Collective Autism Experience
where connection circles back
You got the diagnosis. Now what? We’ve been there.
We are autism parents who know the overwhelm, the waitlists, the wrong fits — and we built CAE so you don't have to go through any of it alone. No more lists. No more guessing. Just vetted, neuro-affirming providers and a clear path to the care team your child deserves. We help you figure out what to do after an autism diagnosis, connect you with the right providers, and guide you every step of the way.
Everything you need to know about CAE — in under a minute.
A diagnosis is just the beginning. Knowing what comes next — and who can help — is where most families get stuck. CAE connects you with vetted, neuro-affirming providers so you can build the right care team and move forward with confidence after an autism diagnosis.
Think of CAE as your autism concierge and case coordinators.
Getting a diagnosis doesn't come with a roadmap.
"One day you're sitting in an office hearing words that will change everything — and the next, someone hands you a list of 50 names."
Autism Family Navigators are your concierge, your travel agent, your recruiter — and your most connected parent friend. We don't hand you more information. We take the overwhelm off your plate, vet the providers, map out your next steps, and hand you a plan that actually fits your child, your family, and your real life.
See How It WorksDiagnosis happens
You leave the office with a new reality and zero next steps. That's exactly when CAE steps in.
We field your situation
A Navigator listens, assesses, and understands your child, your family, and what you actually need.
We vet and match
We review evaluations, reach out to providers, check waitlists, and curate a shortlist that fits — not just whoever answers the phone.
You get a real plan
A clear action plan, sequenced steps, and a Navigator in your corner as things evolve.
“Such a necessary and transformative resource for our community.”
-CAE Provider
Choose the support that fits right now.
Free directory access, monthly newsletter, invitations to connection events, and the CAE WhatsApp community group. A place to land before you're ready to do more.
Get started freeFull access to our vetted provider directory — credentials, specialties, contact info, and a care-planning space. Plus the monthly Playbook to help you ask better questions and build a better team.
Join as a family memberOne-time clarity session or ongoing Navigator support — 3, 5, or 8 hours over 12 months. We review your evals, reach out to providers, create a curated shortlist, and walk alongside you as needs evolve.
Book a free consult
“I wish I had found you a year ago this was so helpful”
— AFN Client
Want families to find you?
We are the bridge between families and the providers who can actually help them. Families come to us after diagnosis — overwhelmed, searching, and trusting us to point them in the right direction.
We don't send them just anywhere. We send them to providers we know, believe in, and have vetted. If that's you, you belong here.
Join the directory — free
Get listed. Get found by families actively looking.
Get vetted by us
Earn the referral. Stand out as values-aligned and trusted.
Receive matched families
We send you families who already trust us — and trust our referrals.
Join the CAE provider community
Connect, contribute, and collaborate with other neuro-affirming professionals.
"This is the referral you'd get from a parent who knows — not a hotline, not a handout, not another list."
Collective Autism Experience · Autism Family Navigation
What people say about CAE.
Wow! This is even better than I was expecting. It is incredibly helpful — and so tailored to exactly what we needed.
AFN Client · Family
You are such a gem. This has been so helpful. I finally feel like I know what to do next.
AFN Client · Family
I love hearing from so many people passionate about the same things I'm passionate about. The intentional networking was invaluable.
Provider Mashup · Atlanta
At the mashup, I was greeted with a smile from someone I'd never met — and felt understood and non-judged from the first moment.
Provider Mashup · Atlanta
Born from personal experience, The Collective Autism Experience was created with one mission in mind: to walk alongside people navigating the complex world of autism support.
As parents of autistic children, we know firsthand how overwhelming this diagnosis can be—filled with questions, uncertainty, and a lack of clear guidance.
CAE exists to be the bridge, connecting you to resources, clarity, and community every step of the way.
Whether you're a family who just got a diagnosis or a provider who knows families need you — this is where you start.
Your care team is out there.
Let's go find them.
You don't have to figure this out alone. We know exactly where to start — and we'll walk every step with you.
You got into this field to help.
We make sure the right families can find you.
We don't send families just anywhere. We send them to providers we know, believe in, and have vetted. If that's you, you belong here.
CAE’s Community Partnerships
From the Learning Library…
CAE Testimonials