Maybe your child isn’t talking as much as you expected.
Maybe they repeat the same movements, become very upset by changes, seem unusually sensitive to sounds or textures, or interact differently than other children their age.
Maybe a teacher, daycare provider, friend, or family member said something.
Or maybe you just have a feeling that something is different.
And now you’re Googling autism at 11 p.m. wondering:
Who am I supposed to call? Do I need a referral? Who actually diagnoses autism? What if I'm wrong?
There isn't one perfect path every family follows, but there is a place to start.
Step 1: Take Notes (Literally, Write It Down)
Describe what happened
Include real examples
Note WHEN it happens
Note HOW OFTEN
Add any helpful context
Note any patterns you see
Bring this with you to all future appointments.
For a list of common signs and symptoms of Autism, check out this link:
Step 2: Start With Your Pediatrician
While your specific pediatrician may not be trained to diagnose autism, they can perform screening tests and refer you to a specialist who can diagnose.
Start off the appointment sharing the observations and concerns you wrote down from Step 1.
If the provider agrees that additional testing is needed, they will refer you to a developmental specialist for formal diagnostic testing.
Before you leave this appointment, ensure you have a referral in-hand for pediatric neurology, developmental pediatrician, psychology (PhD), or Psychiatry (PsyD). As with everything else, make sure these providers are in-network.
Step 3: Contact the Diagnostic Provider
As soon as you have a referral in-hand, reach out to the provider. Unfortunately, Developmental Pediatricians, Pediatric Neurologists, Psychologists and Psychiatrists often have lengthy waitlists for appointments. We have seen waitlists up to 2 years for a diagnostic appointment.
Step 4: Be Proactive While You Wait
Continue to log your child’s behavior (Step 1).
Ask your pediatrician about speech therapy, Occupational Therapy (OT), or Physical Therapy (PT) while you wait for a formal autism diagnosis. Many of these services do not require a formal diagnosis of autism.
If your child is age 0-3, contact your state’s Early Intervention (EI) program to request an evaluation. If the evaluation shows a developmental need, you may be able to receive EI services immediately (even without a formal autism diagnosis).
If your child is in school, share your concerns with your child’s school and ask about an evaluation and available supports.
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