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My child was recently diagnosed
A diagnosis often comes with a stack of paperwork and very little explanation. This pathway helps you sort out what to do first.
Information reviewed: August 28, 2026
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After a developmental or disability diagnosis, families often receive many recommendations at once.
You do not necessarily need to start every recommended service immediately. It is reasonable to take them one at a time.
1 — Understand the evaluation
Read through the report and look for:
- The diagnosis
- Your child’s strengths
- Identified needs
- Recommendations
- Any follow-up the evaluator requested
Write down your questions and bring them back to the diagnosing provider.
2 — Organize important documents
Create one folder — digital or physical — for:
- Diagnostic evaluations
- Medical records
- Therapy evaluations
- School documents, IEP or 504 plan
- Insurance information
- Eligibility letters
- Provider contacts
3 — Identify the most important needs right now
Families often start with one or two of these:
- Communication
- Daily living skills
- Feeding
- Sensory needs
- Emotional or behavioral regulation
- Safety
- Sleep
- Social development
- Motor skills
- School participation
Services should be based on your individual child’s needs — not on collecting every therapy associated with a diagnosis.
4 — Check age-specific systems
- Birth to 3: New Jersey Early Intervention, when appropriate — 1-888-653-4463
- School age: school evaluation and supports when educational functioning is affected
- Developmental disability services: eligibility and application steps differ by age
5 — Understand insurance before scheduling
Before booking a recommended service, ask your plan:
- Is this provider in-network?
- Do I need a referral?
- Is prior authorization required?
- Is this service covered, and what will I owe?
If the diagnosis is autism
We have a longer step-by-step guide written specifically for this situation.
Vicabell provides educational resource information and is not affiliated with the State of New Jersey, PerformCare, or the Children’s System of Care. Program requirements, contact information, and services can change. Always confirm current information with the official agency.