Autism Evaluation & Diagnosis

In Colorado Springs

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

Our ABA Center:
2270 La Montana Way, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Parents are often the first to notice when something about their child’s development feels different. If you have questions about how your child communicates, interacts with others, plays, or responds to their surroundings, seeking professional insight can be an important and empowering step.

Children grow and learn in many different ways, and developmental differences can sometimes be difficult to interpret on your own. A comprehensive autism evaluation helps identify whether those differences may be related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and provides families with clearer direction for what support may be beneficial.

Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education works with families across Colorado Springs and the greater El Paso County region to help them better understand developmental concerns and navigate the process of autism screening and diagnosis.

Receiving an autism diagnosis does not place limits on a child’s future. Instead, it helps families gain valuable insight into how their child processes information, communicates, and experiences the world around them. This understanding can open the door to therapies, educational supports, and resources that help children build meaningful skills and independence.

If you are exploring an autism evaluation for your child in Colorado Springs, CO, our team is here to help you take the next step with confidence. We are committed to helping families access the information, guidance, and support they need throughout the diagnostic process.

Autism Screening 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

Families seeking an autism evaluation in Colorado Springs, CO may sometimes encounter long waitlists or limited appointment availability. We understand that when you have concerns about your child’s development, waiting for answers can be difficult.

While Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education does not provide diagnostic evaluations directly, we help families navigate the process by connecting them with trusted diagnostic providers in the Colorado Springs community. We can also introduce families to a virtual evaluation partner who offers convenient scheduling and often shorter wait times compared to traditional in-person assessments.

Our goal is to help families in Colorado Springs and the surrounding El Paso County area access the information and support they need as quickly as possible so they can move forward with confidence.

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.

ABA Therapy
in-home aba therapy
aba therapy

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

Understanding the Different Screening Tools for Autism

Understanding the Different Screening Tools for Autism

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental diagnosis that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. Early detection and intervention are crucial for supporting children and families, and this is where diagnostic tools play a vital role. In

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

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Not always. Some insurance plans require a referral from a pediatrician or primary care provider, while others allow families to pursue an evaluation or consultation without one. If you are unsure what your insurance requires, our team can help review your benefits and guide you toward the most appropriate next step.

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An autism screening is typically a short tool used to identify whether a child may be showing characteristics associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It does not provide a diagnosis but helps determine if further assessment may be recommended. A diagnostic evaluation, on the other hand, is a more in-depth process completed by a qualified clinician who reviews developmental history, observes behavior, and uses standardized tools to determine whether a child meets the criteria for autism.

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It can be helpful to gather any records related to your child’s development, such as prior evaluations, therapy summaries, school reports, or IEP/504 documentation if those are available. Parents are also encouraged to write down specific behaviors, developmental concerns, or questions they would like to discuss. Even if you do not have formal documents, your personal observations and experiences with your child are extremely valuable during the evaluation process.

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Yes. Academic success does not necessarily mean a child is not experiencing developmental challenges. Some children with autism perform well in school but may still struggle with areas such as social interaction, adapting to changes in routine, sensory sensitivities, or communication differences. An evaluation can help identify these needs and determine whether additional support could be beneficial.

contact us today

get started with an Autism Consultation

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Dr. Jazmin Burns

Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions

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