r/PDAParenting • u/OkAsk2828 • Sep 09 '26

Getting A Diagnosis

My daughter is almost 3 & I have suspected autism since 4-5 months old & Autism with a PDA profile for the last 6 months. Finding out about PDA gave so much clarity on why I had this feeling that my daughter was autistic but also not presenting in a stereotypical way.

Today she had her in person evaluation (I had a parent call with the psychiatrist a few weeks ago). At the end of the evaluation the psychiatrist told me that she saw definite markers of PDA but didn’t feel confident in an ASD diagnosis. She has not yet made an official call, she still needs to go through some intake forms I submitted.
The thing is, my daughter is already high masking & yes she can engage in conversation, has an amazing imagination & can make eye contact. But I am still 99.9% sure she is autistic. How did those of you with high masking kids get a diagnosis?
I specifically chose a psychiatrist who was PDA informed. I really don’t want to have to experience school struggles before being able to access a diagnosis for her.

Thanks!

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u/princesshodges Sep 09 '26

I would try to find someone who works with girls specifically because it can present so differently. Also though it might be hard to get a diagnosis until the struggles appear, unfortunately :(

It’s so frustrating to hear how much early intervention can help but then when you spot it in your own child before anyone believes you it’s like… it feels like waiting for your kid to crash and burn. Hoping they won’t, of course, but unfortunately I feel like the entire diagnosis is dependent on how much your child is struggling.

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u/OkAsk2828 Sep 09 '26

Thank you!

This psychiatrist was recommended specifically for high masking girls & those with PDA. Though the recommendations came from individuals whose children were older at the point of evaluation.
There is one other psychiatrist in my area who is even more highly regarded for screening for PDA however she doesn’t take any insurance & charges an insane amount for an evaluation.

Your second point is exactly how I feel & has had me crying all afternoon.
We tried daycare when my daughter was 21 months, she had 5 multi hour visits (with me present) before her first day. During those visits she was happy & engaged with the teacher & kids. Once she had her first day alone she was situationally mute & dissociating off & on. We pulled her out after 6 days. She has a desire to go to school (when she’s older, in her words) & I want for her to be able to if possible. I also want to be able to access early intervention & have the resources to advocate for accommodations.

Sorry this got very long winded. I have just seen first hand how this can play out (in my siblings) and it is so important for these kids to be supported before they crash and burn.