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My Child Was Referred for a Fort Myers Autism Evaluation – What Happens Next?
When your pediatrician suggests an autism evaluation for your child, it can trigger a range of emotions—concern, confusion, and questions about the future. At FOCUS Therapy, we understand this journey intimately and have guided countless Fort Myers families through the autism diagnosis process and into effective therapy programs. In addition to providing early intervention therapy for children with autism in Southwest Florida (speech therapy, occupational therapy and ABA therapy), we also have therapists train to conduct ADOS testing – the standard Fort Myers autism evaluation on which many doctors rely heavily when deciding whether to issue an autism diagnosis.
Understanding the Referral Process in Florida
Typically, the path to a Fort Myers autism evaluation begins with developmental concerns noticed by parents, caregivers, teachers, or pediatricians. In Florida, referrals for autism evaluations can come through several channels:
- Your child’s pediatrician may notice developmental differences during routine check-ups.
- Early intervention programs like Florida’s Early Steps may identify potential signs.
- School systems may recommend evaluations through Child Find obligations.
- Parents can also self-refer if they observe concerning developmental patterns.
Once referred, the gold standard for autism assessment is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), which our clinic offers to Fort Myers families.
What is the ADOS-2 Evaluation?
The ADOS-2 is a semi-structured assessment that allows clinicians to observe social and communication behaviors related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this standardized tool is considered highly reliable in identifying autism characteristics across different ages and developmental levels.
At our clinic, the ADOS evaluation involves:
- Pre-assessment consultation. We gather developmental history and specific concerns.
- Structured observation. A trained clinician engages your child in activities designed to elicit social, communication, and play behaviors.
- Parent/caregiver interview. We conduct the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), which provides essential historical information.
- Multidisciplinary team review. Our team of specialists analyzes all data to determine if your child meets diagnostic criteria. Our reports are forwarded to the specialist(s) making the final diagnostic determination.
Who Makes the Diagnosis?
In Florida, autism diagnoses can be made by:
- Developmental pediatricians
- Child neurologists
- Child psychiatrists
- Licensed psychologists with specialized training
Research published by the American Psychological Association emphasizes that multidisciplinary evaluations provide the most comprehensive assessment. Our team approach brings together speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and behavior analysts to provide a thorough understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges.
What Happens After a Diagnosis?
If your child receives an autism diagnosis, we recommend developing an intervention plan promptly. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that early intervention is crucial and should begin as soon as ASD is seriously suspected, even before a formal diagnosis.
Your intervention plan may include:
Speech Therapy
Addressing communication challenges is often a primary concern. Speech therapy can help with language development, pragmatic skills, and alternative communication methods when needed.
Occupational Therapy
Our occupational therapists help children develop functional skills for daily living, address sensory processing differences, and improve fine motor coordination.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ABA therapy is evidence-based and highly effective for teaching adaptive behaviors and reducing challenging behaviors. A landmark study published in Pediatrics demonstrated that children receiving early intensive behavioral interventions showed significant improvements in cognitive abilities, language skills, and adaptive behavior.
Social Skills Training
Structured opportunities to learn and practice social interactions are vital for children with autism to develop meaningful relationships.
Don’t Delay: The Importance of Early Intervention
Research consistently shows that earlier intervention leads to better outcomes. According to Autism Speaks, children who receive autism-appropriate education and support at early ages are more likely to gain essential social skills and communication abilities .
A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that children who began therapy before age 3 showed greater improvement than those who started after age 5.
Where to Receive Services
It’s important to note that where you receive the ADOS evaluation doesn’t necessarily need to be where your child receives therapy. However, having all services under one roof, as we offer at FOCUS Therapy, provides significant advantages:
- Seamless coordination between diagnostic and therapeutic teams
- Consistent approaches across different therapy types
- Reduced travel burden for families
- Integrated treatment planning
Navigating Waitlists
Unfortunately, many families face waitlists for autism services. In Florida, wait times for private therapy services can range from a few weeks to several months. This reality underscores why timely evaluation is so important—the sooner you begin the process, the sooner your child can receive support.
While waiting for services, ask about:
- Parent training opportunities
- Home strategy recommendations
- Interim support services
- Cancelation lists
Fortunately, FOCUS Therapy also offers behavior consulting, for parents who need immediate supports at home while their child is on a waitlist for early intervention services, such as speech therapy, ABA therapy, and occupational therapy.
Moving Forward with Hope
An autism diagnosis opens doors to understanding and support. At FOCUS Therapy, we believe in focusing on your child’s unique strengths while addressing areas of difficulty. Our team is committed to partnering with your family throughout this journey.
Remember, each child with autism is unique, with their own pattern of strengths and challenges. With the right supports in place, children with autism can develop skills, build connections, and achieve meaningful goals.
If you have concerns about your child’s development or have received a referral for autism evaluation, contact our Fort Myers clinic today to learn how we can help your family take the next steps with confidence.
FOCUS offers pediatric speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA therapy and ADOS testing in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.
Additional Resources:
Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening, November 2024, CDC
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