Note: members of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) community have different preferences on the use of person-first (“person with ASD”) and identity-first (“autistic person”) language. For this article, we have used a mix of person-first and identity-first language.
Wait times for diagnostic assessments of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be long and vary across different regions. Once your child has a referral to the appropriate health-care provider or assessment centre, there are steps and preparation that can be completed prior to the ASD assessment.
For more information on the diagnosis of ASD, please see the Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Diagnostic criteria.
Thorough medical check-up
Children with any developmental issues should complete a thorough medical evaluation to rule out other possible causes of developmental issues and address any other health issues. In some cases, a referral to a pediatrician may be helpful to address common problems autistic individuals face including constipation, picky eating and sleep issues.
Other assessments
Ensure that your child has had recent assessments of their vision and hearing and has seen a dentist. It may be helpful to check if they passed their newborn hearing screen. Your child’s health-care provider can provide guidance or referrals to services that complete these assessments.
Ask about early-intervention therapies
You do not have to have a diagnosis to seek out supports. There are early-intervention therapies that can benefit children with developmental differences including:
- Speech language pathology (SLP): Can help with language delays, speech production issues and social aspects of communication.
- Occupational therapy (OT): Can assist with fine motor skills, sensory issues, self-help skills, school readiness and play. They can also address a range of other issues.
- Psychology: Can provide support for aggression and compliance, safety, mood issues, parenting issues/differences/family conflict and may also provide cognitive assessments.
- Behaviour therapy: Can help families better understand why challenging behaviours may be occurring, and can offer supports and suggestions to address behaviours of concern.
Availability of these services can depend on where you live; ask your child’s health-care provider how to best access the appropriate therapies. You should also check what is available through your child’s daycare or school, and what may be covered by private insurance or work benefits.
Preparing for the assessment
- Complete requested forms or questionnaires
- Gather your child’s report cards
- Get an update on how your child is doing at daycare or school before the assessment
- Read about ASD
Supporting your child
Continue to read, speak, sing, and play with your child to support their development and growth. If they are not already attending day programs with same-aged peers (such as daycare or school), consider enrolling them.
If your family is located within the Greater Toronto Area, the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital has age-specific resources and support groups for families waiting for an ASD assessment here. Otherwise, speak with your child’s health-care provider for more information about locally available supports.
Remember, your child is still your child regardless of what diagnosis may or may not come. They need to feel seen, understood, and valued for who they are. Learn about what they love, and join in. Have fun with them and believe in them. Having a strong bond with your child and helping to build their confidence and self-esteem is crucial for all children in the long run.
Supporting yourself
Waiting for an ASD assessment can be stressful. Some families find it helpful to seek out others who are also waiting or have been through the same process. Local and virtual support groups exist and are often facilitated by parents and caregivers with similar experiences and concerns.