Autism Family Resource Guidebook

How do I get a diagnosis for my child in
Mecklenburg County?
As discussed on page 13, your primary pediatrician will conduct a screening with your child. If
your child shows signs that warrant further evaluation, there are several options to explore.
Your family may be referred to a developmental pediatrician, who is trained in diagnostics and
management of developmental and behavioral issues in children and adolescents. Other options
include:
FOR CHILDREN BIRTH TO THREE YEARS
FOR CHILDREN THREE+ YEARS
CDSA (see page 12) offers subsequent
evaluations beyond basic eligibility to address
questions specific to autism and to provide you
with information, a diagnosis (if appropriate) and
options for services to support your family’s
individualized plan. Your service coordinator will
aid in scheduling this with the staff psychologists.
A formal diagnosis is available (for a fee) from a
developmental pediatrician, TEACCH (see page 23)
or by professionals experienced in administering
evaluations such as the Autism Diagnostic
Observation Schedule (ADOS) or the Autism
Diagnostic Interview (ADI).
Does my child need a diagnosis
to receive intervention?
Part Two:
After Receiving A Diagnosis Of ASD
In Mecklenburg County, it is not necessary to have a formal diagnosis in order to receive early
intervention through the CDSA or specialized educational services through CMS. Please refer
back to page 12 for further details.
However, a medical diagnosis of autism is required to access Medicaid funded interventions under
Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT). This includes receiving Applied
Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy (see page 17). Access to other intervention services and
therapies will depend on the funding source’s requirements for a formal diagnosis.
FACT
A child may be very social and able to look at
your face or eyes and still have autism.
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