Autism Evaluation & Diagnosis

In Colorado Springs East

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

Our ABA Center:
6140 Tutt Boulevard, Ste 200, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923

Many parents begin thinking about an autism evaluation after noticing certain patterns in their child’s development. You may have questions about how your child communicates, connects with others, plays, manages routines, or reacts to sensory experiences. Sometimes families spend months “watching and waiting” before deciding they would like more clarity about what they are seeing.

It’s also common for parents to feel nervous about what a diagnosis might mean. The idea of a label can feel overwhelming. However, for many families, the evaluation process actually brings relief. Rather than creating uncertainty, a thorough evaluation can provide answers, guidance, and a clearer path forward.

At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we support families throughout East Colorado Springs and the surrounding El Paso County communities who are exploring an autism diagnosis for their child. Although our clinics do not conduct diagnostic evaluations directly, our team helps families connect with trusted local diagnostic providers as well as virtual evaluation options that may offer greater scheduling flexibility and shorter wait times.

An autism diagnosis does not define who your child is. Instead, it offers valuable insight into how your child experiences the world and what types of support may help them thrive both now and as they grow.

Autism Screening Tools

We use trusted, research-supported screening tools, including:

M-CHAT-R

(Modified Checklist for
Autism in Toddlers)

A widely used screening tool that helps identify possible early autism traits in toddlers ages 16–30 months.

CAST

(Childhood Autism
Spectrum Test)

A parent questionnaire used to assess autism-related traits in children ages 4-11.

Our Commitment To Care In East Colorado Springs

Families looking for an autism evaluation in East Colorado Springs may find that appointment availability can be limited, especially as demand for developmental specialists continues to grow across the region. In some cases, families encounter extended waitlists or uncertainty about which diagnostic provider is the right fit for their child.

Although Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education does not conduct autism diagnostic evaluations within our clinics, we support families in East Colorado Springs and the surrounding El Paso County area by helping them identify trusted diagnostic resources. This may include connecting families with experienced local providers or introducing virtual evaluation options that can sometimes offer more flexible scheduling and faster access to appointments.

Our goal is to help families navigate the diagnostic process with greater clarity, making it easier to take the next steps toward understanding their child’s developmental needs.

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
aba therapy
aba therapy

What to Expect at an Autism Evaluation In East Colorado Springs:

Here’s a brief overview of what you might expect from a diagnostic evaluation:

1

Initial Consultation

The evaluation process usually begins with an in-depth parent interview. During this conversation, caregivers share their child’s developmental history, including early milestones, communication patterns, social interactions, and any concerns related to behavior or learning. This step helps the diagnostician gain important background information and understand the child’s strengths and challenges within their daily environment.

2

Assessment & Observation

Following the initial consultation, the clinician may use evidence-based assessment tools and structured observations to better understand the child’s communication, social interaction, play skills, and behavior patterns. These assessments are designed to evaluate areas commonly associated with autism, such as social communication differences, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities, while also considering the child’s developmental level.

3

Diagnosis & Discussion

After reviewing all collected information, the provider evaluates whether the child meets DSM-5-TR criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Families are informed of the findings and given clear feedback about the results. The provider may also identify other developmental considerations or recommend additional evaluations if needed.

4

Guidance & Support

Families receive a written report summarizing the evaluation results along with personalized recommendations for next steps. These may include therapy services, educational supports, or community resources to help support the child’s development. This guidance is intended to help families make informed decisions and feel confident about moving forward.

Why an Autism Diagnosis Can Be Helpful

A diagnosis provides families with a better understanding of what’s going on and what’s likely to help. It also eliminates the frustration of trial and error, which may not work for your child.

What Happens Next:

  • Access to Services: The results enable families to start therapy, including ABA therapy. With a medical diagnosis, insurance benefits may help families access services, depending on the provider.
  • School Supports: A diagnosis may assist families in getting support in schools through a 504 plan or an IEP.
  • Community Resources: Accessing support groups at local and national levels becomes easier once families have the right documentation and support.
  • Planning Over Time: A diagnosis provides families with a better understanding of their child’s needs over time, enabling support to change and adapt with their child.

Ready To Get Started?

If you are looking for support in East Colorado Springs, we are here to assist you in making the next step with clarity and care if you are looking for support with an autism evaluation.

Call now at 855-444-5664 to learn more about autism evaluations and scheduling or fill out our intake form to get in touch with our team.

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

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An autism evaluation can help families better understand their child’s developmental profile. If you’ve noticed differences in communication, social interaction, play skills, or behavior patterns, an evaluation can provide insight into what may be contributing to those differences. Rather than guessing or waiting without answers, a professional assessment can help identify whether additional support, services, or resources may benefit your child

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Children can be evaluated for autism at many different stages of development. Some early signs may appear during the toddler years, while other differences may become more noticeable once a child begins preschool or elementary school. If you have concerns about areas such as speech development, social engagement, sensory sensitivities, or difficulty adapting to routines, it may be worthwhile to discuss an evaluation regardless of your child’s age.

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The timeline for receiving an autism diagnosis can vary depending on the type of provider and the availability of appointments in your area. In-person diagnostic evaluations sometimes involve longer waitlists due to high demand. Virtual evaluation options may allow families to schedule sooner, though the exact timeline will depend on the clinician and the evaluation format being used.

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After a diagnosis, families typically receive recommendations that may include therapy services, educational supports, or developmental resources that can help their child build important skills. Our team helps families understand the next steps and explore options for care so they can make informed decisions about what support may be most helpful moving forward.

Yes. Virtual autism evaluations are an option for many families and can offer added flexibility when scheduling appointments. In some cases, telehealth evaluations may also reduce wait times compared to traditional in-person assessments. Virtual evaluations allow clinicians to observe children in their home environment while gathering information about developmental history and current behaviors.

contact us today

get started with an Autism Consultation

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Dr. Jazmin Burns

Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions

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