Welcome to Toddler Tracks
Information for Clinicians
Diagnosis and Assessment of ASD
Dr. Kalyn Lane, MD, Developmental Psychiatrist and Medical Director of Unison Behavioral Health
Early identification of developmental disorders is critical to the well-being of children and their families. It is an integral function of the primary-care medical home and an appropriate responsibility of all pediatric health care professionals.
AAP recommends that developmental surveillance be incorporated at every health supervision visit. Any concerns raised during surveillance should be addressed promptly with standardized developmental screening tests. In addition, screening tests should be administered regularly at the 9-, 18-, and 24- or 30-month visits.
Care Coordination and Behavioral Health Integration (BHI)
Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego Offers a Gold Standard Program for Integrated Care
The early identification of developmental problems should lead to further developmental and medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment, including early developmental intervention.
If a child is diagnosed with a developmental disorder through the evaluation and diagnostic process, they should be identified as a child with special health care needs, and chronic-condition management should be initiated. Identification of a developmental disorder and its underlying etiology may also drive a range of treatment planning, from medical treatment of the child to genetic counseling for his or her parents.
Telehealth Treatments for ASD
Dr. Kalyn Lane, MD, Developmental Psychiatrist and Medical Director of Unison Behavioral Health
Telehealth addresses the challenge of limited access to qualified providers by helping children with ASD and their families access services. Telehealth can equip parents and caregivers with the skills to best care for a child with autism, empowering them to provide that child with the care they need and deserve.
Telehealth may help to bridge the “detection gap” and expedite access to care during the crucial toddler years when evidence-based treatments can be especially impactful in improving developmental outcomes.
