I Think My Child Might Have Autism. What Should I Do?

If you’re worried about your child’s development and think they might have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it’s important to have a doctor do an evaluation. Kids with ASD need extra help, and new screening tools have made early identification of the condition easier. The earlier treatment for kids with ASD starts, the better.

Here are some steps to take:

• Talk to your child’s doctor: Share your concerns clearly and, if you have them, it can help to show videos of any unusual behavior you’ve noticed at home. If you feel your doctor isn’t taking your concerns seriously, keep asking. If you’re not happy with your current doctor, look for a new one.
• Find a specialist: If your child’s doctor finds a concern, they probably will refer you to a specialist for further help. Look for one who knows about developmental delays and autism, like a child psychologist or a developmental pediatrician. If there’s a waiting list, be sure to get on it right away.
• Get an autism evaluation: This evaluation will check your child for signs of autism. The results can help you get special therapies, like speech therapy or occupational therapy. It also might include special tests and observations. Check with the specialist ahead of time to understand what kind of tests they use. Some evaluations are free:
  • If your child is very young, all states offer free evaluations for developmental delays through programs like “early intervention” or Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Contact your local county office for more details.
  • If your child is 3 years or older, you can get a free developmental evaluation from your local school system. Contact your county school board to connect with their evaluation team.
• Therapy options: Many kids with developmental delays or autism benefit from speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Most insurance plans cover these services. Ask your doctor for a referral, and check with your insurance company to find in-network providers.
• Check your insurance coverage: Even if your child doesn’t have an autism diagnosis, your insurance provider might still cover parent counseling or training. Ask your insurance company what’s covered. Many plans pay for 1 hour of behavioral therapy each week.
• Activities at home: You can do many fun activities at home to help your child with language and social skills, such as:
  • Play on the floor together: Let your child choose and lead play activities in 20-minute sessions.
  • Teach your child a specific skill by breaking training into simple steps. You show and teach a step, and after your child learns how to do it, offer praise and move to the next step.
• State support: Many states have agencies that help families with autism.

What Else Should I Know?

You’ll see a lot of information online about autism. Not all of it is reliable, so turn to trusted sources like:

• The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)
• The Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE)
• The Autism Society
• Autism Speaks