The article highlights the critical need for appropriate autism diagnostic testing and the often dismissive responses parents receive from professionals. Licensed psychologists are identified as the gold standard for evaluations, while developmental pediatricians may only offer broad screenings. Many mothers reported frustrations in having their concerns minimized by pediatricians, which resulted in delays in receiving necessary intervention. Early and comprehensive assessments are essential, especially as schools may reject medical reports without psychological evaluations, underscoring the importance of choosing the right expert at the right time for better outcomes for children with autism.
"I told my pediatrician I thought my daughter had autism-only to be turned away when I asked for psychological testing."
"Everyone told me it was anxiety and depression, but deep down, I knew it was autism."
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