Question 1

At what age can autism be diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Autism can most reliably be diagnosed in children as young as 18 months. Autism can also be diagnosed at any time during adulthood.

Question 2

What happens during autism testing?

Accepted Answer

An autism evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that aims to answer the question, "does my child have autism?" To answer this, our process includes the following:
Intake - Informal conversation with parents/caregivers to discuss concerns, observations, and impressions. 
Testing - The testing appointment is in-person and can include cognitive testing, standardized observation tools specific to autism, and/or interview questions/questionnaires to complete with the child. The exact battery of assessment tools is determined by the evaluator based on the child's age, reported symptoms, etc.
Results - This is a meeting with parents/caregivers to go over the evaluation report including any diagnosis and recommendations.

Question 3

How long does the evaluation process take?

Accepted Answer

Here's a breakdown of the process so you know what to expect...
Intake - typically 1 hour or less
In-person testing - 2 hours or less
Results - typically 1 hour or less
The report is completed within two weeks of the first appointment.
The report is available to the family to download immediately following the results meeting.

Question 4

What are signs that a child may need an autism evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Parents typically notice differences in their child's social communication, interactions, sensory differences, repetitive behaviors, and restricted behaviors or interests. More specific examples could include:
Delayed speech/language
Limited eye contact
Repetitive mannerisms
Limited social engagement with peers
Sensory sensitivities
Intense interests
Rigidity or difficulty with change

Question 5

What is done in order to determine if a child has autism?

Accepted Answer

To arrive at an answer to the question of whether a child has autism, there are several components that are needed.
Parent/caregiver input - you know your child best! I need to know what you know!
Observation of the child and how he/she interacts.
Standardized assessment tools specific to autism - this may include tools such as the ADOS-2, CARS-2, and ratings scales like the SRS-2, ASRS, and others.
Developmental/cognitive testing - this may be an intelligence test or indirect assessment completed by the parent (DP-4).
Adaptive/developmental testing - this typically includes adaptive functioning rating scales completed by parents/caregivers. 
Other behavioral assessments - Other rating scales (BASC-3) may be administered to parents/caregivers and teachers to take a broader view of a child's behavior to rule out other explanations.

Question 6

What if my child does NOT have autism?

Accepted Answer

Just because a child is being evaluated for autism does not mean a diagnosis is guaranteed. The evaluation may determine that a child does not meet criteria and that symptoms are better explained by other diagnoses such as:
ADHD
Anxiety
Language Disorders/Delays
Developmental Delays
Learning Difficulties
Typical developmental variation

Question 7

Do you provide superbills?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If requested ahead of the intake appointment, the evaluator can plan to provide you with a superbill documenting the evaluation process. Self-pay fees apply.

Autism Evaluation
in Eastern NC You Can Trust!

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