Diagnosis/Assessment
An autism diagnosis presents multifaceted benefits for autistic individuals and their families, paving the way for early intervention, tailored support, access to services, legal protections, family understanding, emotional well-being, long-term planning, advocacy, reduced stigma, and an improved quality of life.
Resources
Tips
Organization for Autism Research (OAR) – A Parent’s Guide to Assessment
CDC – Screening and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
What Should an Evaluation for Autism Look Like?
Difference between a screening, educational determination, and medical diagnosis
Many providers currently have waitlists. We recommend getting on multiple waitlists, and if you find another provider that can do the evaluation quicker, then you can just remove yourself from the list.
Some key questions you may want to ask when contacting evaluators are:
1) How long is the waitlist for an appointment?
2) What is the cost? It varies greatly from provider to provider.
3) Do they take your insurance?
4) What will you get with your evaluation? Some providers will give a diagnosis and then send you on your way, and some will give a very lengthy and multi-disciplinary report
Evaluation Providers
Self-Screening Assessments
*Please note that none of these qualify as a formal autism diagnosis and are meant to be used as screening tools for those who think they might be autistic.* The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network has a statement on self-diagnosis here under “The Autistic Community” category.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Still have questions? Please reach out to us via email or by calling 804.259.3188.