Navigating the Path After Receiving an Autism Diagnosis

Receiving an autism diagnosis can bring a mix of emotions and questions. Fortunately, there is no reason to panic. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a well-understood developmental condition that should carry no stigma. Individuals on the spectrum can live life to the fullest and achieve plenty.

At ABA Centers of Washington, we believe in empowering families and individuals with autism with the necessary information to make informed decisions about this condition. This process involves providing up-to-date information on autism testing and the next steps after receiving a diagnosis. This article will answer all your pressing questions regarding an autism diagnosis, how to prepare, and how to support your loved one throughout their journey.

Understanding the Early Warning Signs of Autism

Before an official diagnosis, something about your child’s behavior will likely cause some concern. Autism spectrum disorder presents a wide range of behaviors that can vary in severity and manifestation. Here’s a breakdown of the warning signs across different age groups:

Infancy (0-12 months):

• Lack of Eye Contact: Infants may not maintain consistent eye contact or have difficulty focusing on faces.
• Limited Smiling: They might not respond to smiles or show social reciprocity.
• Delayed or Absent Babbling: Some infants may not engage in typical babbling sounds or interactions.
• Limited Gestures: They might not point, wave, or use other gestures to communicate.
• Unresponsiveness to Name: Difficulty in responding or recognizing their name.
• Limited Interest in Play: Children with ASD may show little interest in interactive games like peek-a-boo.

Toddlerhood (1-3 years):

• Language Delays: During this period, children begin to master complete sentences. Limited vocabulary development is a hallmark of developmental delay.
• Repetitive Movements: Engaging in repetitive actions like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects.
• Limited Pretend Play: Difficulty engaging in imaginative play or pretending with toys.
• Difficulty with Social Interaction: Trouble sharing attention or interests with others.
• Resistance to Changes: Strong aversion to changes in routine or environment.
• Lack of Pointing and Gestures: Limited use of pointing to show interest or ask for things.
• Unusual Reactions to Sensory Stimuli: Individuals on the spectrum have heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Extreme reactions to lights, sounds, textures, or tastes could be an early indicator of autism.

Preschool Age (4-5 years):

• Persistent Communication Difficulties: Children should be able to string sentences together and try to grasp abstractions by four. Struggles with speech and language, difficulty expressing thoughts or needs require medical assessment.
• Limited Social Skills: Individuals with ASD have difficulty forming friendships or participating in group activities.
• Rigid Routines: Strict adherence to specific routines and resistance to changes.
• Fixation on Specific Topics: Intense focus on particular interests to the exclusion of others.
• Inability to Understand Social Cues: A hallmark of ASD is difficulty reading facial expressions and body language. Communication is highly emotional and contextual, two things kids on the spectrum struggle to grasp.
• Repetitive Behaviors: A preference for set schedules, styles of play, and limited interests continues into childhood.

It’s important to remember that not all children with autism will display all of these behaviors, and the severity can vary greatly. Some will communicate well, while others will be entirely nonverbal. Additionally, some children might show regression, losing previously acquired skills. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in recognizing these signs and seeking professional evaluation if they have concerns about their child’s development.

Receiving an Autism Diagnosis

An autism diagnosis involves a comprehensive assessment by professionals such as developmental pediatricians and child psychologists. This process typically includes:

1. Clinical Interview: A detailed discussion about the individual’s developmental history, behaviors, and concerns with parents or caregivers.
2. Observation: Professionals observe the individual’s behavior, interactions, and responses to stimuli.
3. Standardized Tests: Clinicians use various assessments to measure communication, social interaction, and behavior, often including tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).

   The ADOS is a semi-structured, standardized assessment that involves direct interaction between a trained clinician and the individual undergoing evaluation. The clinician carefully observes and scores the individual’s responses, behaviors, and interactions. The ADOS has different modules tailored to different age ranges and communication levels, allowing its use across a broad spectrum of ages and developmental abilities.

   The ADI-R is a comprehensive, structured interview with the individual’s caregivers, usually parents or guardians. The interview covers various topics related to the individual’s development, behaviors, and experiences. It gathers detailed information about the individual’s early developmental history, behaviors, and social communication skills.

4. Medical Evaluation: Medical professionals will conduct examinations to exclude other medical conditions that might mimic the symptoms of autism.

Professionals use the information collected from these assessments and other clinical observations and evaluations to determine whether an individual meets the criteria for autism. Since ASD is officially recognized, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) establishes helpful standards that guide experts to a correct diagnosis.

Preparing for an Autism Diagnosis Appointment

Whether you are seeking a diagnosis for yourself or your child, adequate preparation can help provide the clinician with a clearer picture of the individual’s strengths, challenges, and behaviors. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare effectively:

1. Gather Information: Compile a comprehensive overview of the individual’s developmental history, including milestones like when they first smiled, spoke their first words, and engaged in social interactions. Note any family history of autism or other developmental disorders.
2. Medical and Developmental Records: Bring relevant medical records, such as previous evaluations, diagnoses, developmental assessments, and speech or occupational therapy reports.
3. Behavioral Observations: Record specific behaviors you find concerning, such as social interactions, communication patterns, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. Describe the individual’s response to sensory stimuli, including any sensitivities to lights, sounds, textures, or tastes, along with their daily routines.
4. Comfort and Familiarity: Bring items that help the individual feel at ease, such as a favorite toy or comfort object. Make them comfortable with the assessments by explaining to them beforehand that there is nothing to worry about.
5. Questions and Concerns: Prepare a list of questions and concerns to discuss with the clinician during the appointment. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about autism and the diagnostic process.

ABA Therapy: The Next Step after an Autism Diagnosis

After your child receives an autism diagnosis, you might feel overwhelmed by the possibilities and options. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the gold standard in autism therapy, supported by decades of research and fantastic results. It focuses on improving socially significant behaviors through positive reinforcement and targeted interventions. ABA therapy involves:

1. Assessment: A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) thoroughly assesses your child’s strengths, needs, and behaviors to create a personalized treatment plan. This individual is a medical professional with a graduate degree in behavioral science or a related field.
2. Goals: After the assessment, the BCBA establishes specific, measurable goals for behavior improvement, communication, and social skills.
3. Interventions: The BCBA works with and supervises a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Together, they implement structured interventions to address targeted behaviors, promote social interaction, and develop adaptive skills.
4. Data Collection: The RBT regularly collects data they send to the BCBA to track progress and adjust interventions as needed.
5. Family Involvement: RBTs and BCBAs train parents and caregivers to apply ABA strategies in everyday settings for consistent support.

ABA Centers of Washington and Autism Diagnosis

Remember, an autism diagnosis is just the beginning of a journey. If you or your loved one are seeking an autism diagnosis, we can help. ABA Centers of Washington has everything you need to assess autism, and we can guide you through the entire process, from testing to therapy. We specialize in ABA therapy, guaranteed to teach your loved one the skills they need to achieve happiness and independence.

Call (877) 554-0710 or reach out on our website for a free consultation.