Autism Evaluation & Diagnosis

In West Lexington

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

Our ABA Center:
993 Mason Headley Rd, Suite 50, Lexington, KY 40504

Parents are often the first to recognize when their child’s development may be progressing differently than expected. Noticing variations in communication, social interaction, play, or responses to the environment is natural, and seeking guidance from a professional can provide helpful clarity and direction.

Because every child develops at their own pace, understanding these differences can sometimes be difficult without expert support. A comprehensive autism evaluation can help determine whether these developmental patterns are associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and offer families practical recommendations and supportive strategies.

At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we partner with families in West Lexington to help them better understand developmental concerns and navigate the autism screening and diagnostic process with confidence.

An autism diagnosis is not a limitation—it’s insight. It allows families to better understand how their child communicates, learns, and experiences the world, opening the door to therapies, educational resources, and supports that encourage skill development, independence, and confidence.

For families considering an autism evaluation in West Lexington, KY, our team is here to provide compassionate guidance, professional expertise, and reassurance throughout every step of the journey.

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 in West Lexington, KY seeking an autism evaluation may sometimes face long waitlists or limited appointment availability. We understand that when you have concerns about your child’s development, waiting for answers can feel stressful and overwhelming.

While Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education does not conduct diagnostic evaluations directly, we help families navigate the process by connecting them with trusted local providers in the West Lexington area. We can also introduce families to a virtual evaluation partner, which may provide more flexible scheduling and often shorter wait times compared to traditional in-person assessments.

Our mission is to help families in West Lexington access the information, guidance, and support they need as efficiently as possible, so they can take the next steps with confidence and clarity.

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
ASD diagnosis

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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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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