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.
Learning about your child’s development can lead to many questions, and seeking the answers is an important first step.
Children grow and develop at their own pace. If you have concerns about your child’s communication, play, learning, or social skills, an evaluation can provide valuable insight into your child’s individual challenges and opportunities.
At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we support families in Peru, Illinois by offering trusted autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screenings and guidance throughout the early stages of the process. Our team helps caregivers understand the signs of autism and navigate next steps, including connecting with licensed diagnostic providers when a comprehensive autism evaluation is recommended.
A diagnosis of autism does not define who your child is as a person. What it does do is help parents and families understand how the world is experienced by the child. With early intervention and the right tools, children with autism can communicate, learn, and live independently.
You do not have to take this journey alone. Our team is committed to helping families like yours find the right path forward by connecting you with our diagnostic partners.
A screening tool designed to identify early signs of autism in toddlers aged 16–30 months.
A screening tool used to identify early signs of autism in children 4–11 years old.
Scheduling an autism evaluation can sometimes mean long wait times or limited available appointment slots in the Peru, IL area. Our commitment is to assist you in accessing a variety of diagnostic options, such as in-person clinicians in the Peru area or online evaluation options, to ensure you can find the evaluation that works for you.
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 first step in the diagnostic process involves a meeting with a specialist where you can discuss any concerns, review your child’s developmental history, and provide important background information.
The diagnostician will use evidence-based testing tools, which are specifically designed to meet your concerns, to assess a range of skills, including language, cognitive, motor skills, sensory sensitivities, comprehension, problem-solving, and adaptive skills.
The results of the assessment are summarized, and recommendations are provided for the next steps based on the assessment.
Parents are provided with a plan, which includes therapy options, educational resources, and community resources, to help their children succeed.
The importance of an autism diagnosis is that it gives the family a clear understanding and direction. It helps you understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses. It also opens the door for therapies and interventions that can significantly impact the life and growth of the child.
What Happens Next:
Each child is different, and screenings are just the beginning. If you would like to discuss your child’s screening results or have questions about what they mean, our team is here to help.
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
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
This varies based on the availability of scheduling and the type of assessment. Some families are able to finish the process in one to two visits, while others may require more sessions based on the age of your child and what information the assessor needs. If you are looking for a quicker solution, online assessment options may be available to help expedite the process.
Yes. After diagnosis, there are clear steps that families should take. We can assist you in understanding therapy options (such as ABA when necessary), help you understand school options such as a 504 plan or IEP, and guide you through resources so that you are not left to try to figure everything 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.
