Autism Testing: Understanding the Process, Benefits, and Next Steps for Your Child
Early identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is crucial in ensuring children receive the support and resources they need to thrive. If you suspect your child is exhibiting signs of autism, an autism evaluation will provide clarity and guide you toward the appropriate interventions. Understanding the evaluation process, the benefits of an accurate diagnosis, and the next steps can help you make informed decisions for your child’s development.
Recognizing the Signs of Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents differently in every child, but some common signs of autism may include:
- Unusual, avoidant, or limited eye contact
- Delayed speech, changes in language production, or regression or language development
- Preference for independent play and trouble integrating and going along with peers and group play
- Repetitive behaviors, such as hand flapping, lining up toys, or doing the same actions over and over
- Sensory sensitivities to sound, touch, or light, such as covering their ears or crying when things are loud
- Difficulty with transitions and resistance to deviations from usual routines
- Insistence on having things done a certain way, tantrums when a caregiver doesn't do what they want
While some signs of ASD may become evident in infancy, autism in toddlers often becomes more noticeable as children engage in social environments. If you observe these behaviors in your child, seeking an autism assessment with a child psychologist is the next step.
Understanding the Autism Evaluation Process
A definitive autism diagnosis involves multiple steps, ensuring an accurate and comprehensive understanding of your child’s development. The process includes:
1. Gathering Developmental and Medical History
A critical part of the evaluation is collecting information about your child's development. Regardless of your child’s age, the clinician should ask about your pregnancy and your child’s birth. They will also ask about your child’s early milestones, social interactions, and behavioral patterns. Family history is also considered, as ASD is believed to have a genetic component.
2. Using evidence-based rating scales and questionnaires
- In addition to gathering information during the intake process, your evaluator will ask you to complete questionnaires that will include additional questions and delve deeper into specific symptoms. Parents will often recall certain details in the days following the intake session. You may be asked to fill out what seems like a lot of questionnaires with many questions, many of which may not apply to your child. The time you spend on these is very important in order to eliminate or capture the myriad of symptoms of ASD.
3. Comprehensive Autism Evaluation
The intake interview and rating scales provide multiple data points to determine whether or not your child meets criteria, but these two steps are not sufficient to determine an official diagnosis. Evidence-based tests are required for autism symptoms and each of the co-occurring delays, including language, cognition, social skills, developmental milestones, and sensory processing. The gold standard of autism detection is a test called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). This is a structured test that requires special training and certification that will detect symptoms across the areas of social interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviors in children.
Benefits of an Accurate Diagnosis
Early and accurate detection and diagnosis of ASD provides many benefits. There is a critical window in child development where interventions are most effective. You may need services including:
- Access to Early Intervention Services: Many therapies, such as speech and occupational therapy, are more effective when started at a young age.
- Personalized Support Plans: An autism diagnosis helps professionals create individualized plans to support your child’s development.
- Guidance for Family Members: Parents and caregivers gain a better understanding of how to support their child’s unique needs.
- School and Educational Accommodations: A diagnosis enables children to receive appropriate educational resources and accommodations in school settings.
Next Steps After an Autism Diagnosis
Once a child receives an ASD diagnosis, parents may wonder what steps to take next. Your evaluator will provide a list of recommendations and guide you through the possible options, which may include:
1. Develop a Treatment and Support Team
Based on the assessment results, your child may require interventions, which would be tailored to their strengths and challenges. Common supports include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Social Skills Training
2. Engage with Educational and Therapy Services
Children with ASD often benefit from specialized educational programs. Parents can work with schools to implement individualized education plans (IEPs), 504 Plans, and other accommodations, modifications, and supplemental services in the educational setting.
3. Build a Strong Support Network
Supporting a child with ASD is a collaborative effort. Connecting with support groups, advocacy organizations, and other families navigating similar experiences can provide valuable guidance and reassurance.
Seeking Expert Guidance for Autism Testing
If you have concerns about your child’s development, early autism detection is essential. At Manhattan Psychology Group, our team of experienced child psychologists specializes in autism testing and developmental evaluations. We provide comprehensive assessments using evidenced-based tests and screening tools to ensure an accurate diagnosis and personalized support plan.
We proudly serve families in New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and take the next step in supporting your child’s developmental journey.
