Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. ASD is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States with many surveys indicating that approximately 1 in 40 children in the country have autism.
If you suspect that your child may have autism, it is essential to seek professional help and guidance, starting with a professional autism evaluation.
Some of the common signs of ASD include:
- Sensory sensitivities
- Communication difficulties
- Repetitive behaviors
- Social challenges
- Difficulty with transitions
- Delayed speech and language development
The Autism Diagnosis Process
Obtaining an autism diagnosis involves several steps and a thorough autism evaluation. Here is an overview of the process of assessment of ASD from start through official autism diagnosis:
Referrals from Family, Friends, or Medical Professionals
Your journey of autism testing begins with a referral from someone who notices potential signs of autism in your child. This can be a family member, a friend, or a medical professional who raises concerns.
Intake and Insurance Pre-Authorization
After seeking a referral, you will need to contact a licensed professional who specializes in autism evaluation. You will go through an intake process where your information will be collected and insurance pre-authorization will be initiated to ensure your autism testing evaluation is covered by your policy.
Scheduling Autism Testing
Once your intake process is complete and authorization is granted, you should schedule an autism testing appointment. During this appointment, your child will undergo a comprehensive assessment of ASD to determine if their kids autism test comes back positive.
Official Assessment for Autism
This step involves the administration of various standardized tests and observations to assess your child’s developmental and social behaviors. Licensed professionals use these assessments to diagnose autism.
Assessment Scoring
After a kids autism test, the licensed autism testing professional scores and evaluates the results to determine if your child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis.
The Importance of ABA Therapy
Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder often benefit from early intervention, and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most effective treatments available!
ABA therapy focuses on improving social and communication skills, reducing challenging behaviors, and enhancing overall quality of life.
At Harmony Behavioral Health we are committed to providing exceptional ABA therapy services to children on the autism spectrum in Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding areas. What sets us apart is our dedication to understanding the unique needs of each child with ASD and tailoring ABA therapy plans to help your child reach his/her specific goals.
We work diligently to promote independence, foster growth, and enhance the well-being of children with autism! If you suspect that your child may have autism or have recently received an autism diagnosis, we encourage you to reach out to learn more!
