Autism Screening & Diagnosis

Autism Testing at Potomac Pediatrics

otomac Pediatrics is proud to offer Autism screening and diagnostic testing in our office! With increasingly lengthy wait times to see a Developmental Pediatrician and other Autism professionals, we felt this was imperative to help families make a timely diagnosis and access important autism-specific resources to help their child’s growth and development

We have long screened all 18 and 24 month olds for Autism at their Well Child Exams using the MCHAT screening tool. We now offer an additional second level screening test called the RITA-T (for children 18 months up to 3 years old) and a diagnostic test called the CARS-2 (for children 2 – 5 years old).

We hope to help as many families as we can but there are limitations to our diagnostic testing capabilities and it may not be right for every patient. We encourage you to talk with your pediatrician before making an Autism Screening/Diagnostic appointment to make sure it is right for your child.

Autism Screening Tests

RITA-T (Rapid Interactive Screening Test for Autism)

The RITA-T is a Level 2 screening test for Autism. If any concerns for Autism are identified on the MCHAT or from your provider’s evaluation, they may recommend this test. The results of this test will place your child into a low-risk, medium-risk, or high-risk category for Autism and help tailor next steps and recommendations. As a screening test, the RITA-T cannot make an official diagnosis of Autism Spectrum disorder.

This testing is approved for children 18 months to 2.99 years old.

Testing is conducted in the office during a 1 hour visit with Dr. Atwood. A series of play-based activities are administered to observe and assess your child’s response.

Testing is covered by insurance.

Autism Diagnostic testing

CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale)

This CARS-2 is a diagnostic test for autism. This means it can make a diagnosis of Autism. This test is best when your Pediatrician has a high level of concern for Autism.

CARS-2 is validated for children 2 years – 5.99 years. It is a series of observational tests looking at how children interact with the examiner and participate with a series of play based activities. It also considers parent input and evaluations at home.

Testing is conducted in the office during 1 hour visit with Dr. Atwood. Results are discussed during a subsequent 30 minute televisit where she will also discuss available resources, next steps, and other recommendations to support your child.

Testing is covered by most insurance companies and should satisfy insurance requirements to cover specialized Autism services – though this is insurance dependent and not a guarantee.

Which test is right for my child?

We recommend making an appointment with your pediatrician to discuss which testing is right for your child. Testing recommendations will vary based on your child’s age, the degree of concern for Autism, and the services or resources your child may need.

Make an appointment

Call the office at 301-279-6750

Questions?

301-279-6750

15204 Omega Drive