A. Before the Assessment

1. Prepare for the doctor's appointment: Prepare a copy of detailed notes about developmental milestones and characteristics. Use checklists to track progress and document patterns, preferences, and challenging situations. Examples include the starting day of observered behaviours, frequency of occurences, triggers, and time of the day it happens most. Consider completing a screening tool like the M-CHAT to share with your doctor. Finally, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

2. Visit your family doctor: As part of a wellness check, the doctor may ask about milestones, family medical history, and observations. Be prepared to share when you first noticed traits and any situations where they might need additional support. This helps create a holistic view of their needs.

3. Get a referral to a specialist/diagnostic assessment: If needed, the physician may refer the individual to qualified professionals for an autism assessment, such as pediatricians, developmental pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, or nurse practitioners. In Ontario, you can access assessments through diagnostic hubs funded by the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services (MCCSS). These hubs provide multi-disciplinary assessments, connect families with local resources, and offer training for professionals to expedite the diagnostic process. While a diagnosis is not required to register for the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), it can provide valuable insights into how to support best.

B. During the Assessment

Be prepared and ready for your family member's assessment. The specialist will gain a comprehensive understanding of the individual's characteristics and developmental history by asking questions and reviewing previous reports, school or childcare provider input, and any additional documentation you provide. They will also:

- Observe and interact with the individual in a supportive manner.

- Use standardized professional tools and criteria, including those outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

- Collaborate with a team of specialists experienced in working with Autistic individuals, such as developmental pediatricians, child psychologists, neuropsychologists, and speech pathologists.

The assessment process is designed to identify strengths, areas for support, and ways to create an environment that best suits their needs. In some cases, additional assessments may be needed to provide a fuller picture or address specific developmental questions. Above all, the process aims to foster understanding and enable meaningful support for your loved one's unique journey.

C. After the Assessment

The specialist will meet with you to discuss the results and provide a detailed written report. This report will outline the individual’s strengths and support needs and recommended strategies for fostering their development and well-being. Key information in the formal report may include a statement referencing the diagnostic criteria, and the report may also include additional information such as:

- Tools and methods used during the assessment.

- Any co-occurring conditions, if applicable.

- Insights into the individual’s strengths, challenges, and areas where they may benefit from support.

- Recommendations for accommodations, resources, and potential next steps to create a supportive environment.

This report is designed to be a valuable resource for understanding and advocating, helping to ensure the individual receives the support necessary to thrive. The focus should remain on celebrating their individuality and equipping their support network with actionable insights.

D. Further Assessments and Referrals

Someone you know might benefit from additional assessments or further testing to better understand their unique needs. These may include:

- Hearing Assessment: An audiologist may evaluate hearing to rule out potential communication or sensory processing challenges.

- Developmental or Cognitive Assessment: A psychologist might use standardized tools to assess verbal and nonverbal skills and gain insight into learning preferences and strengths.

- Speech and Language Evaluation: A speech-language pathologist or psychologist may explore communication traits to identify ways to support practical and comfortable expression.

- Sensorimotor Skills Evaluation: An occupational therapist might assess sensory processing and motor skills to help identify strategies that align with sensory needs.

These assessments are designed to provide a fuller understanding of how to support someone’s development best and empower them to thrive in their unique way.