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Autism Support for Parents: Where to Find Help After a Diagnosis

Receiving an autism diagnosis can bring a mix of emotions.

For some families, the diagnosis provides relief because they finally have answers. For others, it may feel overwhelming. Many parents experience both at the same time.

One of the most common questions we hear at Best Buds ABA is:

“What do we do now?”

If your child has recently received an autism diagnosis, know that you are not expected to have everything figured out immediately.

The next step is not doing everything at once.

The next step is finding the right support.

You’re Not Alone

Many parents feel isolated after receiving an autism diagnosis for their child.

Friends and family may try to be supportive, but unless they have walked a similar path, it can be difficult for them to fully understand what you are experiencing.

The good news is that there are countless families navigating the same journey.

Across Nevada and Colorado, there are support groups, parent networks, community organizations, educational resources, therapy providers, and government programs designed to help families feel less alone and more empowered.

Start Building Your Support Team

One of the most helpful things parents can do after a diagnosis is build a team of people they trust.

Your support team may look different from another family’s, and that’s okay.

For some parents, it starts with a trusted pediatrician. For others, it may be a teacher who understands their child, a therapist who provides guidance, a grandparent who offers practical help, or another parent who has walked a similar path.

At Best Buds ABA, we often remind families that support is not about finding one person with all the answers. It is about building a network of people who can help along the way.

Learn About Available Therapy Options

Many parents begin exploring therapy services shortly after diagnosis. Depending on your child’s strengths and needs, this may involve ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills support, or other developmental services.

It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all plan. Every child is different, which means every support plan will look a little different too.

The goal is not to sign up for every service available. The goal is to identify the supports that will be most meaningful for your child and family.

Understand Your Insurance and Funding Options

Insurance can feel confusing, especially immediately after diagnosis.

Many communities offer resources specifically designed for children with autism and their families. These may include local support groups, recreational programs, educational workshops, autism organizations, community events, and seasonal activities that help families feel connected and supported.

Often, some of the most valuable advice comes from other parents who have already navigated the same challenges. Connecting with families who understand your experience can provide both practical guidance and emotional reassurance.

Explore Community Resources

Many communities offer resources specifically designed for children with autism and their families.

These may include:

  • Parent support groups
  • Recreational programs
  • Autism organizations
  • Educational workshops
  • Summer camps
  • Community events

Connecting with other families can provide both practical advice and emotional support.

Often, some of the most helpful information comes from parents who have already gone through the process.

Take It One Step at a Time

One of the biggest mistakes parents make after diagnosis is feeling like they need to solve everything immediately.

You do not.

You do not need to choose every therapy this week.You do not need to understand every insurance policy today.You do not need to have a five-year plan by tomorrow.

Start with the next step.Then the next one.

Progress happens one decision at a time.

Final Thoughts

Receiving an autism diagnosis is not the end of the journey.

For many families, it is the beginning of a better understanding of their child’s needs and the supports that may help them thrive.

At Best Buds ABA, we work with families across Nevada and Colorado who are navigating diagnoses, therapy options, insurance questions, and next steps.

Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to begin, or simply looking for guidance, you do not have to figure it out alone.

Reach out to Best Buds ABA today and let us help you take the next step with confidence.

Amy Naffa, MA, BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst & Licensed Behavior Analyst

Amy Naffa, MA, BCBA, LBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in Nevada who is passionate about helping children and families achieve meaningful, lasting progress through evidence-based ABA services.

With years of experience supporting individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, Amy has worked across home, school, and clinical settings. She is dedicated to building strong relationships with families, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and creating individualized programs that help each child reach their unique potential.

Amy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Fresno Pacific University and her Master’s Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Her clinical approach emphasizes compassionate care, family partnership, and data-driven decision-making to promote meaningful and lasting outcomes.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, their three doodles, and their orange cat. She loves traveling, shopping, attending church, and making memories with family and friends.

Melissa Zuniga M.S. BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Melissa Zuniga is a bilingual Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) licensed in Nevada and Utah with experience in both education and behavioral health since 2006. Over the years, she had the opportunity to work in many different roles including direct therapist, teacher, RBT, behavior consultant, and BCBA, which has helped her develop a well-rounded and compassionate approach when supporting children and families. Melissa’s specialty is in early childhood intervention, with a focus on building communication, social, behavioral, and adaptive skills through individualized and developmentally appropriate support.

