Autism Diagnosis
When you suspect your child may not be hitting common early childhood milestones at the typical age or that they are processing or interacting with the world differently than other children, you may wonder when it is the right time to discuss your concerns with their pediatrician.
Early diagnosis and intervention for autism can lead to significant gains in IQ, communication, and social interaction, helping your child reach their full potential.
Getting an autism diagnosis
While diagnoses of autism are typically considered reliable by the age of two, you don’t need to wait until your child is a certain age or has missed particular milestones to bring your concerns up to the doctor. As a parent or caregiver, you are the expert on your child and sharing your insights are very helpful for your doctor.
There’s no medical test to determine an autism diagnosis. Rather, if your child’s pediatrician notes that your child shows signs of autism based on their developmental progress and behavior, the next step is a referral for a full evaluation by a child psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, or developmental pediatrician.
Signs to consider
While all children develop at their own pace, there are several ways you may recognize that your child has processing and developmental differences.
There isn’t a single criteria list where every box must be checked to show that your child may be autistic. Autism is a spectrum and there’s a lot of variety in how children diagnosed with autism experience the world and react to it, as well as what ages they may exhibit signs. Here are some of those signs:
Age-related milestones
Developmental gaps
Stimming (repetitive physical motions or vocalizations)
Having an intense singular focus
Having difficulty “fitting in” or connecting with other children
Experiencing a great deal of stress in overwhelming or new situations
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What is getting an autism diagnosis like for the child?
Once you do get your evaluation appointment, the specialist will employ a variety of tests and observations to best determine where your child may need help. Tests may cover hearing, speech, developmental level, and social and behavioral issues. They will observe your child and ask you about how their social and communication skills have developed over time. They may also include other specialists in determining a diagnosis.
Additional services
As part of our broader curriculum, our additional services are offered to complement the Core Developmental Care Program as prescribed by your child's care team.
Mental Health
The hallmark of a child’s general prosperity. Mental health affects the ability to manage emotions and behavior. Our goal is to foster calm and confidence.
Speech & Language
Includes communication and the expression of needs and emotions. Communication can be verbal or nonverbal and we aim to improve both.
Occupational
How the child interacts with the world around them via emotional regulation, sensory processing, motor skills and planning. Our goal is to make daily life easier.
Positive Prep
Our preschool readiness program provides a safe, supportive, play-based experience that fosters relationships, self-awareness, empathy, communication, and physical development.
Feeding Therapy
At Positive Development, we use fun, non-stressful activities to help children with eating difficulties develop healthy habits.
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Interested to learn more?
Professional and administrative support every step of the way
