The Autism Diagnostic Clinic provides an assessment of a possible autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents. Children and adolescents seen in this clinic may have already had comprehensive evaluations in other areas including cognition, speech and language abilities, sensory processing difficulties, and motor development. The professional team combines these previous assessments with specialized diagnostic testing completed during the clinic. Diagnosis and recommendations are made for school and home settings in some or all of the following areas: communication, social-emotional development, behavior, health, and genetics.

Interdisciplinary Team Members Might Include:

Developmental Pediatrician
Psychologist
Developmental Pediatric Fellow (Pediatrician in subspecialty training)

When Is the Clinic Held, and What Happens on Clinic Days?

The clinics are held on Wednesday and Thursday mornings and expect to be in clinic 2-3 hours.
Please check in 15-20 minutes prior to your appointment in Room 1008. Be sure to bring the child’s insurance or medical card and any other requested materials.
Participation in the evaluation process by parents or someone who is familiar with the child is very important and will assist in final assessment and recommendations.
Each team member will assess the child and also interview the parents or primary care providers.
A handwritten summary of test results and recommendations will be given during the discussion following the evaluation.
A follow-up appointment will be discussed and can be scheduled before you leave.
Copies of the typed report will be sent to parents and guardians, the child’s primary care doctor and the referring physician or psychologist.

To Prepare for Clinic Day:

Bring someone with you to care for your other children or just for support if you would like.
Bring the team that is involved with your child care or education if they are available.
You are encouraged to bring snacks and/or a favorite toy for your child.
Prepare your child in advance by telling him/her that she/he will come to play with a variety of toys and meet new people, but you will be there as well.