Home > Navigating Autism Assessment > Parents/Guardians: Is My Child Autistic?

Possible Outcomes

Keep in mind that the purpose of an autism evaluation is more than just to determine if the characteristics of autism are present. Regardless of the answer to that question, a good evaluation will collect information about the individual and provide a better understanding of who they are and what they need. 

Regarding the diagnosis, the possible outcomes fall into three broad categories: 

  • Autism is diagnosed. 
  • Autism is NOT diagnosed. 
    • It may be that no diagnosis or condition is identified or indicated. At times some characteristics of other conditions or diagnoses are recognized during the evaluation. If this is the case, it may be appropriate for the professional to provide diagnoses other than autism. Alternatively, they may refer the child for further assessment to consider the possibility of other conditions. 
  • The decision is deferred. Sometimes the outcome of an autism evaluation is unclear. It may be that temporary factors such as a recent significant change in the child’s environment (divorce, death of a family member, a move) prevent gaining a clear picture of the child’s characteristics and needs. It may be that the evaluators believe that developmental factors are clouding a clear understanding of the child. In these situations, the recommendation to assess again later is usually made. 

Parents of young children should be aware that in some communities an unhelpful norm or tradition has been established. This tradition is sometimes reflected in phrases such as “give them some time” or “wait and see.” In general, this is NOT a helpful approach.   

For many children, autism can be reliably recognized or diagnosed by the age of 18 months. As a matter of fact, characteristics of autism are often apparent within the first 6 months of life. The average age of diagnosis in the United States is around the age of 4. 

There may be good reasons to defer a diagnosis and to seek a later re-assessment for autism; however, in the spirit of advocating for your child it may be helpful to ask if there are specific reasons or concerns that make deferring the diagnostic decision necessary.  If it appears that the professional is recommending “wait and see” because this tends to be a common practice in their community, consider seeking another professional opinion.