Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder

CADD is an Approved Autism Evaluation Center (AAEC)

At the Henry Ford Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) we provide interdisciplinary diagnostic evaluations. We assess each person and establish or rule out a diagnosis of ASD. We can also diagnose other developmental disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), communication disorder and other behavioral health disorders.

What happens at the diagnostic session?

Each patient is evaluated through a parent interview, direct observations, virtual physical examinations, and diagnostic tools. The evaluation team reviews the patient’s medical records and reports from the patient’s school. The specific team composition for the diagnostic evaluation is selected depending on the patient’s age and symptoms. Your team may include the following providers:

• Pediatrics
• Speech Pathology
• Psychiatry
• Neuropsychology/Psychology

How is the diagnostic evaluation different at CADD?

Our diagnostic appointment is a one-day, multidisciplinary virtual evaluation, followed by a virtual feedback appointment within 1-2 weeks after the diagnostic day.

What happens at the feedback appointment?

1-2 weeks after the diagnostic appointment is completed, the patient/family meets for a virtual feedback appointment with one of the providers to:

• Share the diagnostic team’s results
• Offer comprehensive treatment recommendations and resources
• Address patient/family questions and concerns
• Provide clear directions of next steps

Frequently asked questions

Where are diagnostic appointments offered?

Diagnostic appointments are only done virtually. We currently are not offering in-person appointments. For information about virtual diagnostic appointments, please call (313) 972-9009.

Is a virtual ASD evaluation as good as an in-person evaluation?

We have extensively evaluated this approach to ASD diagnosis. Based on outcome data comparing in person and virtual evaluation, the virtual ASD evaluation was found to be accurate and reliable. Significant advantages of our virtual autism diagnostic evaluation:

• The ability to observe the patient’s typical behaviors, interactions, and
  communication in their most natural and comfortable environment
• Improve patient convenience
• Increase geographic access
• Improve equity in ASD diagnosis
• Decrease wait time
  

What is the wait time for a diagnostic appointment?

The wait time varies. For more information, please call (313) 972-9009 and speak with the scheduling coordinator.