Autism Evaluation Guide for Parents
Signs at 24 Months
- Doesn’t use two-word meaningful phrases
- Avoids imaginative play
- Displays repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping or rocking
- Has difficulty adapting to changes in routine
- Shows intense interest in specific objects or topics
These autism signs don’t confirm a diagnosis, but they’re strong indicators that it’s time for an autism evaluation.
The Autism Evaluation Process: What to Expect
When navigating autism testing with your loved one, understanding the expectations can help ease anxiety.
After an initial autism screening (usually done by a pediatrician), a team of professionals does a more detailed evaluation, including psychologists, developmental pediatricians, and speech-language pathologists. A comprehensive autism evaluation typically involves several components designed to provide a complete picture of your child’s development.
- Developmental Interview
Parents answer detailed questions about their child’s behaviors, communication, social interactions, and developmental history.
This conversation is crucial because parents often notice subtle differences that may not be apparent during a brief clinical observation.
- Direct Observation and Testing
Clinicians observe your child’s play, social behaviors, and communication. They often use tools like the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) as part of this process.
- Additional Assessments
Clinicians may include cognitive testing, adaptive behavior scales, and speech-language evaluations to understand the child’s complete profile.
Many evaluation centers now offer telehealth options, making assessments more accessible for families in underserved areas or those who prefer the comfort of their home environment.
Additionally, these evaluations seek to support your child, not label them. Getting clarity early can open the door to life-changing resources like ABA therapy.
After the Diagnosis: What Comes Next?
Hearing the words “your child has autism” can feel overwhelming. An autism diagnosis can bring many emotions, like relief for having answers, concern about the future, and uncertainty about next steps. However, this is just the beginning of a hopeful and empowered path forward.
A diagnosis unlocks access to therapies, support systems, and educational services tailored to your child’s needs.
Many developmental specialists advocate for ABA therapy as an effective method for building new abilities and addressing behavioral challenges in children with autism spectrum disorder. This highly personalized approach uses positive reinforcement and carefully designed learning experiences, with each treatment plan customized to match the individual child’s unique strengths and developmental needs.
