What to do While you Wait?

If your child is referred for further evaluation by a specialist, it may be several months (or in some places, over a year) before your child is seen for an evaluation. Early intervention is very important, and your child can start receiving support services and interventions, even without a formal medical diagnosis. Your child’s pediatrician can provide prescriptions for outpatient therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and/or physical therapy.

If your child is under 3 years old, he or she can receive a free evaluation and in-home therapy services through your state’s Early Intervention program. In West Virginia, the Early Intervention program is called Birth to Three. Your child does not need a referral from a medical provider, and parents/caregivers can call WV Birth to Three to request an evaluation. Some counties also have psychologists available who can do evaluations for Autism and provide a diagnosis.

Resources:

  • WV Birth to Three
  • Your County Board of Education
    • If your child is 3 or older, you can contact your county’s Board of Education (BOE) to ask for an evaluation for your child to receive therapies and other early pre-k services through the local school system. Your child does not need a diagnosis of Autism to receive an evaluation through the school.