Navigating the Autism Diagnosis Process

Rogers Bridge » Navigating the Autism Diagnosis Process

April is Autism Awareness Month, and one of the most common questions we get from parents who suspect their child may be autistic is, "How do I get an autism diagnosis?" As a parent, it’s completely normal to have concerns or questions about your child’s development. Maybe you've noticed your child missing certain milestones or displaying behaviors that seem a bit different. It's understandable if you're feeling a little overwhelmed. You might be asking yourself, "Could this be autism?" Autism is a developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and how a child interacts with others. Recognizing the early signs is important.

If you’re worried about your child, the first step is talking to their pediatrician. They can help guide you through the process of getting an evaluation, which may involve screenings, referrals to specialists, and comprehensive assessments to fully understand your child’s unique needs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of getting an autism diagnosis—from raising your initial concerns to what happens after the evaluation. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and supported throughout the process, so you can confidently move forward with the care your child needs.

Talk to your child’s pediatrician about any concerns or questions
If you're worried about your child’s development, the first step is reaching out to their pediatrician. They can answer your questions and provide guidance. It’s important to bring up concerns early, so you and your child can get the support you need.
The pediatrician may refer you to a specialist for a screening or diagnosis
In some cases, your pediatrician might recommend seeing a specialist for further evaluation. This could include a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist, or psychologist. These specialists are trained to assess developmental concerns and will give you a detailed understanding of your child’s needs.
Screenings and evaluations may be done in the office or by a specialist
Your pediatrician might start with a developmental screening right in their office, using tools like the M-CHAT to check for early signs of autism. But if more in-depth testing is needed, they’ll likely refer you to a specialist trained to perform comprehensive autism evaluations. These could be developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists who specialize in diagnosing autism.

During these evaluations, specialists will typically use a combination of parent interviews, direct observations, and standardized tests to get a full picture of your child’s development. They’ll carefully assess areas like social interaction, communication, and behavior to make sure the evaluation is thorough.
Recommendations and next steps
Once the evaluation is complete, the specialists will meet with you to discuss the results and make recommendations. These may include therapies like Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), Speech Therapy (SLP), or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Depending on your child’s age, early intervention or school-based services may also be recommended. You’ll also get resources and information on how to support your child at home, along with options for community support, funding, or even respite care if needed.

Moving Forward After an Autism Diagnosis

Getting an autism diagnosis can feel like a lot to take in, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this process. Once you have a diagnosis, the focus turns to finding the right support for your child. From therapies and services to educational resources and community programs, there are many options available to help your child grow and thrive.

Take it one step at a time, lean on professionals and loved ones, and remember that early intervention can make a big difference. With the right team and resources in place, your child can continue to develop and reach their full potential. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

"My daughter has been attending Rogers Bridge since she was two, she’s almost six. She started with Melissa who is amazing. My daughter has Autism she goes for Speech and OT they have helped her a lot with speaking and helping her with daily activities. Kylie and Sydney are very patient with her and are both wonderful. Jessie is amazing at responding to any concerns I may have. I’m currently signing my son up as well to receive Speech Therapy. I’m very happy with Roger’s Bridge they are doing an outstanding job."

– Shanquita