Screening & Diagnosis
Identifying
Autism
Newly Diagnosed? Start Here
Did you or your child recently receive an autism diagnosis?
We want to help. The Autism Society Inland Empire improves the lives of children and adults with autism and supports their families. Let us partner with you on your journey.
Click the button above and sign up to receive our Welcome Packet by email.
Want to talk with one of our Autism Resource Specialists? They will connect you to resources and help you begin your journey after getting an autism diagnosis. Our Autism Resource Specialists are all parents of children or adults with autism themselves, so they have firsthand knowledge and a unique understanding of what you are going through. They also are trained professionals with many years of experience, and their assistance is free of charge.
How can I get connected?
Connect with us by subscribing to our email newsletter, liking us on Facebook, and following us on Twitter. These groups with other family members, professionals or adults with Autism to create a welcoming and inclusive community of support for individuals with autism and their families.
How can I learn more?
The “Find Help” section of this website contains many resources for you: basic autism facts, free resources on popular topics, a library of recorded webinars as well as workshops and educational conferences.
We have a special online workshop series for newly diagnosed families and adults. Please also register to attend After an Autism Diagnosis for Children workshop or “After an Autism Diagnosis for Adults.” These are smaller interactive meetings to help you connect with professionals and other families.
What Other Services Do You Provide?
We also offer other programs that improve lives and support families, social recreation. These can be found in the “What We Do” section of our website.
We are here for you and your loved ones. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help.
Overview
When family members or support providers become concerned that a child is not following a typical developmental course, they turn to experts, including psychologists, educators and medical professionals, for a diagnosis.
At first glance, some people with Autism may appear to have an intellectual disability, sensory processing issues, or problems with hearing or vision, and the diagnosis of Autism may become more challenging.
These conditions can co-occur with Autism and it can be confusing to families when they receive multiple diagnoses. However, it is important to identify Autism, as an accurate and early Autism diagnosis can provide the basis for appropriate educational and home-based support.
There are many differences between a medical diagnosis and an educational determination, or school evaluation, of a disability.
Medical
Diagnosis
Medical professionals who may have experience with Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders include pediatricians (especially developmental pediatricians), neurologists, psychiatrists and psychologists. Not every one of these professionals has experience with Autism, so you should seek recommendations of knowledgeable professionals in your area from:
- Your local Autism Society affiliate
- Autism support groups
- People who have children or other family members with Autism
- Your primary care provider
A skilled practitioner can begin the assessment; the evaluation itself can vary depending on the professional administering it, the age of the person being assessed, the severity of his or her needs, and local available resources. A medical assessment for Autism typically includes:
- A medical history of the mother’s pregnancy
- Developmental milestones
- Sensory challenges
- Medical illnesses, including ear infections and seizures
- Any family history of developmental disorders
- Any family history of genetic and metabolic disorders
- An assessment of cognitive functioning
- An assessment of language skills
- An Autism-specific observational test, interview or rating scale
There are no medical tests, such as blood work or brain scans, for diagnosing Autism. An accurate medical diagnosis must be based on observation of the individual’s communication, social interaction, and their activities and interests.


Diagnosis Per
Life Stage
Evaluations typically begin with your primary care provider and vary based on age. If your primary care professional does not wish to refer you to a diagnostician, or does not acknowledge your concerns, it is important to know that you have the right to contact a diagnostician for a second opinion. Check the website of your local Autism Society affiliate for information about diagnosticians in your area, or call our team of national information and referral specialists at 800-3-AUTISM (800-328-8476).
There are two ways in which a child can be evaluated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act:

School Re-Evaluation
An evaluation to consider educational Autism can be completed as part of an initial evaluation, or through the process of re-evaluation. For students who already receive special education services, a re-evaluation must take place at least every three years. It may, however, be conducted more often if the parent or a teacher makes a written request. An evaluation may also focus on a specific area of concern. A re-evaluation of all areas of suspected need is necessary if parents feel their child is not making adequate progress towards achieving their IEP goals.
Parents who feel their child’s disability category and related services and support should be changed must have a basis for requesting a re-evaluation. For example, a child may be exhibiting new skill deficits or challenging behaviors. It may be necessary to reassess their placement or develop new behavior techniques to address this area. As a first step, an evaluation by a specialist familiar with Autism-related behaviors could be requested. The IEP can then be changed to reflect the results of the evaluation.
For example, a child may have an annual goal to aim at increasing their language production and comprehension skills, but is not meeting the objectives developed in their IEP for this goal. The parent may wish to request a re-evaluation with a speech therapist who is knowledgeable about Autism. It may be determined from the results that an increase in the weekly number of hours of therapy is necessary.
A re-evaluation of all areas of suspected need may come prior to the scheduled annual IEP meeting. If the child has made significant progress since the last evaluation, the treatment, placement, and therapy recommendations may no longer be applicable. A re-evaluation addressing all areas would become the basis for a more appropriate IEP.

Parents may suggest that professionals with knowledge of Autism be present at the school for these evaluations.
The school does not have to use the suggested professional, but may appreciate the assistance in finding a qualified person. As explained above, if the parents disagree with the school’s evaluation, they do have a right to acquire an independent evaluation.
The IEP must be prepared collaboratively and agreed upon before initial placement in special education is made, rather than written after the fact to fit the special education determination.