We know it’s stressful to worry about your child and what the signs and any unusual behavior may mean. The first step is to get an assessment to find out if it is autism and get support. Early diagnosis and intervention with evidence-based approaches help children reach their full potential. Milestones is here to help you get started and can support you at every stage.

Autism is a neurological, developmental disability that can affect behavior, social interaction, communication and sensory processing. Each autistic person has unique challenges and strengths. The range of autism includes those who are mildly to more severely affected. For more information and a list of the signs of autism, visit the Autism Information page. This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information about ASD link includes signs, diagnosis and interventions.

The Milestones First Diagnosis Tool Kit walks you through getting a diagnosis and the beginning steps of managing a new diagnosis.

The age at which children can be diagnosed is getting earlier as techniques are improving. In some children providers can identify signs of autism between 6 to 12 months, but the more common, definitive diagnosis age begins at 18 months and is often between 3 and 5 years old. Generally, the more impacted the child the earlier the diagnosis.

For Children Under 3 Years Old

For a free assessment and intervention for children under 3 years old, contact your local early intervention program usually available from your county or city. In Ohio, that is Bright Beginnings for Cuyahoga County, or in any other Ohio county contact helpmegrow.ohio.gov.

You do not need a diagnosis to get services. If you see issues like delayed speech, contact your local early intervention program, even if a doctor doesn’t agree with your concerns.

To find your Ohio Help Me Grow information, visit this listing. This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention page on early intervention provides a gateway to each state’s programs.

From 12 months to at least 36 months of age, every child should be screened for developmental milestones during routine medical well visits. The CDC provides this overview of developmental milestones and these useful milestone checklists along with tips for ages 2 months to 5 years old.

For Children Approaching Three Years Old and Up

For a free assessment of children approaching age 3 and above, contact your local school district. Most early intervention services (ie Help Me Grow/Bright Beginnings) do not continue past age 3, so that is when you transition to school services.

Request a Multi-Factored Evaluation (MFE) from your school district, which is an assessment of your child’s skills and needs. Your child may qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan. These are two different options that can give your child accommodations through your school district. This is the plan to provide services to your child and the guide for what the school will provide to your child to meet their needs.

To find out more about IEPs, visit the Education Section of the Milestones Autism Planning (MAP) Tool, and this Milestones IEP page. For more information about the difference between an IEP and a 504, read the Milestones School Tool Kit (see FAQ #5), and this information from Wrightslaw and this Understood.org article.

In addition, schedule an appointment with a pediatric neurologist, child psychologist, child psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician who can evaluate and diagnose your child. See our Resource Center for some names of local specialists or contact the Milestones free autism Helpdesk for support.

Trust your instincts, ask your doctor to assess your child. If you are not satisfied with your doctor or school’s assessment you have the right to get a second opinion from another medical specialist.

Many African American families and those from other cultures are not able to get their children diagnosed as early as possible because their concerns about their children are not taken as seriously as those of white parents.

Girls are also not as likely to be diagnosed as early as boys. Girls often present their challenges differently than boys and they "mask" better. Masking means trying to appear typical like their neurotypical peers. If you think your child may be autistic, continue to pursue getting help.

The Milestones Helpdesk can connect you with resources.

First Steps after Diagnosis

Each child’s development is different. What kind of interventions and therapies are helpful will be unique based on your child’s needs, age and stage. The doctor who diagnoses your child is likely to give recommendations for therapies and next steps. If they don’t, ask. Checking with your child’s pediatrician and related specialist for recommendations for interventions and names of therapists can be helpful. Every family’s ability to access therapy and to follow through with recommendations can vary.

Receiving a diagnosis can be an emotional and overwhelming time. It can be difficult to learn about autism while figuring out what to do next to help your child. You don’t have to do it alone. Milestones is here for you with our Helpdesk that can provide tips and answer your questions about interventions. In addition to the Milestones First Diagnosis Tool Kit, the Milestones Interventions page provides an overview of interventions, and the Centers for Disease Control has useful information here.

Begin to build your team of professionals, family, friends or religious leaders to help guide you and support your family. You’ll want to select professionals such as doctors and therapists who have experience with autism, the approach and level of supportiveness you’re seeking and who you and your child feel comfortable with. You can learn more about building your team by visiting our All About ASD: Frequently Asked Questions page.

As you start to think about which kinds of therapies will be best for your child based on the doctor’s suggestions, learn more about each type of therapy and get names of providers to consider. Look them up on websites and see if they do an initial visit for you to meet the therapist and learn more about their particular approach. Be clear on the costs, whether it will be covered by health insurance and at what level. Consider whether where they are located and the appointment time slots they offer fit with your life.

Connect with other parents who have been there and can share their experiences. Your school district may have a parent mentor, whose job is to help parents of children with special needs. Milestones offers Guiding Questions to help you know what to ask to determine if it is a good fit when you’re looking for a new professional.

Our Resource Center lists professionals in Northeast Ohio and the Milestones Helpdesk is here to support you. Your child’s doctor or therapist may be able to introduce you to other parents. Other disabilities nonprofits in your state like the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) may have parent mentors available. The Milestones Resource Center also lists some support groups.

Try to find some time to take care of yourself when you can. It’s not easy to find any time to yourself while immersed in the wonderful busy life of taking care of a young child but taking a break can give you fresh energy and ideas. When you’re first learning about autism and interventions to choose from it can be overwhelming. Take it one day at a time and reach out for help.

Additional Resources

The Newly Diagnosed resources from Autism Speaks provides useful information.

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) also offers guides for parents including The Life Guide Through Autism series.