Does My Child Have Autism?

how to get an autism diagnosis

A Parent’s Perspective: How to get an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else. Yet your proximity to them may limit your ability to have an unbiased opinion of their development. If you suspect your child has autism, it can become a mind game of talking yourself in or out of your suspicions depending on each little behavior they have or milestones they meet or don’t. There comes a point when you will need the help of professionals. 

Where do you start? I know it can be hard. Not only is it emotionally difficult to process the differences you see in your child, but getting an autism diagnosis is not straightforward. It often doesn’t go as smoothly as one might hope. 

This blog post explains the basic process of getting an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, whether through your medical provider, the school system, or even with the help of ABA Connect. We will discuss the first steps you can take and what to expect during testing. But first, know that whatever the outcome, you’ve got this! Your love for your child will help you overcome any fears you may be facing. 

The medical route of getting an ASD diagnosis

Typically, when a parent is seeking an autism diagnosis, they rightly start by conversing with their pediatrician. Alternatively, your child’s doctor might approach you, suggesting that your child may be showing signs of autism. That’s what happened to me.

My son has a rare genetic syndrome that manifests in various ways. One of those ways is similar to that of ASD. For years, I was in denial about his autistic tendencies because his medical complications overshadowed his developmental delays and repetitive behaviors. In spite of my denial, my son’s pediatrician gently encouraged me to consider testing him for autism. I’m so glad we did. The services we’ve received as a result, especially ABA, have been life-changing. Without a doubt, if we had not agreed to get help, there would have been so many developmental hurdles, inappropriate behaviors, and unmet expectations that we would still be struggling through.  

If you decide to reach out to your child’s pediatrician with concerns, they will often refer your child to a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, or neuropsychologist for a formal diagnosis. These specialists administer the diagnostic testing required to determine whether or not your child has autism. 

Unfortunately, these specialists are in high demand. And it often takes waiting, sometimes more than six months, to get an appointment. If your child is struggling in school or needs early intervention, time is of the essence. 

The educational process of getting an ASD diagnosis

Another way to get an autism diagnosis is through your local school district. This diagnosis, however, is only for the purposes of your child’s education. For many kids, it is all they need to help with very specific goals at school. Be aware that a school providing an autism diagnosis only informs the Individual Education Plan (IEP), which outlines the accommodations and support services your child receives at school. It does not qualify as a verifiable diagnosis if you were to seek therapy services through an insurance carrier. 

Securing an autism diagnosis with the help of ABA Connect

Some ABA providers like ABA Connect can help expedite testing your child so they can start services more quickly. You still will need to provide a doctor’s order and the doctor will ultimately diagnose, or not diagnose, your child. 

If you suspect your child may have autism but are struggling to get a diagnosis, ABA Connect can help!

ABA Connect provides autism testing for prospective clients. The primary test they administer is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), which aids in diagnosing and assessing the severity of symptoms in children aged six years and younger. They have three experienced ADOS administrators on staff in Austin, Houston, and Dallas, all licensed to conduct the necessary testing for determining if a child meets the requirements of an ASD diagnosis. It’s important to note you still need a doctor’s involvement to go this route. 

ABA Connect administers testing if you meet the following criteria: 

  1. Your child’s pediatrician agrees to write an order for autism testing. 

  2. You intend to start ABA services upon receiving a diagnosis.

What is the ADOS-2?

The ADOS-2 is a commonly used diagnostic tool to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It comprises five modules designed for individuals of varying ages and communication levels. The appropriate module is selected based on the child’s age and communication abilities and may require parental involvement. The ADOS-2 includes structured and semi-structured activities that assess communication, social interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. 

What should I expect during the ADS testing process? 

Your child will participate in various fun activities during the assessment, which takes approximately an hour. Depending on the child’s age and communication level, you may be asked to join as a parent. 

In addition to the standard ADOS-2, ABA Connect incorporates additional components into its testing process. They request that families complete the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) assessment and conduct the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) examination. This supplementary testing provides ABA Connect and the families they serve with deeper insights into the child. Further testing helps ABA Connect therapists deliver the best treatment plan for each child’s needs. 

After the evaluation, the clinician will answer questions and discuss the next steps with you. Then, the scored results and observations are sent to your doctor for review. Based on the results, your doctor will determine whether your child has met the criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Then, the doctor will write a referral to start ABA therapy as treatment for your child’s new diagnosis. If it’s determined your child doesn’t have autism, your pediatrician may offer other valuable resources to support you in the challenges you’re facing. 

