Getting Started with Evaluations: Who to Call and What to Expect
So you've decided to pursue an autism evaluation for your child. Now what? The process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps makes it much more manageable.
Start with your pediatrician. They know your child's medical history and can provide referrals to specialists. Don't be discouraged if they suggest a "wait and see" approach – you know your child best. If you're concerned, it's okay to advocate for an evaluation or seek a second opinion.
Types of professionals who conduct evaluations:
Developmental pediatricians specialize in children's development and can diagnose autism
Child psychologists or neuropsychologists focus on behavior, learning, and development
Child psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose and prescribe medication if needed
Multidisciplinary teams at hospitals or autism centers often provide the most comprehensive evaluations
Lane Diagnostics offers a streamlined option with our team of licensed child psychologists who specialize in autism evaluations. Our online autism assessments for Florida children eliminate travel time and provide comprehensive evaluations from the comfort of your home, often with shorter wait times than traditional in-person clinics.
The referral process: Your pediatrician will likely provide a referral, which may be required by your insurance. If you're going through your school district, you can request an evaluation in writing at any time – they're required to respond within a specific timeframe (usually 60 days). If you are reaching out to a psychologist for an evaluation, ensure that they have provided you with a transparent understanding of the process and prices.
Insurance considerations: Many insurance plans cover autism evaluations, especially when referred by a physician. However, coverage varies, so call your insurance company to understand your benefits. Ask specifically about coverage for developmental evaluations and any required pre-authorizations.
Wait times can be long. Unfortunately, many families wait months for an evaluation appointment. Get on waiting lists as soon as possible, and don't hesitate to call periodically to check for cancellations. Some families choose to get evaluations both privately and through their school district to speed up the process.
Lane Diagnostics understands the urgency parents feel when seeking answers. Our Florida-based psychology practice offers online autism evaluations with typically shorter scheduling times than hospital-based programs. We provide transparent pricing and work with families throughout Florida to make autism assessments more accessible.
What about school evaluations? Public schools are required to evaluate children suspected of having disabilities at no cost to families. However, school evaluations focus on educational needs rather than medical diagnosis. A school might determine your child needs special education services without providing an autism diagnosis, or they might not qualify for services even if they are autistic.
Preparing for the wait: While you're waiting for an appointment, start documenting your observations. Keep notes about your child's behaviors, communication patterns, and any concerns. Gather any previous evaluations, report cards, or relevant medical records. This information will be valuable during the evaluation process.
Early intervention: If your child is under three, contact your state's early intervention program. They provide free developmental screenings and services for young children, and you don't need a diagnosis to access these services.
Remember, seeking an evaluation is a positive step toward understanding and supporting your child. The wait can be frustrating, but use this time to learn more about autism and connect with other parents who've been through this process.
If you need an autism evaluation for your child in Florida, Lane Diagnostics provides comprehensive online autism assessments conducted by experienced child psychologists. Our telehealth approach serves families throughout Florida, offering professional autism evaluations with convenient scheduling and transparent processes. Contact Lane Diagnostics today to learn more about our autism evaluation services.
