Autism is a complex diagnosis because it can affect a child in many ways, including their personality, behaviors, ability or inability to communicate with others, their social skills and how they perceive the world around them. When you suspect or notice changes in your child, consult your child’s ediatrician. If your doctor feels as though the child needs further evaluating, they may refer you to a Clinical Psychologist and a Pediatric Therapy Clinic. The Clinical Psychologist will first visit with the child and the child’s family. If they feel that here is a need for further evaluation, she will involve the “Autism Team”. Children’s Therapy Services (CTS) believes that the best and most effective way to evaluate a child with Autism is through a Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Team Approach. This type of approach helps parents understand as much as possible about their child’s strengths and needs. CTS believes that the child and the child’s family should be fully engaged in the process. This is the best way to assist a child with an Autism diagnosis. Our Autism Team is made up of a Special Educator who observes comprehension, a Speech and Language Pathologist who will assess how the child chooses to communicate, an Occupational Therapist observing motor skills, a Physical Therapist assessing strength and of course, the Clinical Psychologist. These professionals will gauge your child through the “lens” of their expertise. After all the evaluations have tbeen done, the Autism Team is able to come together and discuss their findings, determining the best steps to take next. They work very closely with the family to provide education about the diagnoses an provide the family with numerous resources to assist both the child and the family.