One of the most common concerns I get from families and youth is that the autism diagnosis seems quite broad. Depending on who you get your information from, it seems like nowadays, many seemingly “typical” behaviours can be considered to be part of the autism diagnosis. In this post, I hope to cover some of the basics of what autism spectrum disorder is and isn’t, as well as how to navigate the diagnostic process. Please check out my autism guide on how to find and what factors to consider when choosing the right clinician for you and your family. 

 

What is Autism?

Autism is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder. It is a label given when individuals present with 1) social communication difficulties and 2) restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviours, interests or activities that significantly impact their day-to-day living. Although symptoms show up early on in the developmental period (i.e.,as early as 2 years old), some individuals only experience challenges as they enter school and socialization demands increase. The presence of these behaviours at an early age (i.e., generally prior to 5 years old) and the persistence of these behaviours that lead to a clinical impact, is what differentiate autism spectrum disorder from other diagnoses. 

Common Signs and Symptoms:

Some signs may include:

• • little eye contact

• • very intense interests (e.g., watching the same youtube clip over and over again) or interested in things that are not typical for the child’s age (e.g., interest in toilets, lights)

• • repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
    repetitive behaviours, such as spinning

• • intense reactions to minor changes in routine or surroundings

• • appearing uninterested in other children

• • difficulties communicating own needs either using words or gestures

 

What happens if my child has some/all of the above symptoms?

For many parents, seeing many of their child’s behaviours fit on these lists can be a very stressful experience. If this is the case for you, it would be helpful to first check in with your family doctor regarding your concerns as many of these symptoms share overlaps with other conditions. Your doctor will be the best person to talk to regarding whether an autism (or other) assessment is worth pursuing. Remember that a diagnosis is a label for certain patterns of behaviour and that a label does not change who your child is.

 

How to obtain an autism assessment in British Columbia:

In British Columbia, families have two options to access an autism assessment (The following information is taken from here):

Option 1: Through the public system (for free)

1. 1. Get a referral from your doctor
   2. BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN) will coordinate an assessment as close to where you live as possible
      After the assessment, BCAAN will send you a Clinical Outcomes Form with test results

1. Wait-times are often quite lengthy (average of 1.5 years): Current wait times

Option 2: Through the private system (out of pocket/extended health coverage)

1. 1. Make an appointment with a qualified B.C specialist (i.e., Paediatrician, Psychiatrist, Registered Psychologist)
   2. The qualified specialist should be able to complete the Non-BCAAN (Private) Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (PDF) with you to access funding

Wait-times vary depending on provider. I try to keep my wait times between 2 to 5 months. 

 

Diagnostic Process:

In British Columbia, the diagnostic process requires that the diagnosis of autism be completed by a registered psychologist, pediatrician or psychiatrist. Different types of assessments are required if your child is under the age of 6 or if they are above the age of 6.

For children under 6, multiple specialists are required based on the B.C diagnostic standards to make an autism diagnosis and Dr. Ho is happy to complete the Clinical Diagnostic Assessment (CDA- described below) and collaborate with your team. Alternatively, if your child has received a pediatrician’s report already and are in need of both psychology and speech assessment, Dr. Ho is excited to partner up with Sarah McGowan, registered speech language pathologist, to complete these components. Please click here for more information about early autism assessments for young children.