DBP Referrals and Process FAQ
We are a multidisciplinary group that includes Developmental and Behavioral pediatricians, child psychologists, social work, and a nurse practitioner. We provide developmental and behavioral evaluations for autism, developmental and cognitive delays, and other concerns.
If your child is a new patient, we usually recommend that both caregivers are present to the initial visit. Bring any testing that has been completed by early intervention or school system or any other testing that was completed. Bring your child IEP if they have one. Always make copies as we like to keep those documents to include in your child’s final report. And, of course, don’t forget to bring your child, unless you were told not to bring them in.
Depending on what clinic your child is being evaluated by, you may have one to three visits. In the regular clinics, we typically gather developmental and medical history, observe play and then complete developmental testing. Testing can happen in the first or second visit. We usually schedule a separate visit for review of testing, and counseling about diagnoses and recommendations.
In the specialty clinics, visits are tailored to concerns and either counseling is started, or testing is completed with counseling as well. Refer to each clinic for full description.
No, we do not provide consultations for medications. Your primary care physician needs to refer you to a specialist or a psychopharmacologist for this.
No, we do not do neuropsychological testing. Your primary care physician can refer you to a neuropsychologist if this is what your child needs.
Yes, you will receive a comprehensive report that summarizes your child’s presentation, concerns, testing, diagnoses and recommendations for treatment. Expect two to three weeks for the report to be mailed to you. We provide letters for diagnosis at the visit when this is needed to begin services. You can also sign up for myChart, which will allow you to read your child’s visit once it has been completed by the clinician.
ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) is an intensive behavioral treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder. We do not provide ABA treatment; however, we usually would recommend ABA and provide you with a list of local therapists to contact.
We ask that you let us know as soon as you know that you can’t make it to your appointment. We’ll work with you to find another appropriate time and day for you and your child to be evaluated.
If your child is younger than 3 years of age, you can connect with your Early Intervention provider. Early Intervention does not require a diagnosis to start services that can be very helpful to your child. If your child is 3 to 5 years of age, you can connect with your child’s pediatrician and school office to request a school evaluation. These evaluations are helpful in identifying services your child can start to receive. We always recommend evaluating your child’s hearing as well: you can call UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester for an audiology appointment or ask your primary care physician to refer you for an evaluation.