Autism Referral Information

Signs and Symptoms of Autism 

• Common signs of autism in young children include:
  • Delays in communication milestones, including a child who is not yet speaking or using a few words
  • Delays in gestures and pointing, such as a child not waving “bye bye” or pointing by a year of age  
  • Delays in sharing information with others, including difficulties with eye contact and turn taking 
  • Unusual or repetitive behavior, such as unusual finger movements, flapping hands, or spinning
  • Thrive on a routine and insist that the routine be the same 
  • Unusual sensory interests or dislikes
  • Excessive interest in certain toys, objects, or topics 
  • Early Signs – Autism Society of Iowa

Concerned About Your Child's Development?

• Track your child’s milestones: 
  • Use the Milestone Tracker app or fill out a milestone checklist to track your child’s development. Share the completed checklist or milestone summary with your child’s healthcare provider. Note: these checklists are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools.
  • Read the tip sheet How to Get Help for Your Child for steps you can take to help you act on developmental concerns
  • Click here for a video in American Sign Language (ASL) on what to do if you have concerns about your child’s development

What to Do if a Family is Concerned That Their Child Might Have Autism?

• Speak with your family’s doctor 
• Link to the Stead Family Children's Hospital Autism page 
• Children aged 16-30 months can complete a free Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers
• CDC’s Developmental Milestones

Steps for Referral 

• Family Information
  • If you are concerned that your child might have autism or another developmental disability, make an appointment with your child’s doctor to talk about your concerns
• Provider Information:  If you are referring a patient to the University of Iowa Health Care Center for Disabilities and Development, please complete the following steps:
  • External referrals: Please call our CDD scheduling team at 319-353-6900 and follow the prompts for CDD Scheduling.  They start the referral and ensure you have all of the appropriate information for referral.
  • UIHC referrals: Please write a Center for Disabilities and Development consult and indicate that you are looking for an autism evaluation
  • Providers: Please note: Due to long wait times for services, we are not offering second opinions. This includes second opinions for virtual/online autism assessments.
• Estimated wait time: xxxx 
• Parameters of the clinic:
  • Currently will assess children ages 18 months until their 12th birthday
  • We do not offer second opinions on autism diagnoses, including second opinions on virtual assessments
• Materials for referral:
  • Fillable PDF of packet in all languages
• Contact information for questions: 319-353-6900 and follow the prompts to speak with scheduling.