Many parents believe their child has autism once the school psychologist conducts assessments and concludes their child has autism. Once this happens their child will be eligible to receive special education under the disability category of autism. If the parent agrees to accept special education services for their child the school team will write an Individualized Educational Program (IEP). However, what many parents do not know is that an educational diagnosis is not considered a clinical diagnosis. In fact, a child could have an educational diagnosis of learning disability, while having a clinical diagnosis of autism. 

Most insurance companies require a clinical diagnosis before they will authorize payment for treatment. Many parents have a difficult time finding a qualified, licensed mental health provider who can assess their child for a clinical diagnosis. Waiting times for an assessment appointment are often as long as a year or more. However, ABAI staffs a licensed psychologist who specializes in diagnosing autism. While our psychologist does not perform a full developmental evaluation, they will administer one, or more, standardized assessment instruments to diagnose autism. If during the one-hour appointment they find your child meets the criteria for a clinical diagnosis, they will complete a certification of diagnosis that will be accepted by any insurance company in Nevada.