What is as ASD diagnostic evaluation and what steps are needed to support my child?
An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a licensed psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider. This evaluation determines if an individual meets the criteria for autism. The evaluation process typically involves:
– A thorough examination of your child’s behavior
– Assessment of communication skills
– Analysis of social interactions
– Observation of repetitive patterns
During the evaluation, the following methods may be utilized:
– Observations of your child
– Interviews with caregivers
– Standardized assessments to evaluate specific symptoms
A confirmed ASD diagnosis is crucial as it helps guide appropriate interventions and support that are tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Step 1
optional
ASD Screening (M-CHAT-R or CAST)
At Kind Behavioral Health, we are committed to supporting families in the early identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We offer ASD screeners at no cost to help assess developmental milestones and evaluate the likelihood of a potential ASD diagnosis. Depending on your child’s age, you can choose from one of the following two screeners as an initial step:
M-CHAT-R
Ages 16 months to 30 months
The M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised) is a widely used tool by pediatricians to screen toddlers for autism. This screener consists of a series of questions that focus on typical autistic traits and behaviors, with an emphasis on areas such as your child’s language skills, motor abilities, emotional responses, and cognitive functions.
The CAST (Childhood Autism Spectrum Test) is a 39-item questionnaire designed for children aged 4 to 11 years. It is a simple yes or no screening tool for parents, developed by the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge.
The M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised) is a widely used tool by pediatricians to screen toddlers for autism. This screener consists of a series of questions that focus on typical autistic traits and behaviors, with an emphasis on areas such as your child’s language skills, motor abilities, emotional responses, and cognitive functions.
The CAST (Childhood Autism Spectrum Test) is a 39-item questionnaire designed for children aged 4 to 11 years. It is a simple yes or no screening tool for parents, developed by the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge.
These tools are intended as a first step in assessing the possibility of ASD and are not a substitute for professional diagnosis. If you have concerns about your child’s development, please consider using these free resources provided by Kind Behavioral Health.
These tools are intended as a first step in assessing the possibility of ASD and are not a substitute for professional diagnosis. If you have concerns about your child’s development, please consider using these free resources provided by Kind Behavioral Health.
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Step 3
Getting Started with ABA
Once your child has received an ASD diagnosis, you can apply for ABA services directly on our website. Upon receipt of your application for ABA services, our dedicated intake team will reach out to provide assistance and guide you every step of the way throughout the application process.
Whether you have completed a screener or not, you can complete a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation with a licensed psychologist or developmental pediatrician. Kind Behavioral Health is excited to facilitate access to a formal ASD diagnosis through our collaboration with high-quality diagnosticians.
Already have an ASD diagnosis and diagnostic evaluation report?
If your child already has an ASD diagnosis and diagnostic evaluation report, you can move to Step 3 and apply for ABA services.
Please note that, generally, school evaluations do not qualify as diagnostic evaluations for the purposes of accessing ABA services given that these focus more on educational domains rather than behavioral, functional domains.
Step 2
Autism Diagnostic Evaluation
Whether you have completed a screener or not, you can complete a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation with a licensed psychologist or developmental pediatrician.
Already have an ASD diagnosis and diagnostic evaluation report?
If your child already has an ASD diagnosis and diagnostic evaluation report, you can move to Step 3 and apply for ABA services.
Please note that, generally, school evaluations do not qualify as diagnostic evaluations for the purposes of accessing ABA services given that these focus more on educational domains rather than behavioral, functional domains.
Once your child has received an ASD diagnosis, you can apply for ABA services directly on our website. Upon receipt of your application for ABA services, our dedicated intake team will reach out to provide assistance and guide you every step of the way throughout the application process.
Learn more about KBH’s Early Intervention programs, the impact of the services we provide, and whether we may be the right fit for your family’s needs.