW area.
Bring your burdens, bring your hurts—and let’s walk this road together.
