If you suspect your child may be on the autism spectrum, it’s important to seek out a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation from a qualified professional. While online screening tests may provide some initial insight, they should not be used in place of an in-depth clinical assessment.
A thorough autism evaluation is recommended for several reasons:
- Expertise: Autism specialists and child psychologists have extensive training and experience diagnosing autism spectrum disorder. They can conduct multi-disciplinary assessments, interpret results accurately, and provide a definitive diagnosis. Their expertise cannot be replicated through informal online screening.
- Multifaceted Approach: A comprehensive autism evaluation incorporates detailed interviews, behavior observations, IQ and language testing, screening for associated conditions, and more. This multifaceted approach allows for an accurate diagnosis. Online screenings rely on a limited number of questions and cannot match this in-depth process.
- Individualized Process: Experienced clinicians get to know the child, meet with parents, gather developmental history, and evaluate symptoms specific to the individual. This personalized approach surpasses the generic nature of online screening tools.
- Supportive Guidance: Professionals not only diagnose autism but also provide parents with a treatment plan, advice for the next steps, information on services and support, and guidance tailored to the child. Online screening tools may suggest a possibility of autism but do not provide individualized recommendations.
While the diagnostic process takes time and costs more than an informal screening, it provides the most valid and helpful results. A comprehensive autism evaluation provides clarity, direction, and access to early intervention that can greatly benefit a child’s development.
Finding Local Diagnosticians
Locating qualified professionals who can provide an autism diagnosis evaluation can feel daunting, but there are strategies to find the right diagnostician for your child’s needs. Here are some tips:
- Ask your pediatrician for a referral. Pediatricians often have relationships with developmental pediatricians, psychologists, neuropsychologists, and other specialists who can conduct autism evaluations. They may be able to point you toward diagnosticians they trust.
- Search psychology and autism organization directories. Organizations like the American Psychological Association and Autism Speaks have searchable online directories where you can look for local professionals. You can filter by location and specialty.
- Look for university clinics and medical centers. Major universities and hospitals often have autism evaluation clinics with experienced diagnosticians on staff. These clinics may have shorter wait times too.
- Search your insurance provider’s website. Most insurance companies have a “find a provider” search tool where you can look up in-network diagnosticians in your area who specialize in autism.
- Ask your school district. Public school districts maintain relationships with diagnosticians to evaluate children for special education services eligibility. The district may be able to refer you.
- Look for dedicated autism diagnosis centers. Some major cities have centers focused specifically on autism diagnosis and evaluation. These can be a great option.
- Ask local autism organizations for recommendations. Local autism nonprofits and resource centers may have lists of providers they refer families to.
With persistence and creativity in your search, you can find qualified professionals in your area to partner with on getting your child evaluated. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions to ensure it’s the right fit.
Connecting With Your School District
If you have a child that you suspect may have autism, reaching out to your local school district can be a good way to access diagnostic services and other support. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), public schools are required to evaluate children with disabilities at no cost to families.
Most school districts have procedures in place to screen and assess children for autism and other disabilities. Contact the special education department and explain your concerns about your child’s development. They can initiate the evaluation process, which may involve assessments by a school psychologist, speech-language pathologist, and other professionals.
School districts maintain relationships with outside clinics, doctors’ offices, and diagnosticians who are qualified to evaluate for autism. The district can help refer you to appropriate providers they work with frequently. They may even be able to assist with scheduling appointments and transportation if needed.
Having your child evaluated through the school district can help streamline the process. The district is familiar with common diagnostic tests and criteria, and the results will determine your child’s eligibility for special education services and an IEP. This saves you the step of obtaining a private diagnosis first before seeking school accommodations.
Connect with your school as soon as possible if you suspect your child may have autism. Early intervention is key, and districts aim to evaluate children and start services by age 3. Building a relationship with the special education team provides ongoing support as you navigate the diagnosis process and make decisions about your child’s education.\
Regional Autism Centers
Many major cities have regional autism centers that focus specifically on diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These centers have teams of specialists like psychologists, speech therapists, and behavioral analysts who have extensive experience working with autistic individuals.
Some of the key benefits of going to a regional autism center include:
- Access to clinicians and doctors who specialize in autism. They are specifically trained to accurately diagnose ASD and can administer gold-standard diagnostic tests like the ADOS-2.
- Multidisciplinary expertise. The center will have experts across fields like neurology, genetics, speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc. This allows them to evaluate the child from different angles.
- Streamlined process. The center coordinates care among its team of experts, so the family doesn’t have to schedule multiple appointments at different locations.
- Family support services. Many centers provide counseling, training programs, and support groups to help families understand ASD and learn how to meet their child’s needs.
- Ongoing care. After the initial diagnosis, these centers can provide continued treatment, services, and referrals.
