Diagnosis and next steps
The words get used interchangeably and they are not the same thing. Here is what each one is, roughly what order they happen in, and what you can do at every stage.
What each word means
- Diagnosis
- A qualified clinician identifies autism. It is usually made by a developmental pediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist, often after a formal evaluation. Some states and payers also accept a diagnosis from other licensed professionals.
- Evaluation
- The assessment process behind a diagnosis, or the ongoing assessment a provider uses to understand your child's strengths and support needs. Evaluations vary in length and wait time. Some families wait months for a diagnostic evaluation; some payers cover services while it is underway.
- Treatment authorization
- A payer's approval to pay for therapy, based on the prescription or treatment plan a qualified professional writes. Prescribed hours vary by the child's assessed needs; there is no universal number of hours that fits every child.
What to do right now
- Check coverage where you live. Our state-by-state guides show the autism insurance mandate, Medicaid ABA coverage and named payers, each with its sources and how sure we are.
- Tell us what you are looking for. The family journey takes a few minutes and nothing about it needs a diagnosis.
- If a diagnostic evaluation is the next step, your pediatrician can refer you. Doctors and referral offices can read how MeetAllo works for referrers.
What MeetAllo does not do
- We do not diagnose, evaluate or prescribe. A qualified professional does that.
- We do not promise that therapy starts on any date. The practice handles assessment, authorization and scheduling.
- We do not decide whether any therapy, including ABA, is right for your child. That is a decision for you with your clinicians.
Choose your child's BT in minutes.
Looking for rules in a specific state? Start with the state guides (51 jurisdictions, sourced and dated).