Is Your Child Showing Signs of Autism? How to Get an Evaluation
 

Seeing some differences in your child's development? Worried they might have autism? It's normal to have questions. This page explains how to get your child evaluated for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and what to expect.

 

Why is Early Evaluation Important?
 

Finding out early if your child has autism can make a big difference. Early intervention can help kids learn important skills and reach their full potential. The sooner you know, the sooner you can get the support your child needs.

 

Who Can Evaluate My Child?
 

Several professionals can evaluate your child for autism. Here are some common ones:

• Developmental Pediatricians: These are doctors who specialize in child development. They have extra training in spotting developmental differences.

• Psychologists: These are mental health professionals who can diagnose and treat different conditions, including autism.

• Psychiatrists: These are medical doctors who focus on mental health. They can also diagnose and treat autism.

• Neurologists: These are doctors who specialize in the nervous system. They might be involved if there are concerns about other medical conditions.

• Other professionals, like licensed professional counselors (LPC), speech therapists (SLP) or occupational therapists (OT), might also be part of the evaluation process.
   

 

What Happens During an Autism Evaluation?
 

The evaluation process usually involves a few steps:
 

1. Talking about Your Child's History: The professional will ask you questions about your child's development, like when they started talking, walking, and other milestones. They'll also ask about any concerns you have.
    

2. Watching Your Child: The professional will observe your child playing and interacting with them. They'll be looking for specific behaviors that are common in children with autism.
    

3. Using Checklists and Tests: They might use standardized checklists or tests to assess your child's communication, social skills, and other abilities.
    

4. Talking with You: They will talk with you in detail about your concerns and what they observed.
   
    

How Do I Get Started?
 

1. Talk to Your Child's Doctor: Your child's pediatrician is a good first step. They can discuss your concerns and refer you to the right specialist.
    

2. Contact a Specialist Directly: You can also contact a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or other professional directly. You might need a referral from your doctor, so it's always good to check.
    

3. Check with Your Insurance: Find out what your insurance covers for autism evaluations. Some insurance companies require referrals or have specific providers you need to see.
    

4. Early Intervention Programs: Your state or local area likely has early intervention programs for young children with developmental delays. These programs can often help with the evaluation process and provide support services. You can search online for "Texas early intervention program."
   
    

Inclusion ABA and Autism Evaluations:
 

Please note that Inclusion ABA is unfortunately not able to offer autism evaluations at this time. We encourage families to start with their child’s doctor and call their insurance to help them identify a specialist in their insurance network.
 

What if My Child is Diagnosed with Autism?
 

If your child is diagnosed with autism, it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are many resources and support systems available to help you and your child. Early intervention services, like ABA therapy, can make a big difference. Your child's evaluation team can help you connect with these resources. Once your child has received an autism diagnosis, you can request that a referral for ABA services be faxed to our office at 936-570-9088.

 

Helpful Links:
 

• National Autism Organizations:

  • Autism Society: https://www.autism-society.org/

  • Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org/

  • Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): https://autisticadvocacy.org/
     

• Finding Help and Services:

  • Autism Navigator: https://autismnavigator.com/

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Autism Spectrum Disorder: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
     

• State of Texas Early Intervention:

  • Early Childhood Intervention (ECI): https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services
     

• For Professionals:

  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): https://www.aap.org/