What to Expect When Getting an ASD Diagnosis for Your Child
If you have noticed differences in your child’s development such as communication delays, limited eye contact, or repetitive behaviors, you may be wondering whether they could be on the autism spectrum. Taking the step to seek an evaluation can feel overwhelming, but it is also the first step toward getting the support your child needs to thrive.
At Premier Mental Health in High Point, NC, we understand how emotional this process can be for families. Here is what to expect when seeking an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your child.
1. The First Step: Sharing Your Concerns
Most parents start by discussing their concerns with their pediatrician. Your doctor may ask questions about your child’s development, communication, play skills, and behavior. They may also use screening tools such as the MCHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) to determine whether a formal autism evaluation is recommended.
If concerns persist, your pediatrician may refer you to a specialist such as a psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or neurologist for a comprehensive assessment.
2. The Diagnostic Evaluation
A formal ASD evaluation typically includes several components to get a full picture of your child’s strengths and challenges.
Parent interview: You will discuss your child’s developmental history, milestones, and behaviors at home or school.
Standardized assessments: The clinician may use tools such as the ADOS 2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) or ADIR (Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised) to observe social interaction, play, and communication.
Observation and play-based tasks: These help assess how your child interacts, responds to others, and uses language or gestures.
Cognitive and adaptive functioning tests: These measure learning ability, daily living skills, and independence.
This process can take a few hours or several visits depending on your child’s age and needs.
3. Receiving the Diagnosis
After the evaluation, your clinician will meet with you to review the results. If your child meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder, they will explain what that means for your child’s development and recommend next steps for intervention and support.
This can be an emotional moment for many parents. It is normal to feel a mix of relief, concern, and hope. Remember, an early diagnosis opens the door to specialized care and meaningful progress.
4. Creating a Treatment Plan
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your care team will help you create a personalized treatment plan. This often includes therapies such as:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Helps improve communication, social, and daily living skills.
Speech therapy: Supports language and communication development.
Occupational therapy: Builds motor, sensory, and self-help skills.
At Premier Mental Health, our team specializes in in clinic ABA therapy with flexible after school hours, social skills groups, community outings, and self help skill development that are designed to help children gain confidence and independence.
5. Building a Support System
You are not alone on this journey. Many parents find comfort in connecting with support groups, parent training programs, and their child’s therapy team. Working closely with professionals helps you learn strategies to support your child at home and in the community.
Progress looks different for every child and that is okay. With early intervention and consistent support, children with ASD can make incredible strides in communication, learning, and self regulation.
6. Moving Forward with Hope
An ASD diagnosis does not define your child. It helps you understand how to best support them. Early, consistent, and compassionate care can make all the difference.
At Premier Mental Health, we are here to guide you every step of the way, from the evaluation process to ongoing therapy and family support.
If you are ready to take the next step, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
📞 Call us at 336-858-5243
📍 Located in 2310 N Centennial St Ste 102 High Point, NC
