Your Ultimate Need-To-Know Guide

Have you seen the signs of autism in your child? Observing some tell-tale signs of autism in your child can be alarming. So, let’s answer your questions about getting an autism diagnosis. 

Can I call my doctor to set up an appointment to see if my child has autism?

Not quite. Unfortunately, you cannot call and get a diagnosis the next day. First, your child will be screened for autism. If the screening indicates that your child has a chance of having autism, your child can then complete a formal evaluation. Your child’s doctor should already be conducting a routine screening for autism and other developmental disorders during their check-ups. If you want a formal autism screening, you can always request one. 

REMEMBER: A pediatrician can give the first autism screening, but a full evaluation must be completed by someone specially trained to diagnose autism.

What is an autism screening?

An autism screening is administered by a pediatrician or member of your child's medical team. Screening can be completed upon caregiver request or during a routine child checkup. During a screening, a doctor will observe the child, ask you questions about behaviors, language, and independent play skills, and ask about social interactions and behaviors while interacting with other children on the playground.

What does an autism screening tell you?

Autism screening helps identify children with developmental and behavioral challenges. When you catch the signs early, you can begin obtaining a diagnosis quicker and starting treatment faster.

Is a screening a diagnosis?

No. An autism screening does not supply a diagnosis of autism. An autism screening is a tool used to screen for possible autism and other developmental disorders. If the screening indicates your child has a greater likelihood of autism, then you can begin the formal evaluation process.

What is a formal autism evaluation?

A formal autism evaluation is completed to assess whether a person has autism or not. The formal evaluation will include the following:

• Neurological assessments
• Cognitive and language testing
• General observations
• Parent/caregiver/teacher interviews
• Tests where the clinician watches how the child plays behaves and communicates. (the ADOS test is the most common).
• May ask for additional input from the child's team.

Will the formal autism evaluation provide a diagnosis?

Yes. The results of the evaluation will determine whether a person has a diagnosis of autism. This evaluation can also give insight into additional diagnoses. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• How to Tell if Your Child Has Autism (And Important Next Steps)
• What Causes Autism?
• Autism Screening: What is it, and what the process looks like
• Learn the Signs. Act Early (CDC.gov)

Let’s continue the conversation…

Here at the LMAA (Learnmoreaboutautism.com), we provide you with tons of resources for autism. For more insight into autism interventions and professional and parent supports, visit our sister site, Behaviorally Balanced.