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Step 2: How is ASD diagnosed, so I know for sure?

Early diagnosis is important—the sooner a child can get the support they need, the more likely they’ll be able to improve functioning. Three types of tests are used in determining a diagnosis, starting with a developmental screening.

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A developmental screening is a short test to see if basic skills—including speech, behavior and movement—are being learned at the right ages. All children should be screened for delays during regular wellness visits at the following ages (additional screenings may be required on a case-by-case basis)6:

  • 9 months
  • 18 months
  • 24 or 30 months

You may need to request a screening if you have a concern about your child or if your doctor is not routinely checking for developmental delays.

TIP

Wellness visits for your child are considered preventive care and are covered 100 percent by your Cisco medical plan when you see a network doctor.

To find a network doctor, call 1-800-718-8435 or log on to myuhc.com®.

If a doctor sees signs of delays during the developmental screening, they may schedule a diagnostic screening. This includes looking at the child’s behavior and development, and might include:

  • Parent interviews
  • Hearing and vision tests
  • Genetic testing
  • Neurological testing
  • Cognitive testing
  • Communication testing
  • Other medical testing

Specialists who do these types of screenings include developmental pediatricians, child neurologists and/or child psychologists. These screenings are subject to your medical plan’s deductible and coinsurance. To find this information, visit myuhc.com.

TIP

Call 1-800-718-8435 for confidential help anytime. To search for a network provider who can perform diagnostic screenings, visit liveandworkwell.com (access code: Cisco). Select Mind and Body from the drop-down menu, then click on Mental Health > Autism > Find a provider.

liveandworkwell.com (access code: Cisco)

A psychological evaluation can often help confirm a diagnosis of ASD. In addition, it can help guide treatment for therapists, educators and other caregivers.

Psychological evaluations may include the following areas:

  • Cognitive testing
  • Communication testing
  • Adaptive functioning testing
  • Academic/learning testing

Psychological evaluations may also help:

  • Determine your child’s strengths and areas of opportunity.
  • Provide a baseline to measure improvement with therapy.
  • Identify any other behavioral or learning challenges.
  • Navigate transitions within school, adolescence and adulthood.  

In addition, psychologists may be able to:

  • Help manage anxiety or mood disorders such as depression.
  • Provide guidance on sleeping and eating problems that coincide with ASD.
  • Connect you to social skills groups to help improve communication.
  • Deliver psychotherapy that can help adults with relationships and employment.   
  • Provide intervention to decrease aggression and self-injury. 

ASD can be confusing, and a diagnosis can be challenging—so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Here are some things you may want to ask your doctor after your child’s screening and/or diagnosis:  

  • What signs or behaviors did you observe that led you to your conclusion?
  • How did my child perform on the tests that were used?
  • What level of support will my child need at school, in the community and at home?
  • What other evaluations may be needed to confirm the diagnosis or help in treatment planning?
  • What therapies and treatments do you think will be most beneficial?
  • What should I tell my child about the evaluation?
  • When should my child be evaluated next?  

Care Compass:

Receiving an ASD diagnosis for your child is a defining moment. While it can seem overwhelming, remember that you’re not alone.

Continue to step three to learn about the care options available.