Autism Assessment in Shawnee: When to Seek an Autism Diagnosis — Autism is widespread and not just in the Kansas City area. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 1 in 59 children have been diagnosed with autism in their most recent data. Compared to 2000, when only 1 in 150 children had an autism diagnosis. This data represents a significant increase over the past two decades.

Many things about autism remain unknown to us, including its precise etiology and the reasons behind its rising prevalence. However, we are aware that treatment should begin as soon as possible, that is why having an autism assessment in Shawnee is critical. Social and communication skills are developed at a very young age. Our best chance of making improvements is to operate within that natural window. Because of this, there has been a constant push to diagnose patients as soon as possible.

Parents find it difficult to accept the possibility that their child has autism that is why having an autism assessment in Shawnee is critical. It is normal to hope that a child is just a bit quirky or a late bloomer, even when concerns are raised about their developmental trajectory. Indeed, certain kids have different developmental issues, are eccentric, or are late bloomers. Therefore, at what age can autism be reliably diagnosed by someone like Dr. Tish, a respected child psychologist in Shawnee?

 

 

What Does Autism Research Tell Us?

This question was the focus of a recent study. More than 1,200 toddlers who underwent at least two developmental evaluations between the ages of 12 and 36 months were examined by the researchers. In the end, it was determined that less than 2% of the toddlers who had been diagnosed with autism had normal development.

Conversely, 24% of people who were previously diagnosed as not having autism were later found to have it. This is why having an autism assessment in Shawnee is critical. Therefore, even though the diagnosis is made, the picture is not always clear at first, but the diagnosis usually sticks.

 

What age is it possible to make a reliable diagnosis?

The “diagnostic stability” of the autism diagnosis, or how certain and persistent it was, was roughly 50% at 12 to 13 months. After 14 months, this increased to 80%, and after 16 months, to 83%. When you consider a toddler’s development, this makes sense.

They are just beginning to speak, follow instructions, and engage socially at 12 months of age. Thus, a youngster who isn’t consistently completing those tasks would be given some leeway before having an autism assessment in Shawnee. However, by the time a child is 18 months old, all those abilities ought to be firmly established, so it should be cause for concern if they aren’t.

 

Which Therapeutic Approaches Could Benefit Autistic Children?

Applied behavioral analysis is the primary treatment for autism (ABA). This behavioral program divides behaviors and actions into manageable chunks. It discourages bad behavior and promotes positive behavior. Additional therapies by Dr. Tish, a respected child psychologist in Shawnee, include:

• Occupational therapy
• Sensory integration therapy
• Communication-improvement techniques (like having kids point at pictures to express their needs)

 

 

The truth is that children with developmental problems benefit from ABA and other therapies regardless of the underlying cause of their issues. Even if the child turns out to have another issue in the end, or none at all, there is no harm in carrying them out. They are beneficial for late bloomers, autistic kids, and kids with language impairments.

It’s true that parents find hearing their child has autism difficult. However, there is a great deal of hope regarding autism, and we shouldn’t let a child wait if they need assistance. It is important to schedule an autism assessment in Shawnee as soon as possible.

A plethora of resources are available through the CDC’s Act Early campaign to assist Kansas parents and caregivers in America when determining whether a child is developing normally or whether there may be a problem. Seek assistance from an expert like Dr. Tish if you believe there is a concern. You stand to gain everything, and you have nothing to lose.

Thinking About Getting an Autism Assessment in Shawnee or an Evaluation for Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Parents may experience significant anxiety when they seek an autism assessment or evaluation for autism spectrum disorder in Kansas City with Dr. Tish. That being said, Dr. Tish’s approach to this assessment is designed to be both thorough and clinical with a compassionate touch, ensuring that your child and family receive the necessary support and answers.

 

This article has been adapted from Health Harvard for informational purposes.

 

Need to hear from someone who has worked with Dr. Tish?

 This Google 5-Star review from Amy W. says it all:

 

“Dr. Taylor has made a tremendous amount of impact on our family. She has a thoughtful approach and endless techniques to help children learn how to cope and navigate through their thoughts and feelings. She has given encouragement and peace of mind. She is truly a lifesaver.”

 

If you are struggling to find the right support for your child, contact me, Dr. Tish Taylor, Ph.D. I am a licensed child psychologist who specializes in Shawnee ADHD testing and Shawnee ADHD evaluations. My experience working in and with schools makes me a valuable resource for parents. I have a wide range of experience with diagnoses, including ADHD, dyslexia, executive functioning deficits, anxiety, mood, and behavior problems.

I am also a reputable source if your child needs an autism assessment in Shawnee. Not to mention, I utilize the latest research to create intervention methods to give your child and your family the support they need, including learning disability evaluations in Shawnee.

You can reach me at (913) 738-4177 or visit my website to learn more about the services I offer. You can also get in touch with me by filling out this contact form. I look forward to assisting you.

You can also receive guidance through my books focused on Fostering Connection and Parenting with ADHD. Click here to find out more about these publications and how they can be a major benefit to you and your child. I also offer webinars focused on developing an intervention plan and how to get through to a child that struggles with listening.

You can learn more about these two helpful classes by clicking here.