Autism screening & diagnostic support
For many families, the period before receiving an autism diagnosis can be filled with uncertainty. Getting a diagnosis can bring relief and provide direction for parents, who can now better understand their child’s needs. The earlier a child receives an autism diagnosis, the sooner they can start interventions like applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy and begin meeting milestones.
At Action Behavior, we are here to help you navigate the diagnostic process so that your child can access the care they need, when they need it. Our no-cost ASD evaluation support includes online screening tools for children of all ages and face-to-face ADOS-2 assessments for children ages 18 months to 6 years old.
Why is it important to get an autism diagnosis for your child? A formal autism diagnosis is often required before a child can access specialized services, obtain insurance coverage for therapies, and receive certain school accommodations.
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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 designed to assess the risk for autism spectrum disorder in toddlers. It consists of 20 questions that parents answer about their child's social, communicative, and play behaviors, which are critical in identifying potential signs of autism spectrum disorder.
A high-risk score does not confirm a diagnosis of autism. Instead, it’s a tool that helps identify children who may need further evaluation and intervention.
The CAST screening tool
The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) is a 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 CAST score suggests that further evaluation may be necessary.
The ADOS-2 assessment
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a tool clinical experts can use to identify autism symptoms in children. Contact us today to learn more about scheduling a no-cost autism evaluation for your child.
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 developmental abilities.
Scoring
Following the assessment, 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 is the ADOS-2 assessment?
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a leading diagnostic tool clinicians use to evaluate for possible ASD. During this natural, play-based assessment, our experts work with children to observe their communication, social skills, and behaviors.
How can I know if my child needs an autism evaluation?
Early signs of autism can include limited eye contact, lack of response to name, repetitive behaviors, and delayed speech. 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.
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.
How does ABA therapy help children with autism?
ABA therapy uses positive reinforcement and play-based activities to help children reach milestones and learn new skills. Our programming is tailored to each child’s needs and is designed to produce results you can feel good about.
Our BCBAs work with each family to determine goals for ABA therapy. Some children need help learning new skills, like talking and increasing eye contact. Other children may need support decreasing self-injurious or other target behaviors. Whatever your goals are, we are here to support you and help your child have a happy and fulfilling childhood.
Can I get an autism diagnosis for my child without visiting a doctor?
Consulting with your primary care provider is a crucial step to ensure that you get a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis for your child. While initial screenings, such as the M-CHAT-R or CAST, can be a helpful first step and can be done online, a formal diagnosis requires a more thorough assessment. For this, tools like the ADOS-2, administered by a qualified professional, are necessary.
After the ADOS-2 assessment, 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 diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder is met or if additional testing may be needed.
Will my insurance cover the cost of ABA therapy?
Each insurance plan differs in terms of how many hours of ABA therapy are covered after a thorough assessment of the child’s needs. Our team of insurance specialists is happy to navigate the insurance verification process on your behalf and provide you with specific information about your plan’s benefits.
What is the CAST?
The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) is a 39-item questionnaire for parents that focuses on behaviors and abilities that can indicate ASD. It can help identify children who may benefit from further evaluation and intervention.
What is the M-CHAT-R?
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) is a screening tool that parents can use to identify early signs of ASD in children ages 16 to 30 months old. It consists of questions parents answer about their child’s development. If a child receives a high-risk score, they should receive further evaluation by an autism specialist.
