Autism Awareness Month: The Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation

Autism is typically diagnosed during early childhood.  Because autism can be difficult to diagnose, evaluation is often completed by a multi-disciplinary team that includes a variety of professionals that, together, covers a wide range of areas related to development.  A typical multi-disciplinary team includes some or all of the following professionals.

• Audiologist
• Neurologist
• Neuro-psychiatrist
• Neuro-developmental Pediatrician
• Occupational Therapist
• Optometrist
• Physical Therapist
• Psychologist
• Registered Dietitian
• Speech-Language Pathologist

NOTE: the training, qualifications, and expertise for each of the professions listed above varies tremendously. Also, neuro-developmental evaluations may be conducted for a variety of reasons other than autism, including but not limited to learning disability, cognitive deficits, and emotional/behavioral issues.

Those who are suspected of displaying signs of autism may present with some or all of the following deficits that often lead to referral for a thorough multi-disciplinary evaluation or neuro-developmental evaluation:

• behavioral issues
• difficulty with self-care
• fear of or fascination with different types of sensory information, e.g., lights, sound, movement, touch, vibration,   
• fine motor delays
• gross motor delays
• limited dietary intake
• limited language skills
• odd/repetitive behaviors
• poor socialization
• regression, or loss of previously acquired skills

Upon completion of the neuro-developmental evaluation, families are provided with a final diagnosis or suspected diagnoses.  After detailed discussion with the family and/or caregiver(s), a treatment plan or a plan for follow-up with the evaluation team is formulated--referrals to other professionals may be indicated.  Please consult with your child's pediatricianif you have any concerns with your child's development.