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.
Understanding your child’s development can lead to many questions, and seeking answers is a step in the right direction.
All children develop at their own pace. If you have recognized differences in the way your child communicates, plays, engages socially, or responds to sensory input, it is perfectly natural to seek more insight. An evaluation will provide you with a better understanding of the reasons behind the behaviors you are seeing.
Cultivate Behavioral Health and Education is here to assist families in the Naperville, IL, area by guiding the best autism screening tools for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
An autism diagnosis is not a definition of who your child is. An autism diagnosis is a tool that will help you better understand the way that your child relates to the world around them. This will help you make the best decisions for them while providing you with the resources that will help them grow.
You do not have to go through the process alone. Cultivate is here to help guide you through the process.
A parent screening tool designed to identify possible early signs of autism in toddlers aged 16–30 months.
A screening tool used to identify autism-related traits in children 4–11 years old.
While seeking an autism evaluation in Naperville, IL can sometimes involve long wait times or limited availability, we understand how important timely answers are for families. Although our clinics do not conduct autism diagnostic evaluations, we can connect families with trusted in-person providers in the Naperville area as well as a virtual autism evaluation partner offering flexible scheduling and shorter wait times.
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.
A specialist will meet with you to discuss concerns, review developmental history, and gather important background information.
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).
You’ll receive a clear summary of findings, including whether your child meets diagnostic criteria, along with personalized recommendations.
Families will be provided with a plan that may include therapy options, educational support, and community resources to help their child thrive.
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:
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.
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
Creating an inclusive classroom that accommodates students with autism requires thoughtful planning, structure, and consistency. Using strategies grounded in applied behavior analysis (ABA), educators can build a predictable, low-stress setting where students thrive academically and socially. Implementing applied behavior analysis techniques
School transitions can be exciting, but they can also be challenging for children with autism. Moving to a new grade, entering a different classroom, meeting new teachers, or starting at a new school can introduce
When parents begin noticing differences in their child’s development, they often search for new ways autism can be identified. One area of growing research is eye tracking technology, which measures where and how long a
A screening is a brief assessment that can help determine whether autism traits may be present. A diagnostic evaluation is more comprehensive and is performed by a qualified professional.
If you have them on hand, it is best to bring any previous evaluations, therapy reports, school reports, IEP/504 information, as well as a list of your child’s concerns or behaviors. Even if you have nothing to bring, your observations of your child’s behaviors can still play an important part.
Yes. Sometimes, a child is able to perform well in school, but there are underlying issues that need to be addressed, such as social communication, flexibility, sensory processing, and/or anxiety related to change.
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.
