Autism Evaluation
& Diagnosis
Understanding your child's development can come with many questions, and seeking answers is a meaningful step in the process.
Every child develops in their own way. If you’ve noticed differences in how your child communicates, plays, or interacts, an evaluation can offer helpful insight into their unique strengths and challenges, guiding interventions tailored to support their growth.
We help families take those first important steps by offering trusted screening tools for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These screenings can provide valuable insight and help determine whether pursing a formal diagnostic evaluation is the right next step.
An autism diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is, it simply helps clarify how they experience the world. With early identification, families can access the right tools and resources to support their child’s growth, communication, and independence.
Here at Cultivate, we don’t want you to have to navigate this journey alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide thoughtful guidance and directly connect you to our diagnostic partners to ensure families have clear pathways to the support they need.
Signs of Autism
ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and processes sensory information. Signs of autism can appear in early childhood, but every individual is unique. Some common indicators include:
- Difficulty with social interactions
- Repetitive behaviors or interests
- Delayed speech and language skills
- Struggles with transitions or changes in routine
- Sensory sensitivities
Autism Screening Tools
Early identification makes a difference. These autism screening tools are quick, free, and designed to help parents identify whether further evaluation may be needed. Choose the screening tool below that matches your child’s age and receive your results instantly.
M-CHAT-R
(Modified Checklist for
Autism in Toddlers)
A screening tool designed to identify early signs of autism in toddlers aged 16-30 months.
CAST
(Childhood Autism
Spectrum Test)
A screening tool used to identify early signs of autism in children 4-11 years old.
Schedule a Consultation
Every child’s journey is unique, and screenings are just the first step. If you’d like to talk through your child’s results or have questions about what they mean, our experienced team is here to guide you.
Schedule a free consultation with us to learn more about resources and connect you with a diagnostician (if needed) to further support your family.
Meet Dr. Burns
Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education is proud to collaborate with Jazmin Burns, Psy.D., of Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions.
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.
What to Expect in a Diagnostic Evaluation
Here’s what the diagnostic process looks like for parents and children:
1
Initial Consultation
A specialist will meet with you to discuss concerns, review your child’s developmental history, and gather important background information.
2
Comprehensive Testing & Standardized Assessments
Using evidence-based testing tools tailored to your areas of concern, the diagnostician will assess areas such as language, cognitive skills, motor function, sensory sensitivities, comprehension, problem-solving, and adaptive skills.
3
Diagnosis & Discussion
You will receive summarized findings based on the assessment and receive personalized recommendations for the next steps.
4
Guidance & Support
Families receive a tailored plan, including therapy options, educational support, and community resources to help their child thrive.
The Importance of an Autism Diagnosis
What Happens Next:
- Access to Services: Results can be used to begin therapy (e.g. ABA therapy). With a formal medical diagnosis, insurance will often times cover your therapy. However, coverage may vary by insurance provider.
- Educational Supports: The diagnosis can help support your request for school accommodations, special education services, building a 504 plan, or an individualized education program (IEP).
- Community Resources: There are many local, state, and national resources designed to support autistic children and their caregivers.
- Future Planning: A diagnosis helps guide long-term planning by providing a clearer understanding of a child’s needs as they grow.
Testimonials
What Parents are saying about aBA Therapy at Cultivate
Learn More about Autism and ABA Therapy
Our Blog
What is the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST)?
When it comes to understanding autism in children, early screening tools play a crucial role
How Many Hours of ABA Does My Child Need?
When a child is diagnosed with autism, one of the most common recommendations is ABA
What is a DX Report and the Steps to an Autism Diagnosis
Early identification and intervention are crucial when it comes to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One
What Is the Age Limit for ABA?
Why Early Childhood Matters Most — And How ABA Supports Growth from the Start Families
Frequently Asked Questions
Early signs can appear as young as 12 months, but a formal autism evaluation can typically be conducted around 18-24 months.
Each child is unique, so the process may vary, however, most evaluations typically take a few hours and are completed over one or two sessions.
Yes! We provide personalized recommendations for therapy, educational support, and community resources to ensure your child gets the help they need.
