Autism Diagnostic Assessments

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has local Autism Programs throughout the province that offer or facilitate autism assessments. For more information on the assessment process in your area, contact your local Autism Program.

There are other autism diagnostic options in Saskatchewan. Some pediatricians, psychiatrists, family medicine specialists and private psychologists provide autism diagnostic assessments. Check with your provider to see if autism diagnostic assessments services are available.

If you require additional support exploring assessment options, contact Autism Navigation.

What to Expect

An autism diagnostic assessment is an evaluation to determine if a person meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The assessment process varies depending on the age and needs of your child, as well as the professional or team providing the assessment.

The Team

Physicians, nurse practitioners and psychologists are licensed to diagnose autism in Saskatchewan. Depending on the needs of your child, the assessment may be completed by a single provider or with a team of supporting professionals. Supporting professionals will either join the diagnostic assessment or provide information to the diagnostician. The supporting professionals may include: 

• Autism Consultant
• Occupational Therapist (OT)
• Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP)
• Social Worker (SW)
• Psychologist/Psychometrist

The Process

An autism assessment involves watching how your child plays, communicates, interacts, and from hearing your child’s story. Information is gathered to determine if your child’s unique way of growing and learning meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis.

Your assessment may happen over one or more appointments and may include:

• Interview
• Talking and playing with your child
• Questionnaires
• Autism specific tests
• Evaluations of your child’s thinking, reasoning, learning, language and or motor skills
• Interviews with other professionals who know your child

How to Prepare

Think of examples that made you wonder about autism.

Record short videos. Sharing a video can help professionals understand your child.

Collect important documents that provide insight into your child.

What questions do you have for the assessment provider or team?

Reflect on the following: 

• What makes your child happy and what makes them upset?
• How does your child play and have fun?
• How does your child understand and tell people what they want or need?

If you have concerns about your child’s hearing, arrange to have their hearing tested: Hearing Services in Saskatchewan

While Waiting

Parenting a child who is developing differently and waiting for help can be overwhelming. While you wait for your child’s autism assessment, learn more about autism and start building a support network. During this time, start exploring resources close to your home.

Things you can do now:

• Connect with your local Autism Program. Some programs provide consultation or therapy support while you wait.
• Find out where your child was referred for autism assessment and call to make sure they are on the wait list. It is ok to ask how long you should expect to wait, although wait times can change.
• Get started with services that might help now, whether your child is autistic or not. Both public and private services have waiting lists, and getting on a list early is better.