Preparing Your Child with Autism for Holiday Gatherings: ABA Strategies for Family Events

It’s natural to be concerned about your child’s development. If your son or daughter is not making eye contact the way other kids do, or if they don’t always respond to their name, worry may be setting in. You’re not alone in your concerns, and your desire to get answers is justified. The good news is that more information is available than ever before.

Autism Symptoms to Look for in Young Children

The first and most important sign is your own observations about your child’s development. While every child grows and learns at their own pace, there are red flags that a developmental evaluation from a specialist is warranted. For some children, early signs of autism can emerge as young as six months of age, though for many children symptoms are not noticeable until between six months and three years of age.

In infants and toddlers, signs to watch for include limited or absent eye contact when engaging with you, lack of pointing to objects to show interest, limited social smiling, delayed speech development, and absence of gestures such as waving or shaking their head to communicate.

Between 18 months and two years of age, developmental differences may become more noticeable, including avoiding or not pointing to share interesting sights with you, pointing only to have something retrieved rather than to share joy.

These signs do not confirm autism on their own, but they are a good reason to have a professional evaluation conducted so that you can get some helpful answers.

How to Get an Autism Evaluation for Your Child

The first place to start the diagnostic process is with your child’s pediatrician. Primary care providers screen children at 18 months and 24-30 months of age by having parents fill out a questionnaire of autism symptoms. Pediatricians then refer children to a specialist if there are any concerns.

Licensed clinical psychologists, clinical social workers with autism evaluation experience, developmental pediatricians, child psychiatrists, and pediatricians with specialized training can make an autism diagnosis in Utah.

Autism evaluations typically take place over multiple sessions with clinicians administering the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, the Social Responsiveness Scale, the Sensory Profile, and cognitive assessments. Following the evaluation, parents receive a detailed report with assessment data and observed symptoms, including a diagnosis if warranted, and recommended next steps.

Finding Providers and Reducing Wait Times

Average wait times to schedule an appointment with a clinic for autism testing in Utah vary from approximately three to four weeks, depending on the time of year and clinic. The University of Utah’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic provides evaluations for people of all ages at (801) 587-8020. You also have access to providers like us at Kuska Autism Services, which offers autism evaluations at our locations in Bountiful and Draper, as well as other private practice psychologists and developmental specialists across the Wasatch Front in Herriman, Riverton, and surrounding areas.

To reduce waiting time, call multiple providers to compare availability. Many Utah insurance companies, including Medicaid, require an ASD diagnosis that includes an ADOS assessment to approve coverage of ABA therapy, so asking about testing requirements when scheduling can save time later.

Insurance Coverage for Autism Services in Utah

Utah has excellent insurance coverage for families navigating the diagnosis process. Autism spectrum disorder related services are covered for all eligible Medicaid members, regardless of age with a diagnosis of ASD. As of July 1, 2023, adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders are no longer excluded from accessing ABA therapy services under Utah Medicaid.

Utah’s autism insurance law also requires individual plans and fully insured large group plans to cover ASD diagnosis and treatments including ABA therapy, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, with no cap on coverage. Private pay evaluation costs typically range from $750 to $1,000, depending on the provider.

Verify your specific insurance coverage details with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment as coverage varies by company.

Help Available After Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis

The diagnostic process is the beginning of your child’s journey, not the end. The evaluation report will include specific recommendations for your child, including referrals to therapies and information about early intervention programs.

It’s important for your child’s intervention plan to be individualized based on their natural interests and what naturally motivates them. Effective therapy programs build on what already captures your child’s attention and work with their natural tendencies. When therapists are following the child’s lead, that is where the most progress is made.

Most Utah ABA providers, including us at Kuska Autism Services with our board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) in Bountiful and Draper, offer flexible hours including early morning, evening, and weekend appointments to help you work therapy into your schedule alongside other family responsibilities.

Autism Diagnosis in Adults

As awareness has grown that autism is a lifelong condition, access to adult diagnostic services in Utah has also improved. Adults can learn more about whether they have ASD by contacting their primary care provider or going to the University of Utah’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic.

Adult diagnosis is more common than you might think, with many parents recognizing they have the same symptoms after their child is diagnosed. Several Utah clinics now offer adult autism evaluations in person or via telehealth using a thorough approach that addresses co-occurring conditions. Adult autism diagnosis provides validation, explains lifelong challenges, and allows individuals to access workplace accommodations and support services.

Advocating for Your Child

Your journey with your child is unique, and your concerns have brought you here. Research continues to show that the earlier you start early intervention, the more impact it has on your child’s development. Children who receive early support go on to develop stronger communication skills, have more meaningful relationships, and gain more independence.

Your child is the same child they were before this diagnosis–wonderful, unique, and full of potential. A diagnosis just provides a map to help everyone understand how to best support them in reaching their potential.

Autism Diagnosis in Utah FAQ

What are the early signs of autism in toddlers?

Limited or absent eye contact, not responding to their name, delayed speech development, limited social smiling, and not pointing to share interests. Some toddlers engage in unusually intense and specific interests, or show more interest in objects than people. If you notice several of these signs, scheduling an evaluation with a qualified professional is helpful for clarity.

How long does an autism diagnosis take in Utah?

It takes about three to four weeks on average to schedule an appointment. The assessment itself typically occurs over several sessions spread out over a few weeks. Total time from making initial contact to receiving your diagnostic report usually takes one to three months, depending on provider availability and assessment complexity.

Is autism diagnosis covered by insurance in Utah?

Yes, autism spectrum disorder services are covered for all eligible Medicaid members with a diagnosis of ASD, regardless of age. Utah’s autism insurance law also requires individual plans and fully insured large group plans to cover ASD diagnosis with no cap on coverage. Check your specific coverage details with your insurance company as they vary by plan.

What support is available after an autism diagnosis?

Utah provides early intervention services through the Baby Watch Early Intervention Program for children up to 3 years of age. The University of Utah’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic also offers behavioral consultations, therapy, and help developing home behavior plans. Providers like us at Kuska Autism Services offer ABA therapy with board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) at our Bountiful and Draper locations. Services typically include ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills development. The Autism Council of Utah connects families to community resources and support groups around the state.

Can adults get diagnosed with autism in Utah?

Yes, adults can get autism evaluations by contacting their primary care provider or visiting a specialized clinic like the University of Utah’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic. It’s more common to diagnose someone with ASD as an adult than you might think. Several Utah providers offer adult autism evaluations in person or via telehealth using a comprehensive approach that addresses co-occurring conditions. Adult autism diagnosis provides validation, explains lifelong challenges, and allows individuals to access workplace accommodations and support se