Understanding Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations for Autism with Dr. Kerri Duncan

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter welcomes Dr. Kerri Duncan, BCBA, with nearly 40 years of experience in special education, ABA therapy, and parent advocacy. Dr. Duncan explains the Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE), the first crucial step in obtaining an autism diagnosis and accessing therapies. She shares what families should expect from the process, key signs to watch for, and how evaluations can guide access to ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. The conversation also highlights recent challenges with insurance and Medicaid, along with practical advice to help families feel informed and empowered.

Hart 4 Autism Website: https://www.hart4autism.com/

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Timestamps:

(00:00) School Updates

(01:55) Introducing Kerri Duncan, BCBA, CEO of Hart for Autism

(03:20) What is a CDE?

(06:30) What is the difference between a CDE and a medical diagnosis?

(09:10) What therapies are available once a diagnosis has been made?

(10:10) Is this limited by age?

(13:00) How can a CDE guide the broader support a child might need?

(14:15) What should parents look out for in an evaluator?

(16:45) Signs that might prompt a parent to request a CDE

(20:30) Changes in how the evaluations are being used

(25:20) Recent Medicaid changes

(30:30) Learn more about Hart 4 Autism

(33:50) Requirements states outside of Florida

(35:15) Advice for families

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.