After recently attending a course on Effective Early Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Melissa Petcu, occupational therapist, wanted to share some of the helpful information that was presented with families who may have just received or are pursuing a diagnosis for their child.
Who diagnoses Autism?
There are 2 ways Autism can be diagnosed:
1) A medical diagnosis can be made by a physician using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) criteria
2) An educational determination can be made by a multidisciplinary evaluation team comprised of various school professionals (may include educator, school psychologist, social worker, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and/or physical therapist)
Now what?
Your child may be eligible for early intervention services. Early intervention services can include:
– occupational therapy
– speech therapy
– physical therapy
– counseling and training for a family
– support in a Pre-School classroom at a Public School
– assistive technology devices
– medical services
– nutritional services
Where to go?
Here at Child and Family Development in Charlotte, NC our unique multidisciplinary team approach specializes in providing physical, occupational, and speech therapy services as well as psychological and educational services to help with counseling, parent training, and educational concerns. Find us at www.childandfamilydevelopment.com.
Other helpful resources:
www.charlotteparent.com/directories/specialneeds.php
