At Cooper University Health Care, we understand the challenges that come with navigating an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Our dedicated experts at the Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper provide comprehensive diagnostic services for children across South Jersey and the Delaware Valley, helping families find the answers they need.
At Cooper, we’re committed to being a trusted partner for families throughout their ASD journey. From initial evaluations to referrals for therapy and school-based resources, we strive to empower families with the tools and support they need to help their children thrive.
Why Choose Cooper for Your Child’s ASD Evaluation
When your child is evaluated for ASD at Cooper, they will benefit from the expertise of our compassionate and highly trained team, which includes board-certified child neurologists and certified pediatric nurse practitioners. Our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach ensures that your child receives tailored, supportive care designed to meet their unique needs in a welcoming and family-centered environment.
What to Expect During an ASD Evaluation
Our evaluation process is thorough and personalized, typically taking place over one or two visits depending on your child’s specific needs. Each evaluation includes:
- A detailed medical and developmental history
- A comprehensive physical exam, including developmental and neurological assessments
- General developmental screenings
- Administration of the DSM-5 criteria for ASD diagnosis
- Review of past medical or educational records (if available)
- Laboratory testing, such as metabolic or genetic assessments (if indicated)
- Neuroimaging studies (if clinically appropriate)
- Referrals to regional support services, including speech and behavioral therapy
To provide the most accurate and thorough evaluations, we also use specialized ASD-specific screening tools, such as:
- The Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-3 (GARS-3)
- The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)
If your child meets the criteria for an ASD diagnosis, you will receive detailed documentation and guidance to help you access the resources and support you and your child need.
Comprehensive Support for Patients and Families
After completing your child’s ASD evaluation, our team will meet with your family to review the results in detail. We will provide tailored recommendations to address your child’s developmental and behavioral needs and share information about appropriate resources and services to support their growth and well-being.
While Cooper specializes in diagnostic services, please note that we do not currently provide follow-up or long-term care for children with ASD. For patients whose evaluations do not fully meet the DSM-5 criteria for an ASD diagnosis, additional testing – such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) – may be needed. If ADOS testing is recommended we will guide you toward appropriate providers or resources to ensure your child receives the support they need.
Contact Us
To learn more about Cooper’s ASD services, to schedule an appointment with a Cooper specialist or to refer a patient, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).