At ABA Connect, the therapists understand the significance of accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. If you are running up against roadblocks through the healthcare or education system in getting a timely diagnosis and want to start our ABA services quickly, this is an excellent option for you and your child. ABA Connect’s comprehensive testing process ensures clients receive a valid assessment and treatment plan baked by a thorough diagnostic process. 

For more information about an ADOS-2 assessment, contact ABA Connect at 833-225-9393. 

In your journey as a parent, it’s crucial to remember that seeking help for your child’s potential autism diagnosis is a significant step forward. While the path may have its challenges, you’re not alone. ABA Connect is here to provide guidance and support, offering a quicker route to the testing and ultimately delivering the services your child needs. 

ABA Connect’s commitment lies in empowering children with autism through compassionate, play-based ABA therapy, guiding kids toward building essential life skills. Working together with parents and caregivers, they aim to significantly impact each child’s life, regardless of the diagnosis outcome.

Contact us today to schedule your child’s ADOS-2 assessment and take the first step toward getting the support you need.

If you have any questions or comments about ABA therapy, please leave them below. The team at ABA Connect is happy to help answer your questions. 

If you found this post helpful, please like, share, and follow for more content on autism or ABA therapy.

If you are interested in a positive, play-based approach to ABA, contact ABA Connect.

Please note that while I am a consultant writing on behalf of ABA Connect, my child is not a current client. The views and experiences shared in this blog post are entirely from a parent’s perspective. I aim to provide informative content and insights based on my personal experiences as well as interviews conducted with the staff at ABA Connect.

The Effectiveness of ABA therapy: What It Is and How It Works 

The Effectiveness of ABA Therapy: What It Is and How It Works

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, a scientific approach to understanding and changing behavior, has emerged as a widely recognized and effective treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). If you are a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, navigating various therapies and interventions can be overwhelming. In this blog post, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of what ABA therapy entails, how it works, and the benefits it offers for individuals with autism.

What is ABA Therapy?

At its core, ABA therapy is a type of behavior change therapy that utilizes positive reinforcement to teach new skills and improve social behavior. Following behaviorism principles, which propose that all behaviors are learned and can be modified through reinforcement and punishment, ABA therapy focuses on addressing specific behavioral goals.

ABA therapy encompasses teaching individuals with autism various skills such as communication, social interactions, self-care routines, and academic abilities. Additionally, it can effectively target reduction in problem behaviors like aggression, self-injury tendencies, or tantrums.

How Does ABA Therapy Work?

ABA therapy follows a systematic approach by breaking down complex skills into smaller achievable steps. Skilled behavior technicians work one-on-one with individuals with autism to facilitate skill-building using positive reinforcement techniques.

To illustrate this process further, let’s consider an example where the goal is to teach a child with autism how to brush their teeth independently. The therapist would reinforce the child for simply holding the toothbrush correctly. As progress is made, they would reinforce each subsequent step, such as putting toothpaste on the brush or mimicking appropriate brushing motions until the child can confidently complete the entire task independently.

ABA therapy sessions typically occur in various settings, such as clinics or natural environments like homes or schools.

Benefits of ABA Therapy

One of the key advantages of ABA therapy lies in its proven effectiveness as a treatment for individuals with autism. Numerous studies continue to demonstrate significant improvements in communication skills, social interactions, and overall behavior by implementing ABA techniques.

Another notable aspect of ABA therapy is its reliance on data-driven approaches. Progress is consistently tracked and measured over time to ensure that the therapy remains effective and tailored to meet individual needs. This empirical approach provides both parents and therapists with valuable insights into the efficacy of the interventions being utilized.

In conclusion, ABA therapy is a powerful tool for supporting individuals with autism by promoting skill development, reducing problem behaviors, and enhancing overall quality of life. By breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps and utilizing positive reinforcement techniques, ABA therapy offers a structured and evidence-based approach to helping individuals with autism achieve greater independence and happiness.

Call us to schedule a free consultation with ABA Connect to discuss how we can meet your child’s treatment needs. 

At ABA Connect, we are passionate about helping children with autism thrive, and our experienced team is ready to guide your child toward remarkable progress using a play-based approach.

You Can Start the Process TODAY!

  1. Complete our Online Start Services Form
  2. Call ABA Connect at 833- 225-9393 to Schedule an In-Home Consultation
  3. Conduct Assessment, Develop a Treatment Plan, and Start Services

If you found this post helpful, please like, share, and follow for more content on autism or ABA therapy.