For families in Phoenix seeking clarity on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for their children, understanding the diagnostic process is crucial. Phoenix Children’s offers comprehensive autism evaluation services, tailored to different age groups, ensuring that children receive the appropriate assessment and support. This guide outlines the services available at Phoenix Children’s and the steps to initiate an autism evaluation for your child.
Autism Evaluation Services at Phoenix Children’s
Phoenix Children’s provides specialized autism evaluations through a partnership between the Developmental Pediatrics and Psychology programs. This collaboration allows for age-appropriate and comprehensive assessments, catering to the unique needs of each child.
-
Developmental Pediatrics (Ages 12 months – 4 years): The Developmental Pediatrics team at Phoenix Children’s specializes in autism evaluations for younger children, from 12 months up to 4 years of age. Early diagnosis is vital, and this team is equipped to assess toddlers and preschoolers, providing families with early insights and intervention pathways.
-
Psychology (Ages 4 years – 7 years with Complex Needs): For children aged 4 to 7 years who present with co-occurring complex medical needs, genetic conditions, or sensory impairments (such as blindness, visual impairment, deafness, or hearing loss), the Psychology team offers specialized autism evaluations. This service acknowledges the complexities that can accompany autism in children with additional health challenges.
It’s important to note that Phoenix Children’s primarily focuses on these age ranges and specific needs. For children outside these categories, including those aged 4-7 without complex medical needs and older children, it is recommended to explore community resources or consult with your primary care physician for alternative evaluation options.
Initiating an Autism Evaluation at Phoenix Children’s: A Step-by-Step Guide
Requesting an autism evaluation at Phoenix Children’s involves a structured process to ensure your child receives the most appropriate care. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Consultation with Your Primary Care Provider
The first step is to schedule an appointment with your child’s primary care physician (PCP). This consultation is a crucial starting point to discuss your concerns about your child’s development. Key discussion points during this appointment should include:
- Developmental Milestones: Discuss your child’s progress in reaching developmental milestones. Are there any areas where you’ve noticed delays or differences?
- Social Interactions: Share observations about your child’s relationships with other children. How do they interact socially? Are there any challenges in social communication?
- Behavioral Patterns: Describe any behavioral differences that you believe might be related to autism. This could include repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, or communication patterns.
Together with your child’s PCP, you will create a plan for the next steps. This plan may involve a referral for an autism evaluation at Phoenix Children’s or exploring evaluations through community autism organizations.
Step 2: Referral and Information Review
If your child’s primary care provider decides to place a referral for an autism evaluation at Phoenix Children’s, the referral will be submitted through their established process. Once the referral is received, the Phoenix Children’s team will review the provided information. They may request additional details from your child’s primary care provider to ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of your child’s needs and history.
Step 3: Scheduling and Preparation for the Evaluation
Once your child’s referral is approved and an autism evaluation is scheduled, you will receive a request to complete a new patient packet. This packet gathers essential information about your child’s developmental history, medical background, and current concerns.
Depending on your child’s age, you might also receive a ‘teacher packet’ to be completed by your child’s primary teacher. This provides valuable insights into your child’s behavior and development in an educational setting. You may be asked to return these packets before the evaluation or bring them with you to the appointment.
Additionally, you may be asked to provide copies of any previous evaluations, such as educational, psychological, speech-language therapy, or occupational therapy evaluations. Having these documents available helps the evaluation team gain a fuller picture of your child’s developmental journey.
By following these steps and working closely with your child’s primary care provider and Phoenix Children’s, you can navigate the process of seeking an autism diagnosis in Phoenix and access the necessary support for your child and family.
