I am worried about my child’s development, and I’d like to have them evaluated for autism. What should I do?
- If you think your child may have autism, you can request an evaluation with our team of specialists. This may include a pediatrician, nurse, psychiatrist, psychologist, speech/language pathologist, occupational therapist, audiologist, social worker, or educational consultant.
- You do not need to wait for an evaluation and diagnosis to get services for your child. Most services do not require an autism diagnosis in order for you to start.
- Families can work with local providers or our team at the Autism Center to determine what therapies and supports will help their child now. Our services include:
- Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy
- Audiology
- Team based evaluations of autism and related disabilities
- Evaluation and treatment support for challenging behaviors (e.g., hurting others, hurting themselves, tantrums)
- Evaluation and treatment for feeding difficulties and nutritional concerns
- Support in finding community resources near your home
- Help in connecting families with their local educational services and school districts
- Connecting families to state level resources, such as state waivers
- Help finding other families and support systems within your community, including referrals to the Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP)
- Connection to the Disability Resource Library
What happens before my child’s autism evaluation appointment?
- Once the type of service(s) needed is determined by scheduling staff, your child will be scheduled with the appropriate clinic or team of specialists. These services will be provided at the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital Center for Disabilities and Development.
- If your child requires multiple services during their visit, the Autism Center will help coordinate these services for you.
- Prior to your child’s visit, you will be asked to complete a parent questionnaire and several other forms. This information helps our teams better understand your child’s history and specific needs. This allows us to provide the best and most efficient evaluation for your child.
- Based on your child’s needs, you will be sent resources that identify steps you can take for your child and family prior to your child’s appointment.
What happens during my child’s autism evaluation appointment?
- Depending on your child’s needs, they may see a variety of specialists and service providers. This may include a pediatrician, speech therapist, audiologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, educational consultant, occupational therapist, physical therapist, nurse, or social worker.
- After you check-in for your appointment, you and your child will be introduced to one of the specialists who will be working with you that day. This person will explain who your child will be seeing that day, what your child will be doing, and what your day will look like.
- Your child will then see one of the team specialists. Each specialist may work with your child for 30 to 120 minutes depending on the age and needs of your child.
- Sometimes you will be asked to stay with your child while they are being evaluated by a specialist. Other times, you may be asked to observe or be interviewed by one of the other specialists while your child is working with a team member.
- After your child meets with each specialist, the specialist will discuss their findings with you, either individually or with the team.
- The team of specialists will share their recommendations for your child and answer any questions you may have.
- A follow-up plan or “next steps” will be discussed.
What happens after my child’s autism evaluation appointment?
Following your appointment, arrangements will be made to speak with you about your child’s progress, to answer questions, and problem solve as needed. If requested, our team will provide additional resources or intervention options.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call our toll-free number: 1-855-842-8847 (855-UI-Autism).
Whom do I contact to learn more?
If you have questions about the Autism Center, contact us at 1-319-467-5658.