Autism screening & diagnostic support
For many families, the period before receiving a diagnosis for autism can be filled with uncertainty. Getting a diagnosis can provide relief and direction for parents, who can now better understand and address their child’s needs. At Action Behavior Centers, we support families through every stage of the autism testing process for children, from initial screening to formal evaluation and the next steps for care.
Early autism diagnosis opens the door to early intervention services, like applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, which helps children begin meeting important milestones.
How to get your child tested for autism
Wondering how to get your child tested for autism or where to begin an early autism evaluation? At Action Behavior Centers, we are here to help you navigate the autism diagnostic process so your child can access the care they need when it’s needed.
We offer no-cost ASD evaluations, beginning with simple online autism screening tools for children of all ages. If screening results suggest your child may be at risk for autism, we offer in-person, gold-standard assessments like the ADOS-2 autism spectrum test for children ages 18 months to 6 years old.
Why an autism diagnosis matters
A formal autism diagnosis is often necessary before a child can:
- Access evidence-based autism services like ABA therapy
- Receive insurance coverage for autism treatment
- Qualify for special education support and school accommodations
How the autism diagnostic process works
We make getting your child tested for autism simple and supportive. Here’s what to expect:
- Complete a no-cost, online screener: Tools like the M-CHAT-R (for toddlers) or CAST (for older children) can help identify your child’s autism risk and give insight into whether further evaluation is necessary.
- Schedule an in-person ASD evaluation: If screening results suggest a high autism risk, your child may benefit from a formal assessment using the ADOS-2, a research-backed diagnostic tool.
- Review results with your child’s provider: Our clinicians score and compile your child’s results and send them directly to their doctor for review. Based on the assessment and clinical judgment, your child’s specialist will determine whether they meet the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder.
- Next steps for support: If your child is diagnosed with autism, we’ll help guide you through available autism resources, including ABA therapy.
Autism screening tools for children by age:
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M-CHAT-R screening tool
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) is a parent-report screening tool that is designed to assess the risk for autism in toddlers. This autism quiz consists of 20 questions for parents to answer about their child's social, communicative, and play behaviors. These questions are critical in identifying potential signs of ASD in children.
A high-risk score does not confirm an autism diagnosis—our online autism tests are simply tools that help identify children who may benefit from early autism evaluation and intervention. If a child receives a high-risk score, they should receive further assessment by an autism specialist.
The CAST autism screening tool for older children
The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) is a 39-item parent questionnaire developed by the Autism Research Centre (ARC) at the University of Cambridge.1 It can be used to screen for symptoms of autism and social communication difficulties in older children. A high score suggests that your child may benefit from further diagnostic testing for autism.
The ADOS-2 autism diagnostic assessment
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a leading diagnostic tool used by clinicians to identify autism symptoms in children ages 18 months to 6 years old. During this play-based assessment, our team engages face-to-face with your child to observe their communication, social skills, and behaviors.
Contact us today to learn more about scheduling a no-cost autism evaluation near you for your child.
What to expect:
A gold standard
The ADOS-2 is considered a “gold standard” method for helping determine if a child has ASD. This tool is backed by research and helps clinicians reliably and accurately identify autism symptoms regardless of the child’s age or developmental level.
Play-based
Children have fun participating in the ADOS-2—it’s not like going to the doctor! During the 30 to 60-minute assessment, our clinicians engage in play and activities tailored to your child’s age and abilities.
Scoring
Following the evaluation, scores are calculated that indicate how closely the child’s behaviors in key areas match autism characteristics. The score and a summary are sent to the child’s pediatrician or referring provider to incorporate into their diagnostic process and recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
View all FAQs
What should I do if my child is diagnosed with autism?
If your child is diagnosed with autism, it's important to remember that you are not alone, and there are many resources available to support your family. Start by connecting with your child's pediatrician to discuss the diagnosis and develop a plan. Early intervention services, including ABA therapy, have been proven to help children develop essential life skills.
Who can diagnose autism in children?
Only a qualified healthcare provider, like a developmental pediatrician or a pediatric neurologist, can make an official autism diagnosis. Screeners like the M-CHAT-R and CAST can highlight autism risk, but receiving a formal diagnosis requires participating in a more thorough assessment like the ADOS-2.
After the ADOS-2, Action Behavior Centers will send the results directly to your child's referring doctor. Your child's doctor will then review these results to evaluate whether the autism diagnostic criteria are met or if additional autism testing may be needed.
How do I get my child tested for autism?
If your child is showing early signs of autism, complete an online autism screening. If the screener indicates that your child is at risk for autism, the next step is to complete an in-person autism assessment, like the ADOS-2.
Contact us, and we’ll help you schedule a no-cost ADOS-2 autism assessment near you. After the evaluation, we’ll send the results directly to your child’s doctor, who will determine the next steps.
How can I know if my child needs an autism assessment?
Early signs of autism can include:
- Limited eye contact
- Not responding to their name
- Repetitive behaviors
- Speech delays
Screening tools like the M-CHAT-R and the CAST can help identify your child’s autism risk based on these specific signs. If these tools indicate that your child may have autism, additional assessments like the ADOS-2 can provide a more thorough evaluation.
