At Valley Health System, we understand the importance of early identification and intervention for children showing signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Unfortunately, many families in our area are facing wait times of up to two or three years for developmental evaluations and diagnosis.
To address this urgent need, Valley Medical Group offers an Expedited Autism Diagnostic Clinic — a specialized diagnostic clinic dedicated to timely autism screening for young children.
What Is the Expedited Autism Diagnostic Clinic?
Valley’s Expedited Autism Diagnostic Clinic is designed specifically to evaluate whether a child meets criteria for an ASD diagnosis. This clinic streamlines the diagnostic process, ensuring that families receive answers sooner and can begin accessing services that support their child’s development at home and in school.
Who Is Eligible?
This program is intended for:
- Children 24 – 48 months of age
- Children whose pediatric primary care clinician identifies signs of ASD
How Do I Sign Up?
A referral from your child’s pediatric clinician is required.
Your pediatrician will complete and submit a referral form that includes key information about your child.
Valley’s social work team will contact your family directly to discuss next steps and schedule an evaluation appointment.
Benefits of Early Diagnosis of Autism
Early identification of ASD leads to earlier access to critical interventions. Research shows that early intervention can significantly improve developmental outcomes for children with autism.
Importantly, to qualify for many insurance-covered services and support through school systems, a formal diagnosis by a neurologist or developmental pediatrician is required. Our clinic helps families obtain that diagnosis, when appropriate, and provides the necessary documentation and recommendations to their child’s pediatrician.
How Is This Different from a General Developmental Evaluation?
Unlike an in-depth developmental evaluation, broad developmental screenings, the Expedited Autism Diagnostic Clinic offers a focused assessment specifically for ASD.
After the evaluation:
- Documentation and recommendations will be shared with both the family and the referring pediatrician.
- Ongoing management and care of the child will continue with the primary care clinician.
Next Steps
If you are concerned about your child’s development, talk to your child’s doctor about a referral to Valley’s Expedited Autism Diagnostic Clinic.
