Autism Evaluation & Diagnosis

In East Madison

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

Our ABA Center:
5325 Wall Street, Suite 1000, Madison, WI 53718

Parents are often the first to notice when their child’s development may be taking a different path than expected. It’s natural to observe differences in communication, social interactions, play, or responses to the environment, 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 linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and offer families practical recommendations and strategies for support.

At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we work closely with families in East Madison 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 East Madison, WI, our team provides compassionate guidance, professional expertise, and reassurance throughout every step of the 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 in East Madison, WI, looking for an autism evaluation may occasionally encounter long waitlists or limited appointment availability. We understand that waiting for answers about your child’s development can be stressful and overwhelming.

While Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education does not conduct diagnostic evaluations directly, we assist families by connecting them with trusted local providers in the East Madison area. We also offer access to a virtual evaluation partner, which often allows for more flexible scheduling and shorter wait times compared with traditional in-person assessments.

Our goal is to help families in East Madison access the guidance, information, and support they need quickly and confidently, so they can move forward with clarity and peace of mind.

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

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

icon

Not necessarily. Certain 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 you determine the most appropriate next step.

icon

An autism screening is typically a short assessment used to determine whether a child may exhibit traits associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While it does not provide a formal diagnosis, it can help indicate whether a full evaluation is recommended. In contrast, a diagnostic evaluation is a comprehensive process conducted by a qualified clinician, who reviews the child’s developmental history, observes behavior, and uses standardized tools to assess whether the child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis.

icon

Collecting 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 documentation, your observations and experiences with your child are an essential part of the evaluation process.

icon

Yes. Excelling academically doesn’t necessarily mean a child has no developmental challenges. Some children with autism may perform well in school yet still experience difficulties with social interactions, adapting to changes in routine, sensory sensitivities, or communication. An evaluation can help identify these needs and determine whether additional support would be beneficial.

contact us today

get started with an Autism Consultation

SMS

Dr. Jazmin Burns

Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions

Therapist Name

Therapist Designation