If you’re here, you may be noticing the many ways your child experiences the world in their own unique way.
Maybe it’s a missed milestone. Sometimes it shows up in how they communicate. For other children, it appears in how they play or interact. Many notice details others miss, or react strongly to things that seem small to others.
An autism diagnosis does not change who your child is. It helps explain how they learn, communicate, and experience the world, and it can open doors to understanding, support, and connection.
Autism is not a problem to be fixed. It is a natural form of human neurodiversity.
In New Hampshire, more families are navigating this process than many realize. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, 4.2% of New Hampshire parents have a child diagnosed with autism. This is above the CDC’s national reports of 1 in 31 children or 3.2%.
What Is an Autism Diagnosis?
Every autistic child is unique. Children communicate in many different ways. Some use spoken language, some use devices, some rely on gestures, and many use a combination of all three. Sensory experiences can also vary widely, with some children seeking movement and input while others feel overwhelmed by sound, light, or touch. Preferences around structure differ as well, with some children thriving on predictability and routines and others enjoying flexibility and novelty.
Because autism looks different for every child, support should never be one-size-fits-all.
Understanding your child’s individual strengths, needs, and preferences is far more important than fitting them into a checklist.
An autism diagnosis does not change who your child is.
It helps explain how your child experiences the world.
And it opens the door to support, understanding, and treatment.
A diagnosis gives families access to early intervention, school supports, insurance-funded therapies, and resources.
Most importantly, it gives you language and tools to better support your child.
What Early Signs of Autism Look Like
Parents or immediate caregivers are usually the first to notice differences.
Often, it starts with small moments that add up over time.
Families commonly describe noticing:
- Differences in communication, such as fewer words, repeating phrases, or communicating in nontraditional ways
- Differences in social connection, including how a child engages with peers or adults
- Differences in play, strong interests or preferred ways of interacting with toys
- Sensory differences related to sound, light, textures, or clothing
- A strong need for routines or difficulty transitioning between activities
Every child develops on their own timeline. Missing a milestone or developing differently does not mean they need an autism diagnosis. What matters most is observing patterns over time and trusting your instincts.
How Is Autism Diagnosed?
An autism diagnosis is made by trained specialists who look at a child’s development as a whole, not just isolated behaviors. Evaluations are designed to be child-centered and often feel more like guided play than testing and often include:
- A detailed developmental history shared by caregivers
- Play-based and interaction-based observations
- Parent interviews and questionnaires
- Standardized assessment tools
- Collaboration with speech and occupational therapists
Why Are There Waitlists for Autism Diagnosis?
Families are often surprised by how long it can take to schedule an autism evaluation. Waitlists exist for several reasons:
- Autism evaluations are detailed and time-intensive
- There are limited specialists trained to diagnose autism
- Many evaluations involve multidisciplinary teams
- More families are seeking assessments as awareness grows
While waiting can be difficult, it does not mean support has to stop, there are still meaningful steps you can take while waiting.
How to Be Proactive While On a Waitlist for an Autism Evaluation?
Families often explore:
- Early intervention services for younger children
- Visual supports, routines, and predictability at home
- Learning your child’s sensory preferences and regulation needs
- Speech or occupational therapy through pediatric referrals
- School-based evaluations and supports for children over age three
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Where Can You Get an Autism Diagnosis in Southern New Hampshire?
For many families, the first step is finding a local, trusted pediatrician or developmental provider who can guide referrals and next steps. Here in New Hampshire, you do have options:
Southern New Hampshire Health
A trusted pediatric primary care practice where families can raise developmental concerns, complete screenings, and receive referrals for autism evaluations here in Nashua, New Hampshire!
New Hampshire Neuropsychology, LLC
Offers comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations including autism spectrum assessment and cognitive profiles, also in Nashua, New Hampshire!
Amoskeag Health Behavioral Health
A NH-based healthcare provider that has office that offer behavioral health diagnostic services in Manchester, Keene and the Lakes Region of New Hampshire
A seacoast area provider offering sensitive, evidence-based evaluations for children with autism, anxiety, depression ADHD, and learning disabilities.
Exploring Diagnostic Options Outside of New Hampshire
Some families choose to look beyond New Hampshire due to waitlists or availability. While these options may require travel or telehealth, they can sometimes offer additional pathways to an evaluation.
Children’s Neuropsychological Services
Providing evaluations in Andover, MA and Exeter, NH.
NESCA
New England area diagnostic pediatric offices in Newton, Hingham and Plainville MA with an office in Londonderry, NH.
Boston Based Diagnostic Offices with Lesser Wait Times:
Boston Children’s Hospital Autism Spectrum Center
A nationally recognized program offering multidisciplinary autism evaluations.
childrenshospital.org
BMC Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
An academic medical center offering developmental evaluations and testing.
Concord Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services
Provides neuropsychological and autism evaluations in Concord Massachusetts.
Sachs Center
Offers telehealth diagnosis. This can be an option for families seeking a faster evaluation outside of traditional hospital systems.
sachscenter.com
What Happens After an Autism Diagnosis?
Receiving an autism diagnosis can bring many emotions, including relief, clarity, uncertainty, and hope.
All of your feelings are valid. There is no right way to feel. Luckily, you do not have to do this alone.
At kin:pathic, we support families as they navigate autism diagnoses, waitlists, school systems, and next steps with care, clarity, and compassion. We believe autistic children deserve support that honors who they are, not services that try to change them.
If you are exploring an autism diagnosis in New Hampshire, have recently received one, or are unsure where to begin, we are here to provide support, answer questions, and help you understand your options.
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just support, guidance, and community.
You are your child’s strongest advocate.
And you are doing something meaningful by seeking understanding.
References:
Data Resource Center for Child & Adolescent Health. National Survey of Children’s Health, 2020-2021
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder
