Autism Evaluation & Diagnosis

In Louisville

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

Our ABA Center:
1230 Liberty Bank Ln, Suite 230, Louisville, KY 40222

Parents are often the first to notice when their child’s development may be unfolding differently than expected. Observing differences in communication, social interaction, play, or responses to the environment is completely natural, and speaking with a professional can provide valuable clarity and guidance.

Since every child develops at their own pace, interpreting these differences can sometimes be challenging without expert support. A comprehensive autism evaluation can help determine whether these developmental patterns are related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and provide families with practical recommendations and supportive strategies.

At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we work alongside families in Louisville to help them better understand developmental concerns and confidently navigate the autism screening and diagnostic process.

An autism diagnosis is not a limitation—it’s insight. It helps families gain a deeper understanding of how their child communicates, learns, and experiences the world, opening the door to therapies, educational resources, and supports that promote skill development, independence, and confidence.

For families exploring an autism evaluation in Louisville, KY, our team is here to offer compassionate guidance, professional expertise, and reassurance at every step of the process.

Our Autism Diagnostic 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 Louisville, KY who are seeking an autism evaluation may sometimes encounter long waitlists or limited appointment availability. We understand that when you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, waiting for answers can feel stressful and overwhelming.

Although Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education does not perform diagnostic evaluations directly, we support families by helping them navigate the process and connecting them with trusted local providers in the Louisville community. We can also introduce families to a virtual evaluation partner, which may offer more flexible scheduling and often shorter wait times than traditional in-person assessments.

Our goal is to help families in Louisville access the information, guidance, and support they need as quickly and smoothly as possible, so they can move forward 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 let families arrange an evaluation or consultation on their own. If you’re unsure about your plan’s requirements, our team can review your benefits and help guide you to the most appropriate next step.

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An autism screening is typically a brief assessment used to determine whether a child may show traits associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While it doesn’t provide a formal diagnosis, it can help indicate whether a more thorough evaluation is recommended. In contrast, a diagnostic evaluation is a detailed, comprehensive process carried out by a qualified clinician, who reviews the child’s developmental history, observes behavior, and uses standardized tools to determine whether the child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis.

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Collecting any records related to your child’s development—such as previous evaluations, therapy notes, school reports, or IEP/504 documents, if available—can be very helpful. Parents are also encouraged to note specific behaviors, developmental concerns, or questions they’d like to discuss. Even without formal documentation, your personal observations and experiences with your child are highly valuable throughout the evaluation process.

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Yes. Doing well in school doesn’t necessarily mean a child isn’t experiencing developmental challenges. Some children with autism may succeed academically but still struggle with 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 helpful.

contact us today

get started with an Autism Consultation

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Dr. Jazmin Burns

Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions

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