Autism Evaluation & Diagnosis

In Naperville

Helping you navigate
the autism journey,
every step of the way.

Our ABA Center:
1272 Bond St., Suite 100, Naperville, IL 60563

Understanding your child’s development can lead to many questions, and seeking answers is a step in the right direction.

All children develop at their own pace. If you have recognized differences in the way your child communicates, plays, engages socially, or responds to sensory input, it is perfectly natural to seek more insight. An evaluation will provide you with a better understanding of the reasons behind the behaviors you are seeing.

Cultivate Behavioral Health and Education is here to assist families in the Naperville, IL, area by guiding the best autism screening tools for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

An autism diagnosis is not a definition of who your child is. An autism diagnosis is a tool that will help you better understand the way that your child relates to the world around them. This will help you make the best decisions for them while providing you with the resources that will help them grow.

You do not have to go through the process alone. Cultivate is here to help guide you through the process.

Preliminary Autism Evaluation and DiagnosticScreening Tools

Early identification can make a real difference. These screening tools are quick, free, and designed to help you figure out whether a deeper evaluation may be helpful. Choose the tool that fits your child’s age and receive results instantly.

M-CHAT-R

(Modified Checklist for
Autism in Toddlers)

A parent screening tool designed to identify possible early signs of autism in toddlers aged 16–30 months.

CAST

(Childhood Autism
Spectrum Test)

A screening tool used to identify autism-related traits in children 4–11 years old.

Helping Families Navigate Autism Evaluations

While seeking an autism evaluation in Naperville, IL can sometimes involve long wait times or limited availability, we understand how important timely answers are for families. Although our clinics do not conduct autism diagnostic evaluations, we can connect families with trusted in-person providers in the Naperville area as well as a virtual autism evaluation partner offering flexible scheduling and shorter wait times.

Meet Our Virtual Diagnostic Partner:Dr. Jazmin Burns

Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education is proud to collaborate with Jazmin Burns, Psy.D., of Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions.

Dr. Burns conducts virtual autism evaluations across all Cultivate BHE locations, guiding parents through the diagnostic process with care, clarity, and expertise.

Dr. Jazmin Burns is a highly experienced, neuro-affirming, and compassionate psychologist dedicated to helping individuals achieve mental and emotional wellness. With a Doctorate in Psychology, Dr. Burns brings a wealth of expertise and care to her clients. She specializes in neurodivergence and psychological evaluations and is passionate about empowering her clients to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Experience the transformative power of mental health and neurodevelopmental support with Dr. Burns today.

What to Expect in a Autism Diagnostic Evaluation

Here’s what the diagnostic process will look like for parents and children:

1

Initial Consultation

A specialist will meet with you to discuss concerns, review developmental history, and gather important background information.

2

Comprehensive Testing & Standardized Assessments

Using evidence-based tools tailored to your child, the diagnostician may assess communication, social interaction, behavior patterns, and other developmental areas as appropriate. If appropriate, a diagnosis is made based on DSM-5-TR criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

3

Diagnosis & Discussion

You’ll receive a clear summary of findings, including whether your child meets diagnostic criteria, along with personalized recommendations.

4

Guidance & Support

Families will be provided with a plan that may include therapy options, educational support, and community resources to help their child thrive.

The Value of an Autism Diagnosis

An autism diagnosis can provide families with clarity and guidance. It allows you to understand your child’s abilities and difficulties better, and it may provide access to services that make life easier and long-term planning more feasible.

What’s Next:

  • Access to Services: Test results can be used to start therapy, such as ABA therapy. Once a medical diagnosis is obtained, insurance may cover services, depending on the insurance plan.
  • Educational Support: Test results can provide support for a 504 plan or IEP.
  • Community Resources: There are a number of local, state, and national resources available for autistic children and families.
  • Future Planning: A diagnosis can guide future support based on needs that evolve as your child matures.

Ready To Get Started?

Preliminary screenings are a good place to start, and often help to answer some questions. However, it’s also possible that new questions will arise. If you’d like to discuss your results, take the next step towards a formal evaluation, or are simply unsure of what your next steps are, we are more than happy to help.

Reach out to our caring team to set up a free consultation. We’re here to discuss your concerns, go over screening results, and to connect you to a diagnostician, if you need to take any clinical steps.

Stay Connected

Learn More About Autism and ABA Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

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No. While some families may need to get a referral to get started on an autism evaluation, others may have the option to get a screening and consultation without a referral. We can help you understand your insurance plan to determine your best options.

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A screening is a brief assessment that can help determine whether autism traits may be present. A diagnostic evaluation is more comprehensive and is performed by a qualified professional.

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If you have them on hand, it is best to bring any previous evaluations, therapy reports, school reports, IEP/504 information, as well as a list of your child’s concerns or behaviors. Even if you have nothing to bring, your observations of your child’s behaviors can still play an important part.

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Yes. Sometimes, a child is able to perform well in school, but there are underlying issues that need to be addressed, such as social communication, flexibility, sensory processing, and/or anxiety related to change.

contact us today

get started with an Autism Consultation

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Dr. Jazmin Burns

Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions

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