Does a Developmental Pediatrician in Tampa, FL Diagnose Autism and ADHD?

If you have concerns about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it’s important to know when an evaluation may be needed.

We recommend making an appointment with our practice if your child consistently shows signs such as developmental delays, trouble with communication or social skills, repetitive behaviors, sensitivity to sensory input, or issues with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that impact daily life or learning.

Some specific signs to watch for include:

• Not speaking single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by age two
• Not responding to their name
• Difficulty making eye contact
• Problems playing or interacting with other children
• Restricted interests or repetitive movements

For ADHD, you might notice your child has significant trouble staying focused, following instructions, sitting still, or controlling impulses—especially if these behaviors occur in more than one setting, like both at home and school.

If these challenges are affecting your child’s ability to function, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician. At Julia Barriga M.D. P.A, our experienced team can evaluate your child and, if necessary, refer you to a developmental pediatric specialist for further assessment.

At Julia Barriga M.D. P.A., our team understands the importance of early and accurate assessment for children who may be experiencing developmental challenges such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Our board-certified pediatricians utilize a comprehensive, family-centered approach to evaluation, ensuring every child receives personalized and compassionate care.

We work closely with parents and caregivers to gather detailed information about your child’s developmental milestones, behavioral concerns, social interactions, language development, and academic performance. By understanding your child’s unique history and current challenges at home, in school, and in other settings, we can better tailor our evaluation to your family’s needs.

To provide the most accurate diagnosis, our practice uses evidence-based screening tools and standardized questionnaires. For children being evaluated for autism, we may recommend tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). For ADHD, we utilize validated instruments like the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Conners Rating Scales, which gather insights from both parents and teachers about symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Direct observation is another cornerstone of our evaluation process at Julia Barriga M.D. P.A. Our pediatricians will carefully observe your child during their visit, noting how they communicate, interact, play, and respond to social cues. When appropriate, we may also recommend cognitive and educational testing, as well as speech and language or occupational therapy assessments, to gain a deeper understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges.

We believe in a collaborative approach. Our practice frequently consults with psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and educators to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. By integrating information from multiple sources, we can determine whether your child meets criteria for autism, ADHD, or other developmental concerns.

When assessing children for autism, Dr. Barriga and her team carefully observe your child’s social communication skills and behavioral patterns. We look for signs such as difficulty maintaining eye contact, challenges with verbal and nonverbal communication, limited interest in social interactions, or trouble forming friendships. Repetitive movements, intense focus on specific interests, a strong preference for routines, and unusual responses to sensory experiences like sounds or textures are also important indicators that we consider.

For ADHD evaluations, we focus on identifying patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are not in line with your child’s age or developmental stage. This can include frequent difficulty sustaining attention, making careless mistakes at school, appearing not to listen, being easily distracted, or struggling to follow instructions. Signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity—such as constant fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, excessive talking, interrupting others, or acting without thinking—are also part of our assessment.

A diagnosis is never based on a single observation. Our process involves gathering detailed information from parents, teachers, and direct observation of your child in our office. We may also use standardized assessment tools to ensure a thorough understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges. Our goal is to identify persistent patterns that appear across different settings and significantly impact your child’s daily life.

At Julia Barriga M.D. P.A, we understand how important it is for parents to receive clear answers and guidance when they have concerns about their child’s development or behavior. If your child is being evaluated for autism, ADHD, or other developmental concerns at our practice, you can expect a comprehensive, family-centered approach led by Dr. Barriga and our experienced team.

A Thorough and Personalized Assessment
Your child’s evaluation begins with Dr. Barriga taking time to get to know your child and family. We start by gathering detailed information about your child’s developmental milestones, social interactions, language skills, and behavior both at home and at school. We will also discuss your child’s academic progress, as well as any concerns you or your child’s teachers have noticed. To ensure we have a complete understanding of your child’s background, we may ask about pregnancy and birth history, family medical and mental health history, and any previous evaluations or therapies.

Observation and Interaction
During your visit, Dr. Barriga will carefully observe your child’s communication, behavior, and social interactions. Depending on your child’s age and abilities, Dr. Barriga may engage your child in conversation, play, or specific tasks to better understand areas like attention, impulse control, and social skills. These tools allow us to compare your child’s abilities to those of other children their age.

A Collaborative Approach
We believe in working as a team to support your child. When needed, Dr. Barriga collaborates with psychologists, speech-language pathologists, or occupational therapists to ensure a complete evaluation. We may also request input from teachers or childcare providers and review any relevant school records or previous assessments to build a full picture of your child’s needs.

Clear Communication and Next Steps
After the evaluation, Dr. Barriga will meet with you to discuss the findings in detail. She will explain whether your child meets criteria for autism, ADHD, or another developmental or behavioral condition. Dr. Barriga will answer your questions, provide recommendations for therapies, educational supports, or community resources, and work with you to create a plan tailored to help your child succeed.

At Julia Barriga M.D. P.A., our mission is to provide compassionate, family-centered pediatric care to the Tampa community. Dr. Julia Barriga and her experienced team are dedicated to supporting families who are navigating the process of obtaining an autism or ADHD diagnosis for their children.

Dr. Barriga takes the time to listen to parents’ concerns, observe children’s behaviors, and carefully review developmental milestones, medical history, and school performance.

Our practice uses the latest evidence-based screening tools and collaborates with a trusted network of local specialists—including speech therapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists—when additional expertise is needed. We believe in a team approach to ensure your child receives the most accurate diagnosis and the best possible care.

Once a diagnosis is made, Julia Barriga M.D. P.A. remains by your side. We work with families to create individualized treatment plans, recommend appropriate therapies, and provide ongoing support. Our team ensures that parents are well-informed about their child’s condition and connects them with valuable resources, support groups, and educational services available in Tampa. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5001 East Busch Blvd Tampa, FL 33617. We serve patients from Tampa FL, Terrace FL, Thonotosassa FL, Lutz FL, Greater Carrollwood FL, Lake Magdalene FL, Westchase FL, and Town ‘N’ Country FL.