Autism Evaluation & Diagnosis

In Jackson

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

Our ABA Center:
79 Sand Pebble Drive, Ste A, Jackson, TN 38305

Parents are often the first to notice when their child’s development may be following a different path than expected. Recognizing differences in communication, social interaction, play, or responses to the environment is natural, and consulting a professional can provide valuable clarity and support.

Because every child develops at their own pace, understanding these differences can sometimes be challenging without expert guidance. 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 partner with families in Jackson 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 clearer understanding of how their child communicates, learns, and experiences the world, opening doors to therapies, educational resources, and supports that promote skill development, independence, and confidence.

For families considering an autism evaluation in Jackson, TN, our team is here to provide compassionate guidance, professional expertise, and reassurance throughout 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 Jackson, TN seeking an autism evaluation may sometimes face long waitlists or limited appointment availability. We understand that when questions or concerns arise about your child’s development, waiting for answers can be stressful and overwhelming.

While Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education does not perform diagnostic evaluations directly, we assist families by guiding them through the process and connecting them with trusted local providers in Jackson and the surrounding areas. We can also connect families with a virtual evaluation partner, which often offers more flexible scheduling and shorter wait times than traditional in-person assessments.

Our mission is to help families in Jackson access the guidance, information, and support they need as efficiently 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 allow families to schedule 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 identify whether a child may show traits associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While it does not provide a formal diagnosis, it can indicate whether a more in-depth evaluation is recommended. In contrast, a diagnostic evaluation is a comprehensive process conducted by a qualified clinician, which includes reviewing the child’s developmental history, observing behavior, and using standardized assessments 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 documentation, 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 documents, your firsthand observations and experiences with your child are extremely valuable throughout the evaluation process.

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Yes. Academic success doesn’t always mean a child isn’t experiencing developmental challenges. Some children with autism may do well in school but still face difficulties with social interaction, adjusting to changes in routine, sensory sensitivities, or communication differences. An evaluation can help identify these areas of need 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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