At the Early Childhood Behavioral Clinic, we evaluate children under the age of 3 years (36 months) for a potential autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The multidisciplinary team includes a clinical psychologist and a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who can accurately and efficiently assess your child and provide recommendations for growth. Families can expect to complete information gathering/prework by phone or video conference and meet for a single, 3-to-4-hour evaluation appointment. The appointment will conclude with diagnostic feedback and families will receive a brief report that day with diagnosis (if applicable), recommendations, and guidance that can be used to seek necessary interventions. A detailed report will be mailed within two weeks. Have questions? Want to learn more about the Early Childhood Behavioral Clinic? Check out this brief YouTube video, featuring your Frequently Asked Questions answered by Dr. Heather Dukes-Murray.

To request an appointment with the Early Childhood Behavioral Clinic, please call our office. During this call, our office manager will schedule:

• Information gathering phone call or video conference with the clinical psychologist
• Assessment day (3-to-4-hour appointment)

Please be prepared to let us know if your child has food or latex allergies. The assessment includes a “snack time” activity and an activity that may include a balloon (alternatives are available, if needed).

If you child has not had a hearing evaluation, please ask our office or your pediatrician for information about obtaining one prior to your appointment.

Your prework for the assessment includes an information gathering phone call or video conference and a questionnaire (provided electronically). During the information gathering call, you can expect to:

• Review developmental history
• Discuss current symptoms
• Complete the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) interview
• Get your initial questions answered

You will receive a copy of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales via email to complete prior to your child’s evaluation appointment.

Families who are able to collect additional information that demonstrates their child’s challenges can improve recommendations from the clinical team. We recommend that you:

• Obtain copies of any testing completed by your pediatrician, early childhood support provider (for example, Help Me Grow), and any other therapeutic providers
• Make a list of your child’s milestones (rolling over, sitting independently, first sounds, steps, etc.)
• List your concerns
• If your child demonstrates behaviors that are concerning to you, try to capture them on video. This may make the behavior easier to explain during assessment

Your child’s assessment will be completed during a single, 3-to-4-hour appointment. During the appointment, you and your child can expect to:

• Complete developmental testing
• Complete the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)
• Participate in an additional parent interview to discuss any behaviors seen during testing. During this interview you may also discuss any questions that have come up from the Vineland and M-CHAT (see Prework)
• Participate in evaluation of expressive and receptive language (concurrent with ADOS-2 interview)

Once the assessment is completed, families will be invited to take a 30-to-60-minute break so that scoring can be calculated and initial feedback recorded. Upon returning from break, families will receive a brief report summarizing scores, diagnoses, and first steps toward treatment and/or recommendations. This report will include all information needed to seek services with a provider.

A full written report will be mailed within two weeks following the appointment. Families may schedule a phone or in-person consult to review the report, ask additional questions or obtain further consultation, if needed.