The idea of reaching out to someone about an autism diagnosis can be very scary. Even if deep down it is clear that something isn’t quite right, putting a label on your child may feel intimidating or, even worse, like you did something wrong. Rest assured that isn’t the case. In fact, getting an autism diagnosis early is the best thing you can do because the earlier treatment starts, the more beneficial it is. Still, it can be an overwhelming process if you don’t know what lies ahead. So let’s answer some common questions about the process, questions like: Who can diagnose my child and where do I find someone? What are they looking for and what do they use to diagnose? And once I have a diagnosis, what are my next steps?

Who can diagnose my child?

      There are many different professionals who can diagnose autism, but they must hold a PsychD or MD in order to be accepted by insurance for autism related therapies. At The Helm, we suggest that the provider be a neurologist, developmental pediatrician, doctorate level psychologist, or even your primary care physician (if they have appropriate training). It is important to remember that even if you have a diagnosis from your child’s school, that may not be enough to qualify for insurance to cover therapies. 

Where do I find someone to do the diagnosis?

     If you already have a relationship with a doctor that fits the criteria above, by all means see them. If, however, you are not confident that they have enough expertise to diagnose autism, The Helm recommends any one of the following doctors.

Autism Diagnosis

 

 

What are they looking for and what do they use to diagnose?

     Diagnosing autism can be tricky because there is no one test that can prove it definitively. Autism is a diagnosis that occurs from an observation of many behaviors and can look different in everyone. Because of this, the doctor will be looking at a variety of factors to determine whether or not autism may be present. Typically, during an assessment they may not only observe your child, but they will ask you a variety of questions in order to better understand the situation. Some questions they may ask are:

  • Did your baby smile by 6 months?
  • Did they mimic sounds and facial expressions by 9 months?
  • Are any of their behaviors unusual or repetitive?
  • Do they interact with people and share experiences?
  • Do they respond when someone tries to get their attention?
  • Do they understand other people’s actions?
  • Do they have any sensitivity to light, noise, or temperature?

     Your answers to these questions will be vital in giving an accurate diagnosis. The most important thing here is honesty. There is no need to sugar coat. If you don’t remember if your child was smiling at 6 months, say so. Remember, they are looking for an accurate picture of the whole child. 

     The doctor will also use one or more of the following diagnostic tests. One or a combination of these typically work great, however some insurance companies require a specific test or set of tests. Please check with your insurance company prior to your doctor’s visit in order to ensure their requirements are met. The tests are:

  • CARS – Childhood Autism Rating Scale
  • GARS – Gilliam Autism Rating Scale
  • ADOS – The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
  • VABS – Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
  • ABAS – Adaptive Behavior Assessment System

What are my next steps?

      If a diagnosis of autism is given, the next step would be to contact an ABA provider like The Helm. From there we will set up an initial consultation, observe your child, and work together to come up with a treatment plan. Autism Speaks has a wonderful, free resource called the 100 Day Kit for parents who have just received an autism diagnosis for their child. 

     In addition to finding an ABA provider, you may also want to look into Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and possibly Physical Therapy. Think of this group of people as your team, everyone working together to move toward a common goal. At the beginning, this team should prioritize major areas of concern such as safety, communication, and toileting skills. It may feel daunting to assemble a team like this for your child, but we have broken down the process of interviewing providers for you here.

     It bears repeating that the earlier ABA therapy begins, the more effective it is likely to be. If you would like more information on a free consultation, please click here or call 469-730-0925.

We have been a family blessed with the help of the team at The Helm. Our son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 2.5 and The Helm was one of the places recommended by our developmental psychologist. I am a physician and still found it hard navigating this new medical problem and knowing what to do next. I called many places and from step one Lee Ann was the most helpful explaining the process with paperwork, assessment, available services, insurance, etc. we were able to start therapy quite soon after diagnosis and had sessions at home daily for 3 hours. The quality of staff, the system they have in place for the therapists, the coordination by the BCBA supervising therapist and early response put us at ease that we were on the right path. Ultimately the steady positive changes we saw with our son overcame any fears we had about autism holding our son back for the rest of his life.

We used many forms of intervention that we felt were individually tailored for our family – for potty training, anger management, dietary intervention and even let them know when we could not maintain something suggested in family training, and they would just take our request and implement another plan. Our son has now graduated/transitioned out of therapy and is currently in pre-K in a regular classroom with him on par with his class in academics, has friends and no behavior issues. Most important of all we have a happy son who loves to play with his big sister.

I know that I will always read all there is on autism and watch my son for any features. But I hope my review adds to positive aspects that I wish someone would have told me when I started the journey – start early, don’t put off your suspicions, get your child evaluated now! The label does not hinder,  in fact it falls to the side once you have the diagnosis to facilitate therapy. ABA intervention, especially done with the right people, makes a big difference. It does not pressure or upset the child at all, and you are not stuck in therapy for life! I know if any behavioral issues come up in the future I have The Helm, and they will help us and the outcome is going to be positive. Said with heartfelt thanks.

– Former Helm ABA Family

Unlock this guide and take control of your ABA jouney!

* indicates required