People diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often need special care and attention. In most cases, they may have to visit an autism specialist—a doctor who is trained to provide special support for children and adults with autism. An autism expert may work with patients in school settings, organize therapy sessions, and provide other services as needed. While the country has several autism specialists, choosing the right practitioner is important.

Conduct an online search
The easiest way to find an autism specialist is with an online search. Terms like “autism specialist near me” and “certified autism specialist nearby” will help find relevant results. That said, one should not blindly choose any healthcare practitioner whose name first appears online. Patients and caregivers must go through these search results to find a specialist that aligns with their support requirements.

Look for board-certified professionals
It’s important to look for autism specialists who are board-certified. A board certification ensures the physician has completed the required training to care for autism patients and has a license to practice. Directories like the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) can be used to verify a doctor’s board certification. These platforms help people verify the specialist’s education, history, and other important details.

Look for relevant experience
In addition to board certification, the specialist should have experience handling autism cases. Healthcare practitioners who have published work regarding ASD and have been involved in ASD research for many years should be prioritized over those who have just started their practice.

Read reviews
Many autism specialists and clinics have websites which help patients find them easily. In most cases, these websites talk about the services provided by the clinic and their track record in handling autism cases. The websites also have a dedicated section where patients can review and rate the clinic or the practicing expert based on their sessions’ outcomes. People looking for autism specialists can visit this review section to know whether a doctor or clinic is right for them. Even if there are negative reviews on the website, as a potential client, one can check if the expert has taken steps to resolve the issues and improve shortcomings.

Ask around
Another way to find a good autism specialist nearby is to ask family, friends, or colleagues for recommendations. It is possible that they might have availed the services of an autism expert in the past and thus be able to share their experience about the same. Personal insights from one’s close contacts can be more helpful when signing up with an autism professional.

Get referrals
Speaking to family, friends, or colleagues might not always work. In this case, a primary care physician is the best person to check with. One’s primary care physician may have contacts with several experts, including those specializing in autism. That said, it is crucial to communicate clearly when requesting referrals from a primary care physician. During the appointment, one must share observations and insights about the child’s behavior and developmental concerns. A primary care physician usually has an extensive network of specialists that can be used to narrow down the search.

Consider location
The location of the autism expert is another factor that influences the selection process. Traveling far away for a diagnosis and therapy sessions can be really frustrating in the long term. That’s why one should look for a specialist who has a clinic in the vicinity . Visiting a doctor who has a practice nearby can help save time. If someone has no option but to visit a specialist who is far away, they should check whether public transport is available along the route. Using the train or bus service can significantly reduce costs that would be otherwise incurred by taking private transport.

Look for digital communication
Digital communication via email and video conferencing has become the norm in healthcare. These days, many experts assist autism patients remotely, so one can approach the best autism specialists across the globe. It also allows caregivers to explore a multitude of therapy and support options to manage ASD.

Inquire about the cost
Cost is an essential factor when selecting an autism specialist. The average cost for an evaluation ranges from $1,200 to $3,000 (without insurance), but it can increase to $5,000 for a comprehensive checkup. Each expert may charge a different amount based on multiple factors, including professional expertise and credentials. The fees may also change depending on the assessment tools and materials used during the evaluation process. Other factors that influence the costs include the case’s complexity and the clinic’s location. Understanding the approximate cost will help pick an autism expert without exceeding the budget.

Consider experts who accept insurance
Since budget is a crucial factor, it helps to choose an expert who accepts insurance. Getting most costs covered under insurance can help ease out-of-pocket expenses. Before choosing an autism expert, one can contact the insurance company to find out about in-network providers. I nsurance often covers most of the cost of hiring and working with an autism specialist, but not all of it. Additional costs like deductibles, co-pays, and other associated fees may not be covered. One must check what must be paid out-of-pocket before making an appointment with the expert.