Becoming a parent is filled with joyous moments and exciting milestones, but it can also bring forth concerns, especially if you suspect that your child may be experiencing developmental delays. As a parent, if you're noticing behaviors and symptoms that may indicate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), seeking an autism evaluation is the first step in getting the treatment and support you and your child need.
North Shore Pediatric Therapy's Autism Testing Clinic is tailored to assist families and children through rapid and comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder. At NSPT, our clinicians are devoted to helping parents and children, including those on the autism spectrum. We have served our community and practiced in Chicagoland for over 20 years.
Signs an Autism Diagnosis Might Be Appropriate
The American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides standardized criteria to help diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Seeking a formal diagnosis might be appropriate if your child is showing these autism symptoms:
- Easily upset by changes in daily routine or disruptions
- Limited eye contact or shared attention
- Restricted or repetitive behaviors
- Delayed back-and-forth communication and social interaction
- Echolalia (repeating songs, phrases, or words)
- Might prefer to play alone or next to rather than play with other children or is uncomfortable with social interaction
- Delayed development of language skills
- Does not talk back or babble as if having a conversation
- Sensitivity to sensory stimuli like loud noises, smells, textures, foods, clothing, or being touched
- Lack of response to social smiling or facial expressions
- Has very strong interests in certain subjects or activities
- Has a primary care provider, daycare, or school staff member who has raised concerns about your child's behavior, developmental delay, learning disorders, or early signs of autism.
If your child meets 5 or more of the autism characteristics above, we encourage you to explore an ASD diagnosis.
What Our Autism Spectrum Disorder Testing Clinic Offers
Our Autism Spectrum Disorder Testing Clinic was created to meet the crucial needs of our community, offering:
- Rapid 3-Hour Screening Process: The evaluation, including the administration of tests and provision of results, is completed on the same day at our Arlington Heights center.
- Immediate Openings: Recognizing the urgency for early diagnosis, we strive to schedule appointments within two weeks for intake, tests, and recommendations for children ages 4 and under.
- 'Gold Standard' Assessment: We utilize the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition), recognized as the gold standard for Autism Spectrum Disorder testing.
- Chicagoland Locations: For ease of access, Autism Spectrum Disorder testing is conducted at our Arlington Heights center.
- Insurance Coverage: Autism Spectrum Disorder testing is covered by insurance, and we are in-network with most major providers.
- Expert Care: Our Neuropsychology team will conduct thorough screenings to get an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best treatment for your child.
- Individualized Treatment Recommendations: Following completion of the autism diagnostic interview, we provide personalized advice for your child's unique needs for treatment such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech therapy.
How Does Our Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Testing Work?
Step 1: Contact Us for an Appointment
The first step in the test process is reaching out to us. Our dedicated intake team conducts an initial virtual pre-screening to ensure that your child is a good fit for the Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluation. This step is crucial for understanding your child’s developmental history, family history, and unique needs to determine the best approach for their evaluation. After this initial screening tool, we gather all the necessary paperwork to register your child with our services and verify your insurance benefits.
Step 2: Autism Spectrum Disorder Test & Feedback
Following successful initial evaluation and registration, your child's assessment and feedback sessions are typically scheduled to occur on the same day. These sessions span a few hours, during which our expert Neuropsychology Department administers the ADOS-2 assessment and other diagnostic tests to assess your child's development. ADOS-2 is mostly play-based and assesses your child's skills and emotional behaviors to diagnose or exclude autism, pervasive developmental disorder, and other developmental disorders.
Afterward, we provide verbal feedback and preliminary findings from the autism test, offering you a clear understanding of the recommended next steps.
Step 3: Receive a Formal Evaluation
A few weeks after the comprehensive assessment and feedback session, you will receive a detailed written report from our clinical team. This complete report encompasses the findings and conclusions from the assessment, offering a thorough overview of your child’s strengths and areas for support. Additionally, this formal report can be shared with your child’s healthcare provider to facilitate a seamless continuation of care.
Our team of professionals is available to provide guidance on your child's diagnosis, any additional screening, and establish treatment objectives. This includes recommendations for further evaluation with a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, or other healthcare providers.
From ABA therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder to speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, mental health services, and physical therapy, our clinical professionals are committed to supporting your child as they work towards greater independence and success in their everyday activities.
Immediate Availability for Autism Assessment
For children ages 4 or younger, we aim to provide swift scheduling for screenings to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder within two weeks, while for all other tests and assessments, we are currently booking appointments 5-6 months into the future.
Getting to our Autism Testing Center
We conduct Autism Spectrum Disorder testing in our Arlington Heights, IL center. All other neuropsychological tests and developmental screenings occur in our Des Plaines center.
Arlington Heights Center
3030 Salt Creek Ln,. Suite 350
Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60005
The Importance of Early Autism Diagnosis and Intervention
Early ASD diagnosis and intervention can play a significant role in the development of many children. Recognizing this, our Neuropsychology team at NSPT offers immediate appointments for evaluations for children ages 4 and under showing autistic traits. This swift response ensures that if needed, children can receive support and services for learning challenges, certain behaviors, social and language skills, and any developmental disorders promptly.
Early intervention programs are designed to address the specific needs of a child on the autism spectrum. These programs focus on enhancing communication, social skills, and cognitive function through therapy. The sooner interventions begin, the better the outcome can be for the child, including improved confidence in school settings, stronger social connections with other children and adults, and a more fulfilling life. Therefore, pursuing an ASD screening, early diagnosis, and subsequently, early intervention, is an essential step in supporting the developmental trajectory through early childhood.
Taking the Next Step
Learning that your child may be on the autism spectrum can be an overwhelming experience, but you're not alone. At North Shore Pediatric Therapy, we're dedicated to supporting our community and families like yours in navigating these early stages of your child's development.
Don't wait to seek clarity and support. If you notice patterns of autism or developmental delays in your child, schedule an appointment for our autism test clinic today. By doing so, you can unlock the potential for your child to receive the appropriate, individualized therapy and support that they might need.
Schedule An Autism Test Appointment Today
To request an appointment, submit an inquiry form and one of our dedicated team members will connect with you to discuss services, your insurance benefits, and an assessment date.
