While you wait

Handout: While you wait For Therapy

Handout: While you wait for an ASD Evaluation

WHILE YOU WAIT FOR AN AUTISM EVALUATION

We know it can be challenging while you are waiting for an autism evaluation. There are several actions you can take to continue supporting your child’s development, even before your child is evaluated for autism. Below is a list of ideas to consider.

PREPARING FOR THE EVALUATION: 

Be Persistent. You may want to call the clinic where your child will be evaluated to see where your child is on the waitlist and to learn more about their policy for notifying families of sooner availability. Below is a list of places that offer autism evaluations. Our referrals team will contact you to discuss options based on insurance, age, location, and wait times.

NCH Child Development Center: 614-355-7500 

Hopebridge: 614-482-4300 

ACHIEVE Psychological and Academic Services: 614-470-4466 

Developmental Associates: 614-578-1165 

Nisonger Center: 614-685-6701

Gather Information & Educate Yourself. It is recommended that you put together a folder with any medical and developmental information that may be helpful during the evaluation. This information should include any evaluations your child has already received (e.g., speech evaluation) and a list of observations from you and anyone else who spends significant time with your child. In addition, it can be helpful to learn more about autism, what to expect during the evaluation, and possible treatment recommendations.

More info about Autism: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/Autism/Pages/default.aspx

DEVELOPMENTAL INTERVENTIONS:

Help Me Grow: Children under 3 years of age may qualify for FREE early intervention through an Ohio program called Help Me Grow. Typically, Help Me Grow staff will evaluate your child’s development and your child may qualify for services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and/or developmental therapy. Services occur in your home so you can also learn how to support your child’s development.

School Based Services: Children 3 years of age and older may qualify for FREE intervention services through their local school district. Typically, children will need a school-based evaluation, also known as an Evaluation Team Report (ETR), to see if your child qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Some school districts are also able to evaluate for a school classification of autism. You will likely still want to get a full autism evaluation outside of the school setting; however, a school classification will help identify if a child qualifies for school interventions specific to autism. Contact the special education department of your local school district to learn more about the process.

Speech Therapy: In addition to therapy services offered through Help Me Grow and the schools, talk with your doctor about whether a referral for a speech and language evaluation through a private clinic could also be beneficial. Speech therapy can help children understand language, talk, articulate words more clearly, and understand the social aspects of language also known as pragmatic language. As language improves, behavior, tantrums, and social interactions can also improve.

Other Therapies: Talk with your doctor about other therapies that may be recommended such as occupational therapy for fine motor and sensory issues, physical therapy for motor issues, and feeding therapy for extreme picky eating.

SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES:

Preschool: If your child is 3 or 4 years old, consider enrolling your child in a preschool program to provide regular, structured play opportunities with same-aged peers. In addition to your local school district, consider contacting your local Head Start (preschool for 3-5 year olds) programs. If your child is under 3 years old, you may also be interested in exploring options through the Early Head Start program for birth through age 3.

Play: Children learn through play. Playing with your child is an opportunity for learning about the back-and-forth of play and conversation, as well as learning joint attention. While playing with your child, choose toys that your child enjoys while also encouraging interaction and imagination. Try imitating what your child does, describing your child’s actions, taking turns with the toys, and incorporating perspective taking skills by describing emotions and thoughts during play. In addition, your child may benefit from play opportunities through activities such as swimming, gymnastics, library story time, and trips to the playground.

BEHAVIORAL & EMOTIONAL SUPPORTS: 

Behavior & Emotions: Even before getting evaluated, it can be helpful to meet with a therapist to learn strategies to address problematic behaviors or to help your child if there are any co-occurring anxiety or mood concerns. Talk with your pediatrician about these concerns to discuss referral options. If you have behavioral concerns, there are also FREE parenting classes available in the community called the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P). Although these classes are not specifically for children with autism, the strategies they discuss are relevant for most children ages 0 - 8 who are having difficulty with listening and anger. In addition, learning more parenting tools can help give you the skills to tackle behavior challenges in daily activities such as bedtime, toileting, and mealtime.