Autism Diagnostic Evaluation
Understanding Autism and the Evaluation Process
Many families and individuals seek clarity through an autism diagnostic evaluation. The Autism Diagnostic Evaluation Service at the Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy provides comprehensive autism assessments for toddlers, children, teens, and adults. Whether you’re looking for answers, a formal diagnosis, or a roadmap for support, we’re here to help you find the clarity and support you need.
What Is an Autism Diagnostic Evaluation?
An autism diagnostic evaluation is a thorough assessment designed to determine whether someone meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). At Center for CBT, we use gold-standard assessment tools to provide diagnostic clarity and create personalized, evidence-based recommendations for care that address each person’s unique needs.
Signs It May Be Time to Get an Autism Assessment
Autism can look different at every age. If you’re noticing certain signs, it may be helpful to consider an autism assessment.
Signs of Autism in Toddlers
- Limited verbal communication
- Reduced use of gestures (e.g., pointing, waving)
- Minimal facial expressions during communication
- Repetitive behaviors (e.g. flapping or rocking)
- Play with toys in atypical ways
Signs of Autism in Children
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Trouble with back-and-forth conversation
- Challenges with imaginative or cooperative play with peers
- Intense tantrums, aggression, self-injury
- Struggles with changes in routine
- Sensory sensitivities (e.g., no clothes with tags, picky about clothing textures)
- Difficulty following directions
Signs of Autism in Teens and Adults
- Difficulty maintaining reciprocal conversation with peers
- Trouble understanding others’ thoughts or emotions
- Taking things very literally
- Difficulty forming or maintaining relationships
- Rigid routines or difficulty with change
- Repetitive behaviors or intense interests
How an Autism Diagnostic Evaluation Can be Helpful
If you or your child is experiencing challenges and you’re unsure why, it can be overwhelming to not know where to turn. An autism evaluation can offer valuable insights into you or your child’s strengths and needs—including whether an autism diagnosis is appropriate.
For children and adolescents, a formal diagnosis often helps obtain access to:
- School-based services and accommodations (IEPs or 504 plans)
- Effective therapies, such as ABA, speech therapy, or occupational therapy
- Insurance-covered treatments and supports
For adults, a diagnosis can offer clarity, self-understanding, and tools for navigating:
- Higher education or workplace challenges
- Social and emotional relationships
- Daily living and executive functioning
What to Expect During an Autism Diagnostic Evaluation
We know the process can feel overwhelming. That’s why you’ll work with the same licensed psychologist throughout the entire evaluation—from start to finish.
Here’s what you can expect the autism diagnostic evaluation to include:
01 Initial Intake
We begin with an in-depth interview to better understand the individual’s developmental history, current concerns, strengths, and challenges. For children, this typically involves parents or caregivers. For adults, we speak directly with the person seeking evaluation and may also include a trusted support person if helpful.
02 Record Review
We review any relevant records—such as school evaluations, medical reports, or prior assessments—and may ask parents, teachers, or others to complete questionnaires that provide additional perspective.
03 Clinical Interview
When appropriate – such as with older children, teens, or adults – we conduct a one-on-one interview with the individual being evaluated to learn more about their experiences, interests, and daily functioning.
04 Testing Session
This part of the evaluation includes structured tasks to assess areas such as cognitive functioning, language, and social communication. We use standardized tools, including an IQ test and the ADOS-2—considered the gold standard in autism assessment.
05 Feedback Meeting
After reviewing all results, we meet with you to discuss our findings. If a diagnosis is appropriate, we explain it clearly and offer personalized recommendations for support, services, and next steps.
06 Comprehensive Report
You’ll receive a detailed report that includes background information, test results and interpretations, any diagnoses, and individualized, practical strategies to support success at home, school, work, or in daily life.
Support After Your Autism Diagnosis
We’re committed to helping you access continued support and care after your evaluation. Depending on your needs, we can:
- Attend IEP meetings to support school accommodations
- Offer treatment through our own Autism Services Program for continued support from psychologists on our team
- Refer you to trusted providers for applied behavior analysis (ABA), OT, speech, or other therapies
Frequently Asked Questions about
Autism Evaluations
What ages do you test for an autism diagnostic evaluation?
We offer autism assessments for toddlers (starting at 30 months), children, adolescents, and adults.
What happens during autism testing?
Children will participate in play-based activities—some kids find them fun! Adult assessments are mostly conversational. We build in breaks to reduce fatigue and ensure accurate results.
Do you use the ADOS-2?
Yes. We use the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – 2nd Edition), considered the gold standard for assessing autism traits. This structured, play-based assessment provides valuable insights into an individual’s social communication, behavior, and developmental patterns. It plays a key role in supporting an accurate and well-informed diagnosis.
How long does an autism assessment take?
The entire process usually takes 3–4 weeks from the initial intake to the feedback session. Reports are typically ready within a few weeks after that.
Do you conduct school observations?
School observations are not typically required, but your psychologist may recommend one based on your child’s needs. If so, we’ll discuss that early in the process.
Who conducts the evaluation?
All evaluations are performed by licensed psychologists with extensive training in ASD assessment. You’ll work with the same clinician throughout the entire process.
What if we’re concerned about more than just autism?
We also offer comprehensive neuropsychological and learning evaluations (for kids under 18) and therapy services for a range of emotional and behavioral concerns in children, adolescents, and adults.
My child is nonverbal—can they still be evaluated?
Yes. We have the tools and expertise to assess children and individuals with limited or no verbal language.
I'm an adult—do you need to speak with my parents?
Understanding early development is helpful, but if parents aren’t available, we may speak with someone else who knows you well (a partner, sibling, or close friend). If that’s not possible, we’ll work with you to determine how best to proceed.
Thinking About an Autism Evaluation?
An autism evaluation can be an important step in getting the clarity and support you need, and our team of psychologists is here to guide you every step of the way. To learn more and schedule an intake appointment, contact us to speak with our Intake Coordinator.