She is passionate about helping clients build communication, independence, emotional regulation, social, and daily living skills across home, school, clinic, and community settings.
Melissa especially values working closely with families and creating individualized, culturally responsive care that feels supportive, practical, and meaningful for each child’s unique needs.

Patrick Gray, MA, CAS, BCBA

Clinical Director

Patrick is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked in clinical applied behavior analysis for over eight years. He completed his Masters and Certificate of Advanced Study in school psychology at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, practicing for two years before getting his BCBA credential in 2017 through the University of Colorado at Denver. Patrick has worked with children with disabilities since 2011, and has specialized in social skills training, school-based collaboration, and serving individuals impacted by severe behavior. He is particularly proud of his membership in COABA and his work in the Public Policy Committee, specifically the Medical Necessity in Schools Action Committee. Outside of work, you can find him attending concerts, doing laps in a pool, or reading.

Candice Ashley "Candi" Delto-Alambatin M.S., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Candi is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) dedicated to supporting children and families through compassionate, evidence-based care. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology, where she gained experience supporting young women impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. Candi initially entered the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) while pursuing a different career path. However, through her work with children and families, she discovered a strong passion for creating meaningful, lasting change through behavioral support. This led her to further her education and earn a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Since 2017, Candi has worked with individuals ages 2 through 21 with autism and related developmental needs, including ADHD, ODD, OCD, Down syndrome, Anxiety, Epilepsy, and other behavioral and developmental differences in Nevada. She has provided services across telehealth (in Colorado and Maryland), home, clinic, school, and community-based settings, allowing her to support families in a wide range of environments. Candi is passionate about helping individuals develop functional, meaningful skills that increase independence and improve quality of life. Her clinical approach focuses on identifying the underlying function of behavior and implementing individualized, data-driven interventions designed to support long-term success.

She is known for balancing empathy with structure, ensuring that care is both compassionate and effective. Candi prioritizes collaboration with caregivers and interdisciplinary teams to promote consistency across environments and meaningful progress over time. She is deeply committed to parent training and caregiver support, equipping families with practical strategies they can confidently implement in their daily lives. As a BCBA, Candi integrates principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into her clinical approach, supporting individuals and caregivers in building psychological flexibility, strengthening values-based decision making, and developing adaptive coping strategies. She strives to create a supportive and respectful therapeutic environment for everyone involved, including clients, families, behavior technicians, and colleagues. She approaches her work with cultural sensitivity, professionalism, and a genuine respect for the unique experiences of each individual she serves. Her goal is to provide high-quality care that leads to meaningful, sustainable outcomes for every individual and family.

Brittany Archuleta

Operations Manager

Brittany Archuleta began her journey in ABA over six years ago as an RBT, working directly with children and seeing firsthand the incredible impact individualized support can have on their lives. As she grew in her career, Brittany discovered a passion not only for helping children succeed but also for supporting the teams and systems that make that care possible. Today, in her leadership and operations role, she is dedicated to building strong, compassionate teams and creating an environment where every child and family feels supported, empowered, and celebrated. Brittany believes that meaningful connections, thoughtful guidance, and a commitment to growth are at the heart of truly transformative ABA care.

Jairin Dela Cruz, BCBA, LBA, DBH-C

Clinical Director

Jairin is a passionate advocate for individuals and families in the autism community, bringing a unique blend of medical knowledge, behavioral expertise, and cultural understanding to her work. She earned her Doctorate in Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in psychology in the Philippines and later became certified by the Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates in the U.S..

Her journey shifted when a family member was diagnosed with autism, inspiring her to dedicate her life to supporting individuals and families through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Jairin studied ABA at the Florida Institute of Technology and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in 2015, building a strong foundation for her evidence-based practice. For over a decade, she has helped individuals with developmental or behavioral challenges, collaborating with parents, caregivers, and behavior technicians to foster supportive environments where every individual can reach their fullest potential. She also guides a team of BCBAs and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), helping them provide compassionate, high-quality care. Deeply committed to community service, Jairin volunteers at autism awareness events, family resource programs, and outreach initiatives, always approaching her work with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and profound respect for the diverse families she serves.

Today, as a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Nevada and a doctoral candidate in behavioral health, Jairin focuses on delivering ABA interventions that blend her clinical expertise with ongoing research to help individuals thrive. Her mission is to provide care that is compassionate, evidence-based, and partner closely with families, and guide her team to ensure every individual receives the support they need to reach their fullest potential.