Preparing for an Autism Diagnostic Evaluation

If you or your pediatrician have concerns about your child’s developmental milestones and possible symptoms of autism, you may be waiting for a diagnostic evaluation with a specialist. Unfortunately, it may be a long wait for your appointment. This can be upsetting and stressful while what feels like precious time slips away. There are things, however, you can do while you wait to ensure the diagnostic evaluation goes quickly and smoothly and provides the diagnostician with all needed information:

Complete Checklists and Questionnaires

• Many providers will ask caregivers to complete paperwork ahead of time. Some providers may even delay the appointment if these documents are not completed. Spend time filling them out to the best of your ability as they help the clinician better understand your concerns and your child.
• If you have questions about them, don’t hesitate to call the provider to ask. The diagnostician will use the information you provide to help inform their diagnosis so these forms are important!

Compile Records

• Ensure that you have electronic or paper copies of all relevant prior medical, educational, and psychological records. The clinician will benefit from reviewing information from prior evaluations to learn about your child and to avoid repeating any testing.
• The provider may give you questionnaires to have your child’s teachers fill out ahead of time as well.
• Gather any other informal documentation you think may be helpful, such as daycare developmental assessments or notes.

Talk With Others in Your Child’s Life

• Get input from what teachers, daycare staff, and other family members and friends may notice when they interact with your child. Take note of what they see as your child’s strengths and challenges.
• Gather relevant information and be prepared to discuss it.
• Think about and document your child’s developmental milestones. Going back through old pictures or videos may be helpful. Focus specifically on speech, social, and play development.
• Make notes on specific behaviors of concern such as repetitive behaviors and sensory sensitivities.
• Make a list of some specific examples of behaviors of concern in different settings (home, school, community).

Plan for the Day of the Appointment

The appointment is likely at a place you aren’t used to, so make sure you know how long it will take to get there at the time of your appointment, park, and get to the specific clinic or doctor’s office.

Consider who you want at the visit with you. If possible, it may be helpful to have both parents, or another family member who spends a lot of time with your child present so they can provide input and ask questions.

Bring your child’s favorite toys, comfort items, and snacks to help them stay calm during the appointment and to also allow you time to focus on the diagnostician’s questions. They may also be used by the clinician as needed during the visit.

This appointment may end up feeling overwhelming to you. Write down questions you have ahead of time and bring paper and a pen (or a notes app on your phone!) with you to jot down things that you want to remember or follow up on.

A special thank you to Oana DeVinck-Baroody, D.O., Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician at Hackensack Meridian Health’s Institute for Child Development for her contributions to this resource.

Need more information? If you have questions about autism diagnosis, the diagnostic evaluation process, or accessing New Jersey’s service system, our knowledgeable Helpline team is here to help. Call 800.4.AUTISM or email information@autismnj.org for trusted information and support.