Autism Evaluation & Diagnosis

In Austin

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

Our ABA Center:
6611 River Place Blvd, Ste 105, Austin, TX 78730

Parents are often the first to notice when their child’s development may be taking a different path than expected. Observing differences in communication, social interaction, play, or responses to the environment is natural, and consulting a professional can offer valuable clarity and support.

Since every child develops at their own pace, it can sometimes be difficult to understand these differences without expert guidance. A comprehensive autism evaluation can help determine whether these developmental patterns are linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and provide families with practical recommendations and strategies for support.

At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we work closely with families in Austin to help them better understand developmental concerns and navigate the autism screening and diagnostic process with confidence.

An autism diagnosis is not a limitation—it’s insight. It gives families a clearer understanding of how their child communicates, learns, and experiences the world, unlocking access to therapies, educational resources, and supports that foster skill development, independence, and confidence.

For families considering an autism evaluation in Austin, TX, our team offers compassionate guidance, professional expertise, and reassurance every step of the way.

Our Autism Diagnostic Screening Tools

Early identification can make a real difference. These screening tools are quick, free, and designed to help you figure out whether a deeper evaluation may be helpful. Choose the tool that fits your child’s age and receive results instantly.

M-CHAT-R

(Modified Checklist for
Autism in Toddlers)

A parent screening tool designed to identify possible early signs of autism in toddlers aged 16–30 months.

CAST

(Childhood Autism
Spectrum Test)

A screening tool used to identify autism-related traits in children 4–11 years old.

Helping Families Navigate Autism Evaluations

Families in Austin, TX, seeking an autism evaluation may sometimes encounter long waitlists or limited appointment availability. We understand that having questions or concerns about your child’s development can make waiting for answers stressful and overwhelming.

While Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education does not provide diagnostic evaluations directly, we support families by guiding them through the process and connecting them with trusted local providers in Austin and surrounding areas. We can also link families with a virtual evaluation partner, which often offers more flexible scheduling and shorter wait times compared to traditional in-person assessments.

Our goal is to help families in Austin access the guidance, information, and support they need as efficiently and smoothly as possible, so they can move forward with confidence and clarity.

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
ASD diagnosis

What to Expect in a Autism Diagnostic Evaluation

Here’s what the diagnostic process will look like for parents and children:

1

Initial Consultation

A specialist will meet with you to discuss concerns, review developmental history, and gather important background information.

2

Comprehensive Testing & Standardized Assessments

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).

3

Diagnosis & Discussion

You’ll receive a clear summary of findings, including whether your child meets diagnostic criteria, along with personalized recommendations.

4

Guidance & Support

Families will be provided with a plan that may include therapy options, educational support, and community resources to help their child thrive.

The Value of an Autism Diagnosis

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:

  • Access to Services: Test results can be used to start therapy, such as ABA therapy. Once a medical diagnosis is obtained, insurance may cover services, depending on the insurance plan.
  • Educational Support: Test results can provide support for a 504 plan or IEP.
  • Community Resources: There are a number of local, state, and national resources available for autistic children and families.
  • Future Planning: A diagnosis can guide future support based on needs that evolve as your child matures.

Ready To Get Started?

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.

Stay Connected

Learn More About Autism and ABA Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

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Not necessarily. Some insurance plans require a referral from a pediatrician or primary care provider, while others allow families to schedule an evaluation or consultation on their own. If you’re unsure about your insurance requirements, our team can help review your benefits and guide you to the most appropriate next step.

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An autism screening is usually a brief tool used to identify whether a child may show traits associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While it does not provide a diagnosis, it can help determine if a more comprehensive assessment is recommended. In contrast, a diagnostic evaluation is a detailed process conducted by a qualified clinician, who reviews the child’s developmental history, observes behavior, and uses standardized tools to determine whether the child meets the criteria for autism.

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Collecting records related to your child’s development—such as previous evaluations, therapy summaries, school reports, or IEP/504 documentation, if available—can be very helpful. Parents are also encouraged to note specific behaviors, developmental concerns, or questions they’d like to discuss. Even without formal documents, your personal observations and experiences with your child are extremely valuable throughout the evaluation process.

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Yes. Doing well academically doesn’t always mean a child isn’t facing developmental challenges. Some children with autism may succeed in school but still experience difficulties with social interaction, adapting to changes in routine, sensory sensitivities, or communication differences. An evaluation can help identify these needs and determine whether additional support could be beneficial.

contact us today

get started with an Autism Consultation

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Dr. Jazmin Burns

Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions

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