1. Navigating the Autism Diagnosis Journey: From First Signs to Future Success
2. Recognizing the Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers
3. Step-by-Step: Navigating the Autism Evaluation Process
4. Life After Diagnosis: Navigating Therapy, School, and Support
5. Why Safety is a Priority Following an Autism Diagnosis: The Safety Bridge
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that impacts how individuals perceive the world and interact with others. For many parents, the path to a diagnosis feels like a maze of clinical terms and emotional hurdles. However, it is important to remember that a diagnosis is not a label that limits your child; it is a key that unlocks access to vital support services, specialized therapy, and a deeper understanding of your loved one’s unique perspective. At If I Need Help, we believe that proactive safety begins the moment you start seeking answers. This guide is designed to support you from the first "red flag" to the implementation of a lifelong safety and support plan.
The earlier a parent can identify a potential concern with their child's development, the better. While children develop in different ways and at different rates, there can be concerning aspects within the first few years their childhood. If a parent is able to identify milestons issues and obtain the needed support at an earlier age, intervention can be implemented to improve positive outcomes, no matter the age.
Lack of joint attention. Does the child make gestures such as pointing, showing, or bringing an object to the parent's attention? Do they look at the person who is pointing? Do they see the parent or caregiver and stop talking?
Plays alone during playtime? Does the child avoid looking at the playmate or person during playtime? Does the child play with their hands or get really excited about one toy?
Sensitivity to noises such as a vacuum.
Stimming, or repetitive movements, can include rocking or spinning.
Often, diagnosing a patient can be a lengthy and involved process; however, the more a family understands the process, the less "diagnostic stress" panic they experience.
Developmental Screening: This will be done at your pediatrician's office at a well-child visit, using tools such as the M-CHAT-R. If there’s a positive screen, you will then be sent to a tertiary care center.
Specialist Evaluation: This could be a Developmental Pediatrician, Child Psychologist, or Pediatric Neurologist. These professionals use gold standard evaluations to review social communication and play such as the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule).
Extensive History: Specialists will gather a lot of information during interviews regarding pregnancy, the birth, and the initial developmental milestones.
Diagnostic Report: After the evaluation, you will be given a formal report, which is crucial for obtaining school services (IEPs) and for the school to pay for the therapies through insurance.
When a formal diagnosis is given, different feelings are experienced. There may be anxiety over the future, but there is also relief to finally have answers. Next, you can begin to create a your own "Scaffold of Support."
Obtaining Therapy: Most specialists recommend a mix of therapies to target a child's specific needs. This may include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to work on goal-directed behaviors, Speech Therapy to work on communication skills, and Occupational Therapy (OT) to work on sensory and motor skills.
Educational Supports: Start the process of gaining an Individualized Education Program (IEP) by reaching out to your child’s local school district. This process ensures that your child is receiving the educational and support-related things that he/she requires in order to succeed in a school-based venue.
Parental Self-Care and Community: You can’t pour from an empty cup. By joining local or online support groups, you can gain, share resources and realize that you are not alone in this process. Keep in mind that a diagnosis is not a limitation to what your child can achieve. It is simply a guide that can be followed to achieve that goal.
It is best to speak to your family doctor or healthcare provider about the specific signs and symptoms which have been noticed. They will be able to refer you to an autism specialist for an in-depth assessment.
An evaluation is made to assess the skill in social interaction, communication, cognition, and behavior. It can also include some form of a family interview of the people who have interacted with the subject.
An autism diagnosis is made by a trained healthcare autism specialist, which include but are not limited to: developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neurologists.
It is most useful to track and report any developmental milestones to document the child’s behavior, and any other significant issues. Reports from other professionals such as teachers, caregivers, can also be relevant.
After an evaluation or assessment is made, discussing this with your healthcare provider, psychologist, or therapist is very important. They are the best people to help you with the treatment options, therapies and other support services available.
