Diagnosing Autism
Supporting you from the start
Complete Autism Assessments
If you think your child might have autism, our team can do a thorough evaluation. We use research-based diagnostic tools to make an assessment.
Understanding Autism
It can be worrisome when your child isn’t meeting developmental milestones. You probably have many questions, so let’s start with the basics.
Autism — formally known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) — is a neurodevelopmental disability that affects how people interact, communicate, learn, and behave.
It typically appears during early childhood, and the exact cause is unknown. It can affect children of all genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Since autism exists on a spectrum, each child’s experience is unique. One child may have limited speech, while another communicates fluently. One might be sensitive to noise or light, while another isn’t.
At WEAP, we believe in taking early action for developmental concerns. We’re here to support you from the beginning.
Recognizing the Signs of Autism
A range of symptoms can make autism tricky to diagnose. You can be on the lookout for early signs. As your child grows, you can observe whether they are reaching typical developmental milestones.
Children develop rapidly in the first five years of life — learning to walk, talk, and engage with the world. Remember, you know your child best. If you notice delays, take note and discuss any concerns with your pediatrician. Let them know if you notice symptoms of autism.
The symptoms of autism can include:
- Not smiling at others by six months
- Not pointing or gesturing to communicate by 12 months
- Not babbling or jabbering (making nonsensical sounds) by 12 months
- Not communicating with single words (“no,” “mama,” “dada”) by 16 months
- Not communicating with two-word phrases (“want cup,” “go play”) by 24 months
- Not reacting to voices, sounds, or his or her own name by three years
- Making poor eye contact by three years
- Taking little interest in other children or caretakers by three years
- Regressing in (or losing) skills at any time by three years
Getting an Autism Diagnosis
If you see signs early or have a feeling something is wrong, talk to your child’s pediatrician.
There are no medical tests for diagnosing autism. Instead, healthcare professionals assess your child’s development and behavior. They may also rule out other medical conditions, such as hearing or speech problems.
If your pediatrician suspects your child might have autism, your doctor will refer you to an autism specialist. That specialist could be a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, developmental pediatrician, or pediatric neurologist.
A Comprehensive Autism Evaluation Includes:
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An interview with parents or caregivers |
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A complete medical examination |
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Reviewing relevant medical, psychological, and school records |
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Assessing your child’s cognitive, developmental, and adaptive functioning skills |
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Observing your child during play |
We understand how overwhelming this can be. That’s why we’re here to partner with you, providing the tools and support you need to nurture your child’s potential.
