All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

What to do while waiting for your child’s autism diagnosis

WVU Medicine Children's Neurodevelopmental Center

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Waiting for an autism diagnosis can be a stressful and uncertain time for parents. The process can take weeks or even months, and there is no guarantee that a diagnosis will be made. In the meantime, there are things parents can do to help their child and themselves.  

“The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that one in 36 children in the United States have autism,” Jenna Wallace, Psy.D.WVU Medicine Children’s Neurodevelopmental Center pediatric psychologist, said. “Unfortunately, because it is so common, wait times for autism evaluations can be from six to 12 months, depending on your area and who you’re referred to.” 

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by difficulties with social communication as well as rigid and repetitive patterns of behavior and thinking that cause difficulty with the way the person interacts with the world. Many people with autism have sensory preferences and challenges, too. It is important to know that autism is a different way of seeing and perceiving the world that shouldn’t be considered bad or wrong. Autistic people have a variety of strengths that make their perspectives and opinions important. 

There are some things parents can do while waiting for their child’s autism assessment or diagnosis:

  • Talk to your pediatrician about referrals for speech therapy, occupational therapy, mental health services, and/or physical therapy, based on your child’s needs.
  • Get on evaluation waitlists for multiple reputable centers. 
  • If your child is under the age of three, there are statewide programs, like West Virginia Birth to Three, that can provide therapy services in-home and complete evaluations before the child is seen by a specialist.
  • For older children, parents can begin the process of evaluation through the school system to determine the appropriateness of an individualized education program that will also provide access to services, including speech therapy and developmental support services.

“Early intervention is key for a variety of concerns, but especially when we think about development,” Dr. Wallace said.  “If you have questions, West Virginia Birth to Three, your pediatrician, and other outpatient therapy providers can help give you the guidance that you need to feel confident about your child’s growth.”

Parents are also encouraged to reach out to others who are going through or have gone through the same thing. 

“I always encourage parents to try to get connected to other people because the journey is long, but you don’t have to do it alone. Parents can often feel alone and overwhelmed during the time where they’re trying to figure out how to best help their child,” Wallace said.

“While diagnosis is a very important part of that journey, it’s not the first, and it’s not the only step that they need to take. You don’t have to isolate yourself. There are many other people that are in the same boat as you are or have the same concerns, and it’s okay to reach out.”

If you think your child might have autism or other developmental delays, talk to your pediatrician about it. As soon as you begin to have concerns, they can perform in-office screenings and place appropriate referrals for the evaluation.

For more information about autism and autism evaluation, visit https://childrens.wvumedicine.org/services/specialty-care/neurodevelopmental-center

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Commission partners with development authority, eyes $550k in grants for proposed rec hub

The Upshur County Commission partnered with the Development Authority and authorized applications for $550,000 in grants, as well as a joint property transfer, to support construction of the proposed John C. Allen Regional Hub recreation complex.

High Point Construction takes over lead in men’s golf league

High Point Construction took the top spot in the Buckhannon Country Club Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League after defeating Sam’s Pizza, while Highland Landscaping and Feola’s Flowers tied for second place.

Task force arrests three for selling Delta 8 to people under age 21, issues four additional warrants

After a year-long investigation, the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force arrested multiple individuals and issued warrants in Upshur County for allegedly selling Delta 8 THC products to individuals under 21.

ATV crash kills 65-year-old woman in Upshur County

Patricia L. Campbell, 65, of Ohio, died after being ejected from an ATV rollover crash in Upshur County on July 4; the investigation continues.

Willard Hampton Rice, Jr.

Willard Hampton Rice, Jr., 84, of Sandusky, a retired Ford Motor Company employee who enjoyed hunting and spending time with family, passed away July 3 and is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for July 2, 2025

This week in Buckhannon, local organizations plan events and clinics — including a big July 4th celebration — and several community initiatives aim to engage residents of all ages.

Emergency agencies stress need for coordinated incident plans during large events with road closures

Emergency officials emphasized the need for incident action plans and coordination with public safety agencies for large events that close major streets, citing upcoming car shows and other street-closure events to ensure fast, safe emergency responses.
BUHS Sports

B-U now in Class AAAA in all sports; moved to new South Region after WVSSAC restructuring

Buckhannon-Upshur High School will compete in Class AAAA — the highest division — for all sports and has been moved to the new South Region under a two-year realignment by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission.

Stockert Youth and Community Center Board Meeting Agenda: July 3, 2025

The Stockert Youth and Community Center Board will meet July 3, 2025, with an agenda set to discuss organizational matters and upcoming events.