Early Diagnosis of Autism in Children

​It is incredibly important for parents to understand the importance of early diagnosis and support when it comes to their child and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Early diagnosis of autism can allow a child to receive resources and supports that will help them in their development, both socially and academically, as well as provide direction for clinical intervention and treatment planning. 

When identifying a potential diagnosis of autism, an assessment is normally conducted. This usually includes observations, interviews with parents or caregivers, language assessments, cognitive testing, play-based assessment and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2nd Edition (ADOS-2). The ADOS-2 is an assessment tool designed to help identify Autism Spectrum Disorder in children ages 12 months through adults of all ages. Results from this assessment do not necessarily equal a clinical diagnosis, but it helps provide valuable information about the individual's social communication skills and differences in behavior patterns indicative of autism. 

Early detection of autism is essential for successful intervention and providing useful support for children and their families. Early intervention can improve outcomes for many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, allowing them to learn new skills faster than if they had waited until later in life. Furthermore, research has shown that early interventions can lead to improved functioning in areas such as communication, language development, motor control, social interaction and problem solving skills throughout life. 

For parents who have a child receiving an autism diagnosis, it is important that they are supported emotionally during this time. It can be an overwhelming experience learning of your child’s needs while navigating through the treatment options available to you all at once. Parents may need assistance finding local professionals that specialize in diagnosing or working with ASD; local organizations that offer supports for families with members on the spectrum; or even therapy services dedicated to helping families cope with the stress associated with having someone on the autistic spectrum living within their home environment. 

At Banyan Tree Counseling & Wellness, we understand firsthand how difficult it can be when a family is concerned that their child may be on the autism spectrum, which is why we have recently begun offering the ADOS-2 assessment tool to assist individuals in their journey to understanding, and as they navigate all aspects of their lives - socially, academically, physically and emotionally.

We understand how stressful this process can be so our team makes sure that each family member feels heard throughout every step of this journey towards understanding their child’s needs better in order to make informed decisions about what resources are best suited for them moving forward. 

Reach out to us today if you are interested in learning more. We look forward to connecting with you! 

*Please note that although the ADOS-2 is recognized as the "gold standard" for assessing for Autism, we do not provide a clinical diagnosis, and this assessment is not intended to be the sole contributor in making a clinical diagnosis. For individuals to receive a comprehensive clinical diagnosis, multiple sources must contribute towards determining their status; these include reports from developmentally informative caregivers or others close with them, objective behavioral observations both during and outside the test itself, alongside experienced and qualified clinicians’ judgement. 

If you require a comprehensive clinical diagnosis, which is sometimes required to access support within certain educational entities, workplaces, organizations, etc, we advise you to request a clinical diagnosis through your Primary Care Physician or Psychiatrist. We are glad to provide your full report of your ADOS-2 results to your physician, psychologist, and/or psychiatrist, and collaborate with them to assist in determining a clinical diagnosis and/or further recommendations.