Professional Autism Assessments
Developmental Pediatricians, Psychologists, and Others Diagnose ASDs
Feb 24, 2008
When a parent is concerned about her child’s development, she usually has a discussion with her child’s pediatrician. Unfortunately, many pediatricians are not well-versed in the nuances of the various autism spectrum disorders. Unless a case is very clearly autism, as is seen in some of those more severely affected, a pediatrician could very easily miss the diagnosis. A delayed diagnosis can prevent a child from receiving critical early interventions. Several different types of professionals are more suited to providing autism assessments.
Developmental Pediatricians
Focusing on both behavioral and developmental pediatrics, these specialists are very well-versed in developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorders. Doctors in the field are board-certified pediatricians who have received additional training and certification in behavioral and developmental issues.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics handout on Behavioral-Developmental Pediatrics, the clinicians “possess training and experience to consider, in their assessments and treatments, the medical and psychosocial aspects of children’s and adolescents’ developmental and behavioral problems.”
The American Board of Pediatrics, the licensing board for developmental pediatricians, shows only 510 behavioral-developmental pediatricians in the United States. With increasing diagnostic rates of autism spectrum disorders, the demand for their services is greatly increasing. It is not unusual for patients to have a 12-month wait to be seen by a developmental pediatrician.
Psychologists
Due to the extremely long wait that patients experience when trying to be seen by a developmental pediatrician, many parents are turning to psychologists for psycho-educational assessments when they suspect an autism spectrum disorder. There are a few different psychology specialists that are well-versed in autism spectrum disorders; neuropsychologists typically have the widest range of experience with the various tools used to provide clients with an accurate diagnosis.
Due to the wider availability of psychologists, including neuropsychologists, patients can usually be seen more quickly than with a developmental pediatrician. Psychologists are not able to provide medication management, should the patient require it, but are able to complete a thorough autism spectrum disorder assessment and make a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments.
Psychiatrists
Child psychiatrists are another type of professional that is commonly used by parents seeking an autism spectrum disorder assessment for their child. One benefit of a psychiatrist, when compared to a psychologist, is that a psychiatrist has the ability to prescribe medicine. Prescription medications are used by a large majority of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Neurologists
Pediatric neurologists are also a source for parents seeking an autism assessment for their child. If the child also has a seizure disorder or other neurological deficits, a neurologist is a great source as she can provide assistance with the autism assessment as well as the child’s other neurological concerns.
Many children who receive a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder subsequently receive services through their state’s Department of Developmental Disabilities. Some states have very strict requirements on what type of professional they accept an autism diagnosis from with regards to qualifying for state services.
In addition, some insurance companies will cover a visit to one type of professional but not to another. It is important that adequate research is conducted with regards to which professional you choose for an autism spectrum disorder assessment for your child.
Source:
American Academy of Pediatrics
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