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 exploring an autism evaluation, it usually means you’ve been paying close attention for a while. Maybe your child’s communication looks different than expected. Maybe play feels more repetitive, transitions feel unusually hard, or sensory input (noise, clothing, textures, crowds) triggers big reactions.
Maybe you’re also wondering what an evaluation might mean. Maybe you’re worried it’ll “put your child in a box.” What we’ve seen is that an evaluation can actually relieve a lot of pressure, because instead of wondering, you’ll finally know what’s going on.
What an evaluation does is provide information. It can help you understand what you’re seeing, can help you identify strengths you might not have noticed before, and can guide you to supports that actually work for your child.
At Cultivate, we help St. Charles families start with practical tools and real guidance. We offer screening options for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), talk through results with you, and connect you with trusted diagnostic partners when a full evaluation is the right next step.
A quick parent checklist that screens for possible early autism traits in toddlers 16–30 months.
A parent questionnaire that screens for autism-related traits in children 4–11 years old.
Getting an autism assessment in the St. Charles region may, at times, result in waiting lists or difficult appointment times. Our aim is to assist families in the St. Charles region in gaining access to several options for autism assessments, including local in-person professionals and online assessment options, so that you can select the option that is best for your family.
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.
You will describe what you are seeing, what is concerning you the most, and the history of your child’s development to this point.
The diagnostician will use research-based measures to gather information about communication, learning, sensory processing, behavior, and daily living skills.
You will be given a clear explanation of the results, written recommendations, and the opportunity to ask questions.
You will leave the session with a plan, which may include therapy options, school support ideas, and resources that are appropriate for your child.
The reality for many families, however, is a diagnosis means clarity, not fear. It gives families a sense of what they’re dealing with, what challenges are being faced, and what help might be most effective.
What Families May Gain From A Diagnosis:
If you’re seeking information on Autism Screenings and Diagnostic Support in St. Charles, we’re here to assist you in taking the next step without the guesswork.
Call 855-444-5664 to schedule a consultation and learn about your screening and evaluation options, including virtual evaluation.
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
Some kids can be evaluated early on when they are toddlers, while others may need to be evaluated when they are a bit older, when their differences are more apparent, such as when they are going to preschool or are already in school.
The length of time that the autism diagnosis process takes will depend on the service provider, their scheduling, and the type of assessment that is required. Some families may find that the virtual assessment is faster, while others may find that scheduling is longer when they go to the service provider.
Yes, you’ll receive recommendations and guidance on next steps, and we can help connect you to options such as therapy, school support strategies, and community resources.
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.
