Who can diagnose autism?

While your pediatrician may provide a screening for autism and/or other disorders, they should not provide a diagnosis. A referral to a specialist should be made if a screening shows signs that a disorder may be present. Below are some of the providers who are able to provide a formal diagnosis:

• Clinical child psychologist
• Developmental psychologist
• Pediatric neuropsychologist
• Pediatric psychiatrist
• Pediatric neurologist
• Developmental pediatrician

Speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, school professionals, and others may contribute to the evaluation for the diagnosis, but they are not qualified to provide a holistic diagnosis.

For more information, see our article Diagnosing Autism.