Some prominent autism centers in major cities include:
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Regional Autism Center
- Cleveland Clinic Children’s Center for Autism
- Autism Center at Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston)
- Autism Center at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
- Autism Discovery Institute at Rady Children’s Hospital (San Diego)
- UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment (Los Angeles)
- Autism Center at Children’s National (Washington DC)
Connecting with a regional autism center can provide families access to top experts and resources for obtaining an accurate autism evaluation. They offer a centralized place to get answers, support, and a customized treatment plan.
State Government Programs
Many states offer programs and services to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. These can be a valuable resource when seeking an autism diagnosis and connecting with ongoing support.
Most states have a designated office or agency focused on autism and developmental disabilities. They often maintain databases of diagnosed cases for epidemiological purposes, which requires clinicians to report new ASD diagnoses. Some key services these state autism agencies provide include:
- Information and referrals – They have listings of diagnostic providers, therapy services, community support resources, and more. Their staff can help point you in the right direction.
- Care coordination – They can facilitate connections with diagnosticians, coordinate evaluations, and assist with navigating waitlists. Some programs assign a dedicated case worker.
- Diagnostic clinics – A handful of states operate autism diagnostic clinics through universities or other centers. These can offer multidisciplinary ASD assessments at low or no cost.
- Financial assistance – Some states offer health insurance benefits, respite grants, or other financial help for households with a member who has autism. This can aid with covering diagnostic testing costs.
- Early intervention – Most states have programs focused on early screening and therapy for children under 3 years old at risk for developmental delays like autism. They can provide referrals for diagnostic assessments.
Check with your state health department to learn more about autism resources in your area. Connecting with these programs can make the diagnostic process more manageable.
National Resources
Several national autism organizations provide resources to help families locate diagnostic and support services in their local communities across the United States. Here are a few to consider reaching out to:
- Autism Speaks – This prominent autism advocacy organization has an Autism Treatment Network with providers searchable by location on their website. They also have Autism Response Team members you can contact by phone or email for personalized assistance finding diagnostic services near you.
- Autism Society – This nationwide network of regional and state autism organizations has local chapters in most states. Their website has a Chapter Directory you can search to find and get in touch with your nearest chapter for referrals in your area.
- Autism Alliance of America – This association of regional autism centers has member centers located across different states. Check their website’s Find A Center map to locate your closest center and get information on their diagnostic services.
- The Arc – This community-based organization advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has local and state chapters nationwide. Reach out to your local chapter to inquire about autism resources and service referrals.
- Autism Network International – This all-volunteer autism advocacy group has members across the U.S. You can contact them to connect with members located near you for local information and referrals.
Consulting with these national autism organizations can provide direction toward diagnostic professionals, medical centers, therapists, support groups, and other resources within your community. They may also offer guidance in navigating insurance coverage and other aspects of obtaining an evaluation locally.
Navigating Insurance
Understanding what diagnostic services your health insurance policy covers can remove some of the obstacles to obtaining an evaluation. Here are some tips:
- Carefully review your health insurance plan’s benefits and exclusions. The deductible, copays, coinsurance, and your maximum out-of-pocket costs may impact how much you pay.
- Call the member services number on your insurance card. Ask detailed questions about your coverage for autism and developmental disability evaluations. Take notes so you have a record.
- Find out if you need pre-authorization or a referral from your primary care doctor before scheduling the evaluation. This can prevent surprise bills.
- Ask if the plan has in-network providers for autism diagnosis. This will help you find reputable diagnosticians covered under your policy.
- See if applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is covered. If your child is diagnosed, you may want to pursue ABA treatment.
- Look into getting any denial of claims reviewed. You may need to appeal if coverage is denied.
- Check if you have separate mental health coverage. Developmental disorders may fall under this benefit.
- Find an insurance case manager or patient advocate to help navigate the process. They can ensure proper procedures are followed.
With a bit of persistence and preparation, you can get the insurance help needed to cover autism diagnosis for your child. Stay organized and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Taking The Next Steps
Getting an autism diagnosis is a critical first step to accessing the support and services your child needs. Here’s a quick summary of the key steps and resources to help you locate autism diagnosis services in your local area:
- Monitor your child’s development and note any signs of autism, such as difficulty with communication, social interactions, repetitive behaviors, etc. The earlier autism is identified, the better the outcomes.
- Speak with your pediatrician if you have any concerns. They can refer you for further evaluation and testing.
- Contact your local school district. Public schools are required to evaluate children suspected of having a disability, including autism.
- Look into regional autism centers in your state. They often provide multidisciplinary evaluations.
- Check state government resources. Many states have initiatives and programs to assist families pursuing an autism diagnosis.
- Reach out to national autism organizations, like Autism Speaks, to find diagnosticians in your area.
- Review your health insurance coverage for autism screening and diagnosis. Policies vary, so call member services.
- Schedule evaluations with qualified professionals, like psychiatrists, psychologists, and developmental pediatricians.
- Be persistent and remember you are your child’s best advocate. Seek a second opinion if needed.
The process of obtaining an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but help is available. Take it step-by-step, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to lean on your support system. You’ve got this!
