How to Get an Autism Diagnosis: What to Expect at a Pediatric Neurologist

If you are a parent wondering whether your child may be on the autism spectrum, you are not alone. And you are not overreacting. Many families start this process with a quiet question they have been carrying around for a while: How do I even get an autism diagnosis?

At Brainchild Neurology, we talk with families every day who are navigating this exact moment. This post walks through how autism evaluations work at a pediatric neurologist, what makes this type of evaluation different, and what you can realistically expect from the process.

When Parents Start Looking for an Autism Diagnosis

Parents come to us for many different reasons. Sometimes a pediatrician or teacher has raised a concern. Other times, nothing official has been said, but something just feels off.

Common concerns we hear include:

• Delayed speech or language development

• Limited eye contact or difficulty with social interaction

• Repetitive behaviors or very intense interests

• Sensory sensitivities to sound, clothing, food, or transitions

• Big emotional reactions, rigidity, or trouble with flexibility
  

Often parents worry they are reading too much into things or that they waited too long to ask. We hear that a lot. In reality, noticing patterns and asking questions is exactly how this process is supposed to start.

Who Can Diagnose Autism?

Autism can be diagnosed by several different types of providers, including:

• Pediatric neurologists

• Developmental pediatricians

• Child psychologists or neuropsychologists
  

A pediatric neurologist focuses on how a child’s brain develops and functions over time. That includes communication, attention, learning, motor skills, and regulation. This perspective can be especially helpful when a child’s profile does not fit neatly into one box or when multiple things are going on at once.

What Is an Autism Evaluation at a Pediatric Neurologist?

An autism diagnosis is not based on one test, one checklist, or one short visit. At Brainchild, the goal is to understand your child as a whole person, not to rush toward a label.

1. A detailed developmental history

We spend time talking with you about your child’s early development, communication, behavior, medical history, and daily life. Parents often tell us this is the first time they have really been able to tell the whole story without feeling rushed. That context matters.

2. Direct observation and interaction

Your child is observed in a calm, supportive setting. We look at how they communicate, play, handle transitions, and respond to social interaction and sensory input. This is not about catching mistakes. It is about understanding patterns.

3. Neurological and developmental assessment

A pediatric neurologist evaluates how your child’s brain development may be influencing behavior, learning, attention, or emotional regulation. This also helps make sure nothing else is being missed.

4. Collaboration when helpful

If your child already works with therapists or has school reports, we review those too. Autism evaluations often make the most sense when we look at the full picture together.

Is a Pediatric Neurologist Enough for an Autism Diagnosis?

Yes. A pediatric neurologist can provide a formal autism diagnosis that is accepted for:

• School services such as IEPs and 504 plans

• Therapy services like speech and occupational therapy

• Medical and insurance documentation
  

Sometimes additional testing is recommended, and sometimes it is not. Our goal is not to send families down an endless evaluation path. It is to give you what you need to move forward with clarity.

What Happens After an Autism Diagnosis?

For many families, the diagnosis itself brings a surprising amount of relief.

After an autism diagnosis, families usually receive:

• A clear explanation of their child’s strengths and challenges

• Written documentation for school and therapy providers

• Thoughtful guidance about supports that may actually help

• Help figuring out next steps without pressure or overwhelm

• Specific recommendations for therapies and suggestions of therapists who would be a good match for the child
  

We do not believe in rushing families or handing over a generic list of recommendations. Understanding comes first. Support follows.

Do You Need a Referral?

No. Families can self-refer for an autism evaluation at Brainchild Neurology. You do not need a pediatrician referral to schedule an appointment with us, here at Brainchild Neurology.

For many families, this makes it easier to get answers sooner instead of waiting months while concerns continue to grow.

Getting an Autism Diagnosis Does Not Have to Be Overwhelming

If you are looking for answers about autism, you are already doing something important for your child. Many parents come in worried that they waited too long or that they are making something bigger than it needs to be. What we usually tell them is simple: you are here because you are paying attention.

A thoughtful evaluation can bring clarity. It can bring relief. Sometimes it brings a deep exhale you did not realize you were holding.

At Brainchild Neurology, our focus is on helping families understand their child and feel supported, not rushed, judged, or pushed in any direction.

Interested in making an appointment? Visit our Appointment Request Page.