How to Get a Diagnosis for Autism
In this knowledge-based post, we will discuss the process getting a diagnosis for autism. Whether you are seeking a diagnosis for yourself or a loved one, this guide will provide you with the information you need to begin the process.
Chapter 1: The Importance of Autism Diagnosis for Treatment
Chapter 2: The Diagnostic Process for Autism
Chapter 3: Signs of Autism to Look Out For
Chapter 4: Signs of Autism in Adults
Chapter 5: Evaluating an Autism Diagnostic Center
Chapter 6: How Doctors Evaluate Patients for Autism
Chapter 7: Getting the Best Care for Autism
Chapter 8: Early Intervention Services for Autism
Chapter 9: Accessing Resources for Autism Diagnosis and Treatment
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- Obtaining a diagnosis for Autism allows a person to obtain benefits and services they might not otherwise qualify for.
- The diagnosis allows healthcare professionals to target correct treatment and support .
- People who are correctly diagnosed will be able to access services and benefits that will enrich their lives as a whole.
- The families of people who are diagnosed with Autism will also learn skills that can be used to support loved ones.
- Learning environments can be tailored to a person based on their Autism diagnosis to help increase success.
- The level of autism severity (mild, moderate, severe) determined in a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation can serve to inform the intensity of services provided (e.g., hours per week of 1:1) and best applicable modes of treatment (e.g., face to face, telehealth remote etc.).
- The diagnostic process usually takes a while so it’s good to get started as soon as possible
- Due to the nature of Autism, the earlier somebody is diagnosed, the sooner they can start receiving tests and evaluations that will benefit them
- Some of the agencies conducting the diagnostic process are Licensed Clinical Psychologists, your family physician, neurologists, psychologist etc.
- During this process a very thorough examination of the person is conducted
- At every stage the goal is to obtain the clearest picture possible of who the person is
- The diagnostic process is generally taken care of monetarily through your insurance coverage
In order to find a provider who tests for autism, call your insurance carrier and ask them for a list of in network Licensed Clinical Psychologists, Neurologists, and Behavioral Psychologists. You can also reach out to your primary care physician for a referral to a doctor who conducts ASD testing.
Some of the signs and symptoms of Autism to keep an eye on are (this list is not comprehensive and it’s important to remember that everyone develops differently):
- Minimal to no eye contact
- Limited social interaction with parents, peers, and other people in the person’s life
- Limited sound making and “baby talk”
- Lack of fine motor skills (such as using markers with paper)
- Longer tantrums that normal
- Engages in a parallel play with peers instead of playing with peers.
- Limited use of language
- Repetitive ritualistic motor movements (e.g., hand flapping, toe walking, spinning in circles)
- Challenges with self-regulation (e.g., coping with aversive events etc.)
- Difficulties with social initiations
- Challenges with motivation
Some of the signs and symptoms of Autism in adults include, but are not limited to:
- Difficulty making eye contact
- Difficulty engaging in conversations
- Avoiding social situations
- Difficulty understanding sarcasm or jokes
- Using repetitive behaviors or language.
- Preoccupation with certain topics
- Difficulty reading nonverbal cues
- Trouble adjusting to changes in routine
There’s a common misconception with Autism, that a diagnosis is only important if the person getting it is younger. While early intervention has shown itself to be very effective, Autism services can benefit people at any age.
In evaluating diagnostic centers, it is important to consider factors such as:
- The location of the diagnostic center to your home and community (the evaluation will be fairly extensive and the less disruption it has in your lives the better)
- The reliability of the diagnostic center in providing information on the person being diagnosed
- The extent of the evaluation (you want this to be as comprehensive as possible)
- Do you know other people who have used this diagnostic center? Was their experience favorable or unfavorable?
- How accurate do you think the final diagnosis will be vs. the person you know? In this area, accuracy is key as that will help a person have as rich a life as possible
The following is a breakdown of the various professions and what they do when they evaluate a person who might have Autism:
- The evaluation will be completed by a Clinical Psychologist or a Medical Doctor
- Other professionals that can be involved are Neurologists, Developmental Pediatricians and Developmental Psychologists
- If a psychological evaluation happens there will be interviews, various evaluation methods, and observations. A person’s developmental history and current levels of socialization will also be taken into account
- Evaluations by physicians will also require more observation as well as a thorough look into the symptoms parents are seeing and how the person functions daily
There are many ways you can access the best care for someone with Autism. When working with service providers these are some things to keep in mind:
- Be involved in your child’s Autism program. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Talk to other parents with people in their family who do and don’t have Autism. These individuals will prove to be a tremendous resource for insight and feedback.
- Do your best to be consistent with the program your service provider is doing
- Use the internet and other parents to gauge whether a potential service provider is the right fit for you, your family, and your living situation
- Continue to educate yourself on Autism. This will help you not be overwhelmed and also give you an idea of what to look for when a provider works with you
- Participate in parent training and utilize treatment plans that your service provider recommended.
ABA is an early intervention for services with Autism. Early Intervention for Autism is very important. Here are some of the early intervention treatments that someone in your family might receive who is experiencing developmental delays:
- Speech and language therapy which helps children improve their communication skills by providing them with meaningful activities to practice verbalizing and forming words
- Occupational therapy is facilitated by an occupational therapist to help children develop the fine motor skills needed for everyday tasks such as eating, dressing, or brushing teeth.
- Physical therapy helps children develop coordination, balance, and strength by using individualized exercises and activities
- Social Skills training often happens with a behavioral therapist or social worker so that young children can learn how to interact with others in an appropriate way
There are many resources that are available to people on the Autism spectrum. The trick is finding the resources and then following the proper steps to access them. Some places that help you access resources are:
- Autism Society
- Medicaid
- Regional centers
- Your commercial insurance
These are just some of the resources that can help you navigate the state programs and federal benefits that may be available to you. None of these are mutually exclusive and you can be involved with as many service providers as makes sense for your family.
The key is to try and access help early and to find out what’s available. Then, once you know, the key is to stay involved and engaged so you maximize the benefits available to you.
People with Aspergers often have milder symptoms of Autism and often don’t experience language delays.
People with social anxiety are often afraid of social situations, while people with Autism might enjoy social situations but have a difficult time with social skills (and reading social cues) in those situations.
People with ADHD are often hyperactive, unable to focus, and impulsive. Whereas people with Autism face challenges with social skills and repetitive behaviors. Both conditions are neurodevelopmental.
If you think a family may have Autism this is something to bring up with the child’s pediatrician or family doctor. They will then get you connected with a diagnostic center for testing.
Once you have the diagnosis, you will want to get a service provider involved to conduct assessments and get an Autism behavior plan started.
Autism Behavior Services, Inc. offers a one stop shop for your child. We offer clinical services at home, in school, and in the community at large. In addition to this, we also offer social groups, clinics, and online resources for parents and staff to continue their education.
Comorbidity is common in individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many people with ASD may experience additional medical or psychological conditions alongside their primary diagnosis of ASD. Some of the most prevalent comorbidities include intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and sensory processing difficulties. Understanding and addressing these coexisting conditions is essential for providing comprehensive care and support to individuals with autism and enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life.
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