Dr. Nancy Mann, MD

I waited several months expecting a comprehensive autism evaluation for my daughter. The visit lasted under an hour, and I left without a clear understanding of what evaluation process was performed or how the clinical conclusion was reached. My concerns about my daughter’s non-classic presentation did not feel thoroughly assessed.My concern is not that a provider must reach a particular diagnosis, but that families deserve a thorough evaluation, clear communication, and an explanation of the clinical reasoning behind decisions. For children who mask or present differently than the stereotypical autism profile, I would recommend seeking a provider who specializes in full, comprehensive autism evaluations from the beginning. In my experience, it would have been better to go directly to someone who could complete that evaluation rather than wait months only to leave needing another referral.