Taking that first step toward autism services often brings a whirlwind of emotions. As you prepare for your initial visit to an autism center, you might feel hopeful about finding support, anxious about the unknown, uncertain about the process ahead, and determined to help your child thrive. Many parents wonder what the visit will entail, how their child will respond to this new environment, and what information they should bring along. If these thoughts are swirling in your mind, you’re not alone—these feelings and questions are shared by nearly every family beginning this journey.
This guide aims to demystify the first visit experience, providing you with clear information about what to expect at Norfolk Autism Center. By understanding the process beforehand, you can approach this important milestone with greater confidence and make the most of this initial appointment. Our goal is to transform uncertainty into preparation, allowing you and your child to have the most positive and productive first visit possible.
Before Your Visit: Preparation Steps
Thoughtful preparation can make your first visit significantly more effective and less stressful for both you and your child. Start by gathering relevant documentation that provides insight into your child’s development, challenges, and strengths. This typically includes:
- Previous evaluations or assessments (developmental, psychological, or educational)
- Medical records related to developmental concerns
- School reports, IEPs, or progress notes from teachers
- Therapy records if your child has received previous interventions
- Notes about your observations of your child’s behavior in different settings
Consider creating a brief “snapshot” document that summarizes your child’s history, current challenges, strengths, and your primary concerns. This can help focus the discussion and ensure you communicate the information you find most important. Many parents find it helpful to note specific examples of behaviors or situations that illustrate their concerns.
Preparing your child for the visit is equally important. Depending on your child’s age and understanding, you might use a visual schedule showing the steps of the visit, read a social story about visiting a new place, or simply have a conversation about what will happen. Let them know they’ll be meeting new people who want to learn about them and how they see the world.
Think about scheduling strategically—is your child typically more regulated and responsive in the morning or afternoon? Request an appointment time that aligns with when your child is usually at their best. Pack comfort items, preferred snacks, and activities for any waiting periods. Consider whether both parents or other significant caregivers should attend this first meeting to share observations and perspectives.
What to Expect During the Initial Visit
Arriving at Norfolk Autism Center for the first time, you’ll be greeted by our front desk staff who will guide you through a brief check-in process. The center’s environment is designed with sensory sensitivities in mind—you’ll notice the thoughtful lighting, reduced background noise, and comfortable seating areas. If your child needs a quiet space to regulate at any point during the visit, our team will readily accommodate this need.
The initial visit typically begins with a parent interview while your child has an opportunity to become comfortable in the environment. A staff member will engage your child in play-based activities that allow for natural observation of their communication, social interaction, play skills, and sensory responses. This engagement is intentionally low-pressure—the priority is building rapport and getting to know your child, not formal testing.
For younger children, this observation often looks like play. For older children or adolescents, it might involve conversation about interests, a structured activity, or a more casual interaction. Throughout this time, the professional team is gathering important information about how your child interacts, communicates needs, responds to new people, and navigates the environment.
Following this initial period, you’ll typically meet with a clinical team member who will discuss preliminary observations and outline next steps. This conversation allows you to ask questions and begin developing a shared understanding of your child’s needs. It’s important to remember that this first visit is primarily about information gathering and relationship building. Comprehensive assessment and formal therapy generally begin later, after the center has a full picture of your child’s needs.
If your child shows different behaviors than typical during this visit, don’t worry—this is expected in a new environment. Experienced professionals understand this and will take it into account when forming their impressions.
Important Questions to Ask
Coming prepared with thoughtful questions helps you gather essential information and determine if the center is the right fit for your family. Consider asking questions in these key areas:
Assessment Process
- “What types of assessments do you use to understand my child’s specific needs?”
- “How long does the assessment process typically take, and what does it involve for our family?”
- “How do you identify my child’s strengths alongside their challenges?”
These questions help you understand how thoroughly the center will evaluate your child’s needs and whether their approach aligns with your expectations.
