My Toddler Was Just Diagnosed with Autism in Utah; What Happens Now? - July 26th, 2025

A Local Guide for Families in Lehi, Highland, and Alpine

If your toddler has recently received an autism diagnosis—or you're starting to notice signs—you might be asking yourself: What do we do next? Where do we start? Am I doing enough?

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a mother myself, I want you to know: You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it all out at once.

At Playability Behavior & Learning, we support families across Utah County, especially in Lehi, Highland, and Alpine, through a warm, play-based approach to early intervention that honors your child’s uniqueness, your family’s values, and the beauty of early connection.

What Utah Parents Often Ask After a Diagnosis

Whether you went through Kids Who Count, Baby Watch, or a private evaluation, these questions often come next:

“Do I need to start 20 hours of therapy per week?”
“Should I wait and see if my child catches up?”
“Do I need a formal diagnosis to get help?”
“What kind of therapy is actually right for a 2-year-old?”

The truth is: You don’t have to wait for services to begin.

And not all therapies are created equal.

**Why Early Intervention Matters — And Why How We Do It Matters Even More**

We now know that 18 to 24 months is a critical window for development. The brain is rapidly building pathways for communication, social engagement, and regulation. With the right support, your child can make meaningful progress in a short amount of time.

But it’s not just about hours , it’s about quality and relationship.

In our practice, we use the JASPER Model, a research-backed, neuroaffirming therapy that supports the foundation of lifelong skills:

Joint attention
Engagement
Language through play
Emotional regulation
Flexibility

And we do this in the comfort of your home , because that’s where learning is most natural, and where your child feels safest.

A Common Myth We See: “Let’s Just Wait and See”

Many parents are told, “They’ll grow out of it,” or “Just give it time.” But if you’ve noticed signs, trust your instincts.

At Playability Behavior & Learning, we believe that parent intuition is powerful. That’s why we offer therapy based on your concerns , not just a formal diagnosis.

We’ve seen toddlers in our pilot program go from frustration and withdrawal to:

Sharing smiles
Using gestures and words
Expanding their play routines
Regulating their emotions with support

These changes don’t happen because we push — they happen because we connect.

What to Expect in Your First Home Session

When we enter your home, we’re not bringing a clipboard to “fix” your child. We’re there to listen, observe, and start building a relationship — with both your child and your family.

We prioritize your values, your routines, and your joy as a parent. We’re here to help you understand what your child is communicating, and how to build on the strengths they already have.

It is simple: Connection before correction.

Questions to Ask Any Provider You Consider:

Will I be included in the sessions?
Do you use a neuroaffirming, play-based model?
Do you follow my child’s lead or impose goals?
How will you communicate progress with me?

The First Step Is Gentle

If you’re in Lehi, Highland, or Alpine, and you’re wondering what therapy could look like without pressure, intensity, or waitlists — we’d love to meet you.

We offer:

In-home sessions for children 18–36 months
Parent coaching and participation
A warm, relationship-based approach that meets your child where they are

Let’s start with joy.

Let’s build something beautiful — together.