How to Explain Autism to Kids
Talking to a child about autism can bring up a lot of questions. You may be explaining their own autism diagnosis, helping a sibling understand why their brother or sister experiences certain situations differently, or
Helping you navigate
the autism journey,
every step of the way.
If you’re thinking about an autism diagnosis for your child, chances are that you’ve noticed something that hasn’t quite added up, perhaps in areas like communication, social connections, play, daily routines, sensory issues, or behaviors. Even if you have been “waiting and watching,” there is a moment of time when families want some clarity.
There’s also the fear of a diagnosis, which feels like a permanent label. But for most families, an evaluation actually has the opposite effect. Instead of creating more confusion, an evaluation creates clarity and provides a sense of direction.
Here at Cultivate BHE, we support families as they navigate the process of seeking an autism diagnosis. While we do not conduct diagnostic evaluations in our clinics, we help families explore trusted local and virtual options and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Getting a diagnosis is not about defining your child. It’s about understanding how your child sees the world and what will make life easier for them, now and in the years to come.
A widely used screening tool that helps identify possible early autism traits in toddlers ages 16–30 months.
A parent questionnaire used to assess autism-related traits in children ages 4-11.
Families searching for an autism evaluation in Mokena, IL often encounter long waitlists, limited appointment availability, and uncertainty about which provider is the best fit. Access to timely autism testing or an autism diagnosis near Mokena can vary depending on demand and provider capacity.
While our clinics do not conduct autism diagnostic evaluations, we help families in Mokena and surrounding communities explore trusted local clinicians as well as virtual autism evaluation options that may offer greater flexibility and shorter wait times. Our goal is to make the process feel more manageable so families can move forward with clarity and confidence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
If you are looking for support in Mokena, 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.
Talking to a child about autism can bring up a lot of questions. You may be explaining their own autism diagnosis, helping a sibling understand why their brother or sister experiences certain situations differently, or
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Children may exhibit behaviors that point to autism at any age, or it may not become more obvious until preschool or early elementary school age. If you’re concerned about communication, play, social connections, sensory issues, or rigidity, it’s reasonable to consider an evaluation at any age.
The length of time it takes to get a diagnosis for autism depends on several factors, including the availability and type of evaluation. Some families may be able to get a virtual evaluation quickly, while in-person evaluations may depend on local demand.
Yes, we’re here to help you understand what support is available to you and your child, so you’re not left to try to figure it all out on your own.
Yes, virtual evaluations are available and can be a helpful option for flexibility and faster scheduling.
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.
Dr. Burns’ academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in English, emphasizing Literature, Criticism, and Theory, along with a minor in Psychology, earned in 2013. She continued her education at Alliant International University, obtaining a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology in 2017 and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree in 2019.
Dr. Burns’ career in neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) started in 2010 as a volunteer and research assistant at the UC Davis MIND Institute. There, she received extensive training in NDDs under some of the leading experts in the field. Her experience spans roles as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Behavior Technician and years of specialized training at the UC Davis MIND Institute. She also participated in the Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program for three years, gaining comprehensive skills in the field.
Throughout her career, Dr. Burns has worked with individuals of all ages across various settings, including private practice, clinics, hospitals, and community-based environments. Her passion for increasing access to care, particularly for underserved populations, led Dr. Burns to become an Authorization Holder, granted the authority to practice by the PSYPACT Commission, allowing her to provide services across state lines. Dr. Burns is committed to empowering families by offering psychoeducation on diagnoses, school rights, and available resources, ensuring they feel confident and capable in supporting their children.
