What We Evaluate

A diagnosis can be the difference between a family waiting in the dark and finally having a game plan. The Autism Evaluation Center exists to close that gap, offering thorough, research-based evaluations for children who may be on the spectrum or facing other developmental differences.

Conditions and Concerns We Assess

A complete Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluation, including which of these three support levels best fits your child
Early developmental and social-communication assessments for toddlers and young children
Careful differentiation between autism and other conditions that can look similar on the surface
Concrete guidance on next steps (therapy options, school considerations, etc) once results are in
Review of screening results, such as the M-CHAT or CAST, to determine whether a full evaluation makes sense

Still Not Sure Yet? Start With a Screening

Before booking a full evaluation, many families complete a short online screening first. It gives our clinical team a quick, informed read on your child’s situation and helps map out next steps.

M-CHAT:

Built for toddlers between 16 months and 3 years old

Parents answer 20 straightforward yes/no questions about everyday behavior at home.

CAST:

Designed for children ages 4-11

This screening covers 39 yes/no questions on communication, social interaction, play, and behavior.

Our clinical team reviews every screening at no charge, then lets you know if the right next step is simply keeping an eye on things, adding extra support, or scheduling a full evaluation.

How an Autism Evaluation Works

Virtual Parent Interview

We set up a video call so you can walk through your child’s day-to-day strengths, struggles, and history.

In-Person Observation

Your child joins us for relaxed, play-based sessions in which a diagnostician (often using tools such as the ADOS-2) observes how they communicate, interact, and engage.

When it’s time to talk through results, we don’t rush it. You’ll sit down with your diagnostician, and together you will go through exactly what the findings mean for your child, leaving with every question answered before the conversation turns to next steps.

The Experience We Aim For

Built Around Play

Kids show what they’re capable of when they’re comfortable, so our sessions lean on play rather than a rigid testing format.

Fast, Without Cutting Corners

We keep the process to about a week because waiting shouldn’t be a part of getting the answers you need.

Backed by Real Research

Assessments rely on established, evidence-based tools, such as the ADOS-2, rather than guesswork.

Making Sense of an Autism Diagnosis

The DSM-5 is the clinical reference used to define Autism Spectrum Disorder. This consists of differences in how the brain handles communication and social interaction. Clinicians generally look at two categories:

Social Communication & Connection

How a child builds relationships and engages with the people around them. This can include:

Eye contact that’s limited or unpredictable
Gestures like pointing or waving are used rarely, if at all
An inconsistent response to their own name
A stronger pull towards playing alone
Difficulty keeping a back-and-forth conversation going
Play that repeats the same pattern, such as lining objects up

Repetitive or Restrictive Patterns

Behaviors or interests that are usually fixed or intense for the child’s age, like:

Repeated physical movements, like hand-flapping or rocking
Repeating specific words or phrases
Noticeable distress when routines change unexpectedly
Intense, narrow interests
Heightened sensitivity to sound, texture, or light

What the Support Levels Mean

A diagnosis doesn’t end with a yes-or-no; it also includes a support level, which gives providers a sense of how much day-to-day help a child may need. Your diagnostician will explain exactly where your child falls and what that means in practice.

Level 1 describes children who need some support

Level 2 describes those needing substantial support

Level 3 describes those needing very substantial support

Paying for an Autism Evaluation

Most families use insurance to cover the cost of their evaluation. We check your benefits in advance and walk you through what’s covered.

Please note that we cannot accept Medicaid or out-of-network private insurance.

Common Questions About Getting Evaluated

Do we need a diagnosis to start treatment?

Usually, yes. A formal diagnosis is typically required to access services like ABA therapy, and it also gives your family and your child’s other providers a clearer picture of how they learn, communicate, and grow.

What happens during the evaluation?

Clinicians combine standardized tools, direct observation, a parent interview, and your child’s developmental history. Here, that includes the ADOS-2 along with caregiver input. Teacher input can also be included if your child is already in school.

Will insurance cover an autism diagnosis?

An autism diagnosis is usually covered by insurance. We check your specific benefits in advance and let you know what you owe out of pocket, if anything.

Does it have to be a specific type of doctor?

Autism can be diagnosed by licensed professionals, including psychologists, developmental pediatricians, neurologists, and trained diagnosticians. Here, your child works with a licensed diagnostician who specializes in early-childhood development autism evaluation.

How soon will we get results?

Results are shared directly with you during your feedback appointment, right after the in-person portion wraps up.

What happens if my child is diagnosed?

We’ll walk you through your options together, including how to start ABA therapy if that’s the right fit. We make it so nothing about the next steps feels like guesswork.

How do we prepare for the appointment?

We send over any paperwork ahead of time, and we’re happy to help fill out the form on-site if it hasn’t been completed yet. Bring whatever helps your child feel at ease, such as a favorite toy, a snack, or anything familiar.