Therapy Approaches
- “What therapy approaches do you offer, and how do you determine which is most appropriate for my child?”
- “How do you incorporate my child’s interests and preferences into therapy?”
- “How do you address challenging behaviors while supporting my child’s emotional needs?”
The answers will reveal the center’s philosophy and whether their methods respect your child’s individuality and dignity.
Parent Involvement
- “How will I learn the strategies you’re using so I can implement them at home?”
- “What does parent training involve, and how frequently is it provided?”
- “How will you incorporate our family’s goals and priorities into the treatment plan?”
These questions highlight the center’s approach to family partnership, which is essential for generalizing skills across environments.
Communication Protocols
- “How will we communicate about my child’s progress, and how frequently?”
- “Who will be my main point of contact for questions or concerns?”
- “How quickly can I expect responses to questions between appointments?”
Clear communication expectations establish the foundation for an effective working relationship.
Scheduling and Logistics
- “What are your typical hours, and how flexible is scheduling?”
- “What is your cancellation policy?”
- “Do you offer both center-based and home-based services?”
These practical questions help you determine if the center’s operations align with your family’s needs and schedule.
Insurance and Billing
- “Which insurance plans do you accept, and what is your experience with my specific insurance?”
- “What costs might we expect beyond what insurance covers?”
- “Do you offer any financial assistance or payment plans?”
Understanding financial aspects upfront prevents surprises and helps with planning.
Progress Evaluation
- “How do you measure and track progress?”
- “How often are treatment plans reviewed and updated?”
- “What happens if we don’t see the progress we’re hoping for?”
These questions clarify how the center defines success and adapts when needed.
Take notes during your discussions—a simple notebook divided by category can help organize this information. Remember that quality providers welcome your questions and will take time to provide thorough answers.
Next Steps After Your First Visit
Following your initial visit, you can typically expect a follow-up communication within one to two weeks. This may include preliminary impressions, recommendations for comprehensive assessments, or in some cases, an initial treatment plan. If formal assessments are recommended, the center should provide a clear timeline for completing these and when you can expect to receive results.
Once assessments are complete, you’ll meet with the clinical team to discuss findings and collaborate on developing a treatment plan. This plan should clearly outline recommended services, frequency and duration of sessions, specific goals, and how progress will be measured. Quality centers ensure that parents are active participants in this planning process, incorporating your priorities and concerns into the goals.
Therapy typically begins after you’ve agreed to the treatment plan. Initially, you might not see dramatic changes—building rapport and establishing routines comes first. However, the center should provide clear expectations about what progress might look like in the first few months and beyond. Regular progress reviews (typically every 3-6 months) allow for adjustments to the plan as your child develops new skills.
As you reflect on your experience at the center, consider whether it feels like the right fit for your family. Important indicators include:
- Do you feel your concerns are heard and respected?
- Does the approach align with your values and goals for your child?
- Do the recommended services match your understanding of your child’s needs?
- Does the center’s communication style work for your family?
- Is the schedule and location manageable for your family’s situation?
If you have concerns, discuss them openly with the center. Sometimes small adjustments can make a significant difference in your experience.
Beginning Your Journey Together
The first visit to an autism center marks the beginning of what we hope will be a supportive, collaborative relationship focused on helping your child thrive. While navigating autism services can sometimes feel overwhelming, having the right professional partners can make all the difference in your family’s journey.
Remember that finding the right support takes time, and it’s completely appropriate to ask questions, express concerns, and advocate for your child’s specific needs. The ideal center will welcome your active involvement and see you as the expert on your child who brings essential insights to the team.
If you’re ready to take this important first step, Norfolk Autism Center is here to welcome your family. Our team is committed to making you feel supported from your very first interaction with us. To schedule your first visit or to ask any questions, please contact us at (757) 777-3229 or visit us at 152 Burnetts Way, Suffolk, VA 23434. We look forward to meeting you and your child, and to beginning this journey together.
