How To Get Your Child Evaluated For Autism

If you’ve found yourself Googling, ”How to get your child evaluated for autism,” you may be feeling a host of emotions. Perhaps some fear and anxiety as well as worry has clouded your mind lately. The good news is you’re not alone and you’re already taking an important step toward better understanding your child’s development. Recognizing the early signs of autism and seeking an evaluation can make a significant difference in your child’s life. Finding the right therapist and program for your child with autism will put both you and your child on a better path both now and for the future.

Early diagnosis often opens the door to a range of support systems that can enhance your child’s learning, communication, and social skills. In this article, we’ll walk you through the key steps involved in getting your child evaluated for autism. We’ll also discuss signs that might prompt an evaluation, and provide guidance on how to navigate the evaluation process with confidence and care.

Recognizing the Early Signs of Autism

Before seeking an evaluation, it’s important that you understand the early signs of autism. Every child meets developmental milestones at their own pace, so what may present as unique in one situation could be commonplace in another. When looking out for signs of autism, avoid judgment and proceed with an open mind. This could simply be the way your child is becoming their own individual.

However, there are specific behaviors that may indicate the need for a closer look. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects communication, behavior, and social interactions, and these signs can start to present themselves in early childhood. Noticing a pattern of certain behaviors could be an indication that your child may have autism.

Common Signs of Autism

1. Trouble Making Speech Sounds: If your child isn’t speaking single words by 18 months or hasn’t begun stringing together two-word phrases by age 2, it may be a sign that they have a speech delay. This is something to pay attention to when evaluating signs of autism.
2. Avoiding Eye Contact: Another possible indication is when a child avoids making eye contact or seems uninterested in engaging with others through facial expressions or gestures.
3. Recurring Actions: Repetitive actions such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects are common among children with autism.
4. Lack of Interest in Social Interaction: You may notice a general lack of interest in participating in social interactions. Children with autism may seem uninterested in playing with others, showing affection, or joining in on group activities.
5. Atypical Reactions to Sensory Input: Some children may be overly sensitive to sounds, textures, or lights, while others may not respond to sensory stimuli in typical ways.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your child, it’s worth discussing your concerns with a healthcare professional to determine if an autism evaluation is appropriate.

Talk to Your Pediatrician

Your child’s pediatrician is typically the first professional you’ll turn to when you have concerns about their development. Pediatricians are trained to monitor developmental milestones and can help identify when there may be a need for further evaluation. They may ask you questions about your child’s behavior, communication, and social interactions. They may also use developmental screening tools to assess whether your child should be referred to another professional (like a BCBA – Board Certified Behavior Analyst) for an autism evaluation.

What to Expect During Your Pediatrician Visit:

1. Developmental Screenings: Pediatricians often conduct routine developmental screenings during well-child visits, especially at 18 and 24 months. These screenings involve asking questions about your child’s milestones and behavior.
2. Discussing Concerns: Be prepared to share specific examples of behaviors that concern you. If your child is showing signs of developmental delays or atypical behaviors, your pediatrician can refer you to a specialist (i.e., a BCBA) for a formal autism evaluation.

Referral to a Specialist for Autism

Once your pediatrician has determined that an autism evaluation is necessary, they will refer you to a specialist with expertise in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder. The specialist may be a developmental pediatrician, a pediatric neurologist, a clinical psychologist, or a speech-language pathologist. These professionals have advanced training in assessing developmental and behavioral disorders, including autism.

Types of Specialists You May Be Referred to:

1. Developmental Pediatricians: These doctors specialize in developmental delays and behavioral disorders, including autism.
2. Pediatric Neurologists: Neurologists focus on disorders that affect the brain and nervous system, including autism spectrum disorder.
3. Child Psychologists: Psychologists evaluate cognitive and behavioral development and can provide in-depth assessments for autism.
4. Speech-Language Pathologists: These specialists focus on communication challenges and may play a role in diagnosing autism, especially when language delays are present.

The specialist will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if your child has autism and, if so, what level of support they need.

The Autism Evaluation Process

An autism evaluation typically involves a comprehensive assessment of your child’s development, behavior, communication, and social skills. The evaluation is a multi-step process and may take place over several appointments to ensure that the specialist has a full understanding of your child’s abilities and challenges.

Key Components of the Autism Evaluation

1. Parent Interviews: The specialist will ask you about your child’s developmental history, behavior, and any concerns you’ve observed. Your input here is crucial, as it will help the specialist understand your child’s development and the best approach moving forward.
2. Direct Observation: The specialist will observe your child’s behavior during structured and unstructured activities. This may include watching how they interact with toys, communicate with others, and respond to social cues.
3. Standardized Tests: Several diagnostic tools may be used during the evaluation, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). These tests help the specialist identify patterns of behavior that are consistent with autism.
4. Developmental and Cognitive Testing: Additional tests may be conducted to assess your child’s cognitive abilities, language skills, and problem-solving capabilities.

The results of the evaluation will help the specialist determine whether your child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis and what type of interventions would be most beneficial. They may recommend speech therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy or another approach.

Getting the Diagnosis and Next Steps

Once the evaluation is complete, the specialist will review the findings with you. If your child is diagnosed with autism, the next step is to develop a treatment plan that supports their development. Early intervention is critical, as it can greatly improve outcomes for children with autism.

What Happens After a Diagnosis

1. Creating a Treatment Plan: The specialist will recommend therapies and interventions based on your child’s specific needs. This may include ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other developmental support protocols.
2. Connecting with Service Providers: You’ll be referred to providers who can deliver the recommended therapies. These providers may include ABA therapists, speech-language pathologists, or occupational therapists.
3. Ongoing Support and Monitoring: Your child’s progress will be monitored regularly, and adjustments to their treatment plan will be made as needed to ensure they are receiving the most effective support.

PRISM Learning Center: Personalized Autism Support for Your Child

PRISM Learning Center helps children with autism reach their full potential through individualized, compassionate care. Our evaluation process begins with a thorough assessment conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Through direct observation and/or a parent interview, the BCBA gains a comprehensive understanding of your child’s developmental needs and designs a personalized treatment plan.

We then match your family with an experienced therapist who best suits your schedule and requirements. This therapist provides 1:1 ABA therapy, implementing behavior programs specified by the BCBA while carefully collecting data to track progress and make informed adjustments to the treatment plan. This individualized approach ensures that your child receives the most effective and supportive care.

We understand that every child is different, and we work closely with families to create a supportive, nurturing environment where your child can thrive. Whether it’s building communication skills, improving social interactions, or addressing challenging behaviors, we are determined to help your child succeed at every stage of their development.

Getting the Right Support

Knowing how to get your child evaluated for autism is the first step in accessing the support and resources they need to thrive. Early diagnosis allows for early intervention, which has been shown to improve developmental outcomes and help children build the skills they need for a successful future.

By recognizing the signs of autism, seeking guidance from a pediatrician, and following through with a comprehensive evaluation, you’re ensuring that your child has the best possible start on their journey.

If your child is diagnosed with autism, remember that you’re not alone. With the right therapies and support, your child can grow, learn, and reach their full potential. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us; we are here to guide you every step of the way.