You would start by asking your pediatrician for a referral to a developmental pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, or child psychiatrist for an evaluation. You need a diagnosis from a M.D. to get ABA through your health insurance (if you live in a state with a mandate) or to try to get on the Medicaid waiver so they pick up the tab for ABA. You can also get the ball rolling on requesting an IEP evaluation through your local school district but you're more likely to be successful in getting services if you go into the IEP eligibility meeting with an independent medical diagnosis.

We did a 3 day fast of all dairy & saw such immediate improvement in eye contact that we went dairy free and gluten free too, which after 4 months has resulted in a huge improvement in her speech, balance and she has way fewer meltdowns. Her 2 therapists EI & OT were shocked by the dramatic & broad range of improvements in the first 3 months. They said they know it's not from the therapies that they are doing - LOL. She also seems to be super sensitive to food colorings. They trigger major meltdowns - especially RED which is in non-organic chocolate and a lot of produce (apples, oranges, carrots) and most pre-packaged foods. I am taking some cooking classes to learn how to make more food from scratch so I can improve her nutrition and eliminate all trigger foods. My goal is to move her to the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, but she won't eat soups, most meats and certain textures in foods, so we are going to need to get creative with some recipes.

Hi Seahawks21, start here first, check out this link. http://www.featwa.org/ I wouldn't advise to go through a pediatrician, because they'll talk you out of it. Go with your gut instinct and get your boy evaluated. I also read on this website about a preschool that's starting, check it out. FYI, I don't live WA, I reside in Los Angeles, CA. Good luck on your research. By the way, my boy is 15yrs, and I've gone through a lot, so feel free to ask questions.

Hello there. Breath. I know you are overwhelmed. I am so happy you found us here. This website is amazing at helping. From my experience, I took my son to a Neurologist who asked him and me a lot of questions. My son was 6 at the time. He diagnosed him with Aspergers. It is very overwhelming to say the least. But, fortunately people have come a long way since my sons diagnosis. A lot of movies and tv shows even have characters in the spectrum.I am so happy to hear your family is very supportive. You will need them in the coming years. But do not panic. I did. I thought "why why why?" I cried and then my husband gave me one day to cry and then that was it. He said "you have one day Maria. Then you have to be there for Tristen." I never ever ever forgot those words. I also realized he is still the son I had before the diagnosis. He just learns differently that's all. Regarding ABA therapy I thought this was just therapy for children with behavioral problem but it is so much more than that. They come to you or you go to their office they ask you questions then evaluate your child. They then prepare a whole behavioral plan for the child. But it is a plan that for our son helped him learn to cut with scissors, worked on organizational skills, homework, even taught my son to ride his bike which I could not do. He did not like it. He hated ABA therapy only because he wanted to just go home and relax after school instead of working an extra 2 hours. But I am very glad we did it. ABA therapy is covered by many insurance companies these days. Unfortunately there are many more who do not cover it. My insurance is AVMED and they cover it. That is the only therapy they cover actually. My son is also in Social Skills therapy which we pay for. He loves it because he basically gets together with other kids like him and plays. The therapist is in the room and encourages social interaction and corrects any issues that may come up. Sorry I am all over the place here. The diagnosis with the Neurologist was covered by my insurance. If you want an extenive psychological evaluation I am not sure if that is covered. My son's school is a public so it is free. Here in Florida by law anyone with any kind of "disability" or ADHD, etc. has to have an IEP> (individual education plan). THis means twice a year you meet with the principal, school psychologist, special ed counselor and his teachers and they go over what your child needs on a daily basis to help them learn. I guess that is how I'd say it. THey may need more time while taking test, they may need the homework written down for them, may need an aide, etc. Some schools also offer speach therapy if the child needs it. Which would be great because then you do not have to pay for a private one. I apologize I went on and on. I hope I helped at least a little. Also, regarding your wife not wanting to face the fact your child needs a bit of help, I had a hard time too. It took me a year.

my sons ABA provider uses the Denver model which is WAY more play based and natural than traditional ABA. IT has really worked wonders! My son also spoke late which we have pretty much realized was more a symptom of a sensory processing disorder with motor planning delays. he has received lots of speech therapy and as he became easier to understand (before just sounded like babble) and has practiced talking with ABA interventionists he has actually become VERY verbal which I never thought I would say!
Consider having your son assessed for sensory issues with a qualified OT who specializes in them. So many of my sons behaviors have improved dramatically since receiving O/T and undergoing an intense sensory diet at home.