Diagnosis
When parents or support providers become concerned that their 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 persons with Autism may appear to have an intellectual disability, a sensory integration disorder, or problems with hearing or vision. To complicate matters further, these conditions can co-occur with Autism (see Related Conditions). However, it is important to distinguish ASD from other conditions, since an accurate diagnosis and early identification can provide the basis for building an appropriate and effective educational and treatment program. There are also other medical conditions or syndromes that can present symptoms that are confusingly similar to ASD’s. This is known as differential diagnosis.
A brief observation in a single setting cannot present a true picture of an individual’s abilities and behaviors. Parental (and caregiver) and/or teachers’ input and developmental history are important components of making an accurate diagnosis.
There are many differences between a medical diagnosis and an educational determination, or school evaluation, of a disability. A medical diagnosis is made by a physician based on an assessment of symptoms and diagnostic tests. A medical diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder, for instance, is most frequently made by a physician according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychological Association (2013). This manual guides physicians in diagnosing Autism spectrum disorder according to a specific number of symptoms (see Diagnostic Classifications).
An educational determination, in contrast, is made by a multidisciplinary evaluation team comprised of various school professionals. The evaluation results are reviewed by a team of qualified professionals and the parents to determine whether a student qualifies for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Hawkins, 2009).
How to Get a Diagnosis in Michigan
For Children
Call your local ACCESS Center
Call your local ACCESS Center to verify eligibility for Medicaid services and the Autism Benefit which includes completing necessary screenings.
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- CMH screening occurs to schedule individual for either support coordination (SC) services or case management (CM) services.
- Autism screening tool to determine if the individual has elevated symptoms of Autism to be scheduled for an evaluation appointment.
- Autism Evaluation & Applied Behavioral Analysis Services
- If ASD screening tool is positive, the individual schedules an evaluation appointment.
- If ASD screening tool is negative, the individual can call back for a re-screening or submit supporting documentation of Autism symptoms.
Mental health services in Michigan are coordinated through local Community Mental Health Services (CMH).
Click here for an alphabetical list of local CMH.
The list will assist you in finding the correct number for our areas ACCESS call center.
How to Get a Diagnosis in Michigan
For ADULTS
Adult Dianosis is a very different journey than that for young children.
Unfortunately, in Michigan, there are very few current clinics that offer testing to Diagnose ASD for Adults.
For adults Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluations usually utilize a set of comprehensive tests. Typical concerns for autism-spectrum disorders in Adults lie in these major areas:
– Language Deficits
– Social Deficits
– Narrowed Interests
– Sensory Integration Problems (overstimulation)
Adult ASD evaluations will lead to a comprehensive report that can be used to obtain a diagnosis, from a master’s level psychologist/psychiatrist & used for insurance purposes.
Adults should start by calling their insurance carrier and asking where such testing can be obtained under their plan.
ASGD also collects and posts a listing of clinics and Drs who offer testing and therapies to adults on our resources tab. This list is not a total listing of all locations in MI. *Only businesses that have been personally vetted by at minimum 3 individuals or families and recommended to ASGD will appear on our resource listing, to assure a quality experience for our community.
CONTACT
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Autism Society of Greater Detroit
Po Box 3113 - Center Line, MI 48015
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