specialized testing and diagnosis for children who may have autism
If you think your child may have autism, you want answers as soon as possible. Dayton Children's has a team to evaluate for children who may have autism. Patients specifically referred for concerns for autism are asked to complete a questionnaire with birth, family information, description of concerns and developmental milestones. Based on parent and referring provider feedback, we may schedule the patient in the autism diagnostic clinic. For an autism assessment, a developmental pediatrician and a child psychologist may see the patient together or individually. The psychologist does appropriate testing depending on the child’s symptoms and the developmental pediatrician will assess any medical, behavioral or developmental symptoms. We strive to provide a diagnosis, autism or otherwise, at the time the patient is seen and to recommend services or further referral.
The autism diagnostic clinic only sees new patients until the fifth birthday. Patients who are referred for autism between ages four and five may be seen by one of the developmental pediatrics providers and if autism is a concern the patient may be referred for additional testing.