At Little Spurs Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. Our mission is to provide comprehensive developmental and behavioral care for children and adolescents, ages 0-21, tailored to each child’s unique needs and strengths.
My Child Has Been Diagnosed with Autism: Now What?
eceiving an Autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but understanding the next steps can make a meaningful difference in your child’s growth and progress.
Here’s what families need to know after a diagnosis:
Medical vs. Educational Diagnosis:
- Medical Diagnosis: Completed by a qualified healthcare provider; required for insurance coverage and to begin therapies like ABA, Speech, OT, or PT.
- Educational Diagnosis: Completed by the school system to determine special education eligibility; not accepted by insurance for therapy coverage.
School Support (ARD/IEP):
- ARD (Admission, Review, Dismissal): A required meeting to determine eligibility, review progress, and adjust services; parents are equal members of the team.
- IEP (Individualized Education Program): A customized school plan outlining goals, services, accommodations, and progress monitoring; reviewed annually.
Therapy Options:
Children with Autism may benefit from several therapies. Speech Therapy supports communication, Occupational Therapy (OT) builds daily living skills, Physical Therapy (PT) improves movement and coordination, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) teaches communication, social skills, and independence through individualized support.
Before therapy begins, many insurance plans require a referral from your child’s pediatrician. Therapy providers must then submit documentation to obtain insurance authorization. Be sure to keep a complete copy of your child’s medical diagnostic report, as it will be required to start services.
We understand that navigating developmental milestones and behavioral challenges can feel overwhelming for families. That’s why our team is here to guide you every step of the way, providing expert assessments, compassionate care, and actionable insights to support your child’s growth.
What We Offer
Our services include a variety of developmental screenings and behavioral evaluations, including ADOS-2 assessments for autism and ADHD consultations, offered in both English and Spanish. These assessments help identify areas where children may need additional support, giving families the answers and resources they need to take the next steps in care and therapy.
If your child has recently been diagnosed, you are not alone. With the right supports in place, children with Autism can continue learning, growing, and building meaningful skills for their future. Contact our team today to get the guidance you and your family need.
