Obtain a Diagnostic Evaluation

1. Signs and Symptoms of Autism
   If you suspect your child may have autism, review the common signs of ASD and attend or participate in a screening for autism.

2. Schedule a Diagnostic Evaluation
   Connect with a doctor or diagnostician. Ask your local doctor or insurance company for in-network recommendations. Take the first available appointment as appointments book quickly.

3. Prepare for Your Evaluation
   Discuss your areas of concern. Gather information needed for your appointment. Be sure to ask for comprehensive reporting from your diagnosis.

4. Get Started with ACES
   Is ACES in-network with your insurance provider? The ACES team can verify benefits and get you started with ABA services.

5. Connect with Support and Networks
   Get engaged with community resources to support you on your journey.

1. Learn What to Look For

• By 9 Months: Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or facial expressions. Lack of imitated gestures such as waving or pointing.

• By 12 Months: Lack of babbling that includes long and short chain sounds like “bababa.” Limited use of gestures such as reaching, showing, pointing, or waving. Little or no response to name. First words are not emerging or not increasing in use.

• By 16 Months: Lacks consistent use of single words. Not saying “mama” and “dada” with the intent to gain attention. Does not turn pages of a book or give hugs to stuffed animals. Does not seek help to fix a toy or get an object. Lacks imitation of simple movements such as marking paper with a crayon.

• By 24 Months: Very few or no meaningful two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating). Limited pretend play and reduced interest in other children as compared with peers. Not following simple instructions. Doesn’t comfort others in distress. Doesn’t calm within 15 minutes of a tantrum.

• Between 2 and 3 Years: Lacks interest in discovering “why” and “how.” Doesn’t consistently show interest in longer stories. Cannot identify own body parts. Not using three- and four-word phrases to express self. Not comfortable with feeding utensils. Less interest in hugs and giving affection. Higher activity level than peers.

2. Schedule a Diagnostic Evaluation

3. Schedule and Prepare for the Appointment

• Be ready to share your child’s strengths as well as areas of concern.

• Have as much information as possible on behaviors to discuss such as frequency, severity, duration, as well as common locations and/or potential triggers.

• Bring snacks — these evaluations can last a few hours.

• Diagnosticians will also benefit from seeing your child play or handle objects, so consider bringing a few items like a favorite toy.

4. Get the Report

5. Learn About ABA (and Learn More About Insurance)