Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult, particularly in young children. After all, there is no medical test, like a blood test, that can diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child's behavior and development to make a diagnosis.

Here at ACES, we're dedicated to improving the lives of people impacted by autism, and we're proud to be elevating the standards in autism treatment, including Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy (ABA). The first step in your journey is getting an autism diagnosis, and in today's blog post, we're taking a closer look at the process of getting an autism diagnosis.

We serve clients across the country, and along with ABA therapy, we also connect our clients with resources in their community. Each state has different resources, and your local ACES can help connect you with healthcare professionals. If you have any questions or don't know where to start, reach out - we're here for you!

Autism Assessment

An autism assessment is when a doctor or other healthcare professional evaluates your child's behavior, social skills, communication, and sensory processing. It is important to remember that each person with ASD is unique and the assessment process might look different depending on the individual.

During an autism assessment, a doctor will typically ask questions about your child's development and behavior, such as when they began walking, talking, and playing with others. The doctor may also conduct tests and/or observe how the child responds to certain situations. For example, the doctor may observe how your child interacts with toys or other children.

Your child's doctor may also order certain medical tests to rule out any physical conditions that might be causing the behavioral symptoms. These tests typically include blood work and a hearing test as well as an EEG, MRI, and genetic testing.

Diagnosing Autism

Once the doctor has gathered all of the necessary information, it is time to make a diagnosis. The doctor will look at your child's development and behavior in comparison to the criteria laid out by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This includes looking for any impairments in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors, as well as any restrictive and repetitive interests.

If the doctor feels that your child meets the criteria for an ASD diagnosis, they will explain the results to you and discuss how best to manage your child's condition. It is important to remember that autism typically requires lifelong management, including ABA therapy from a trusted professional, like those at ACES.

How an Autism Diagnosis Can Help

Getting an autism diagnosis can be a daunting process, but it is important to remember that the diagnosis isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can be incredibly helpful in many ways. It can help you understand why your child behaves in certain ways and provide insight into how best to support them with their development and well-being.

For parents and children, an autism diagnosis can help you understand your child's needs, and see that your child isn't just being "difficult," but has challenges that can be addressed with the right support. Knowing the diagnosis can help you to understand your child better and make sure they're getting what they need in order to reach their full potential.

An autism diagnosis can also be helpful in accessing resources from schools, health insurance companies, and government organizations. It is important to remember that each person with ASD is unique and the diagnosis will not limit what your child can achieve. With the right support, individuals with autism have the capacity to live fulfilling lives.

At ACES, we are committed to helping families of all ages living with autism, and our highly trained ABA therapists understand how to best support individuals on their journey toward independence, growth, and self-discovery.

If you or someone you know is in need of an autism assessment, ACES can help connect you with the resources in your community. Reach out today to learn more about how we can support your family.

Getting Help After Diagnosis

At ACES, we understand the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Our team of professionals is here to help you navigate the journey ahead. We provide a variety of services that can be tailored to your unique needs. We'll help you or your loved ones find the reliable, quality care that you deserve. Whether you're looking for ABA services, occupational therapy, speech therapy, group programming, counseling services, or more, we're here for you.

We also understand that it can be difficult for parents and families to cope with an autism diagnosis. That's why we offer support services and resources to help you better understand autism and give you the tools to be advocates for your loved ones.

If You Find it Hard to Get Diagnosed

Unfortunately, it's not always easy to get an autism assessment, and waiting times can be long. If you are struggling to get a diagnosis, it is important to remember that there are still ways in which you can support your child and provide them with the resources they need. You can also speak to your GP about getting a second opinion. ACES is also here to help connect you to resources!

Find Care for Autism

At ACES, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care through compassionate service. We know that receiving a diagnosis can be overwhelming, but we're here to provide families with the knowledge and support they need. Sign up to receive resources, view our locations, and contact us today to start services!

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