Families often seek autism testing when they notice differences in how their child interacts, communicates, or responds to the world around them. Some children may struggle with social cues, avoid eye contact, or prefer routines so strongly that even small changes can feel overwhelming. Others may have difficulty with back-and-forth conversation, use language in unique ways, or show intense interest in specific topics. In younger children, parents may notice delays in speech, play skills, or emotional regulation. For some, these differences are present from an early age. For others, concerns emerge gradually as expectations increase at home or in school.

An autism evaluation helps clarify whether these differences fall within the range of autism spectrum disorder and provides a detailed picture of your child’s strengths and needs. Many families pursue testing to better understand their child, to qualify for supports at school or in the community, or to access services such as speech therapy, social skills work, occupational therapy, or ABA. A diagnosis can also help caregivers and educators respond with greater empathy and structure.

Our autism evaluations are tailored to your child’s age, developmental level, and communication style. A comprehensive evaluation typically includes:

• Clinical interviews with caregivers to gather detailed developmental and behavioral history

• Standardized assessments that examine communication, social interaction, play, and behavior

• Behavioral observations, both structured and unstructured

• Parent and teacher questionnaires to gather insights from multiple settings

• Cognitive and adaptive testing, when appropriate, to understand learning profiles and their level of functioning from day to day

• Speech-language testing, if communication concerns are present and have not yet been formally assessed

We use gold-standard tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2), the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, and others, depending on your child’s age and needs.

What to Expect

Autism evaluations typically take place over multiple visits. Most assessments include an intake session, about 4 hours of in-person testing, and a separate feedback session where we review results and provide a written report with diagnoses (if applicable), a profile of strengths and challenges, and clear recommendations for next steps. The entire process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks from intake to feedback, depending on scheduling and the complexity of the referral.

Our goal is not just to determine whether your child meets criteria for autism, but to help you understand how your child sees the world, where they are thriving, and what supports will help them feel more understood, regulated, and connected.