Diagnosis and Assessment – Autism Calgary

Autism Diagnosis options for Children (0-18 yrs)

Pursuing a screen and diagnosis for ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) for your child can be obtained in a variety of ways:

The most common is a referral from your family doctor to the Child Development Services (CDS) : You will be referred here for an assessment and potential diagnosis. We would encourage parents to attach their own observations with the doctor’s referral for a more thorough referral to the CDS. The process typically includes a waiting period of several months, but the timing varies depending on demand. When your family has gone through the process, you can expect to come out with an assessment (s) and a letter of diagnosis, plus some orientation sessions for the parents guiding them to additional services. This service is covered by the provincial health plan.

Website: http://fcrc.albertahealthservices.ca/professional/cds/

Phone: (403) 955-5990

Your family doctor can also refer you to a developmental pediatrician. From these medical doctors, you can expect a letter of diagnosis only if the doctor feels they have the experience and expertise to do so. Pediatricians who do diagnose, typically provide a letter of diagnosis, but they usually do provide extensive assessments. In other words, the documentation you would receive as parent would be solid, but not extensive. CLICK for the list of pediatricians with ASD experience. This service is covered by Alberta’s provincial health plan.

Your family doctor can also refer you to a pediatric psychiatrist with expertise in ASD. These medical doctors can also diagnose autism. Again, these medical doctors can provide a letter of diagnosis but typically extensive assessments are not provided. This service is covered by our provincial health plan.

A private assessment for autism can be obtained from a Registered Psychologist. This process is often much faster, but also more expensive. Typically, you can expect a diagnosis and an extensive psychological, sometimes a psycho-educational, report. Generally, the cost is $1000 and up. CLICK for our list of psychologists (there are many more to choose from in the city) . This service would be paid out of pocket or with your extended employment health care benefits and is not covered by the provincial health plan.