Autism Evaluation & Diagnosis

In West Madison

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

Our ABA Center:
1232 Fourier Dr. Ste 101, Madison, WI 53717

Parents are often the first to notice when their child’s development may be following a different path than expected. It’s natural to observe differences in communication, social interactions, play, or responses to the environment, and consulting a professional can provide valuable clarity and support.

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

At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we partner with families in West Madison to help them better understand developmental concerns and confidently navigate the autism screening and diagnostic process.

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, opening doors to therapies, educational resources, and supports that encourage skill development, independence, and confidence.

For families considering an autism evaluation in West Madison, WI, 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 West Madison, WI, seeking an autism evaluation may sometimes face long waitlists or limited appointment availability. We understand that having questions or concerns about your child’s development can make the wait for answers stressful and overwhelming.

While Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education does not provide diagnostic evaluations directly, we help families navigate the process and connect them with trusted local providers in West Madison and surrounding areas. We can also connect families with a virtual evaluation partner, which often offers more flexible scheduling and shorter wait times than traditional in-person assessments.

Our mission is to help families in West Madison access the guidance, information, and support they need as smoothly and efficiently 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 always. Some insurance plans require a referral from a pediatrician or primary care provider, while others let families schedule an evaluation or consultation directly. If you’re unsure about your plan’s requirements, our team can review your benefits and guide you toward the most appropriate next step.

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An autism screening is usually a brief assessment that helps identify whether a child may show characteristics associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While it doesn’t provide a formal diagnosis, it can indicate if a full evaluation is needed. In contrast, a diagnostic evaluation is a thorough process performed by a qualified clinician, who reviews the child’s developmental history, observes behaviors, and uses standardized tools to determine whether the child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis.

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Gathering records about your child’s development—such as past evaluations, therapy notes, school reports, or IEP/504 documentation, if available—can be very helpful. Parents are also encouraged to track specific behaviors, developmental concerns, or questions they’d like to discuss. Even without formal documentation, your observations and experiences with your child play a vital role in the evaluation process.

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Yes. Doing well academically doesn’t always mean a child is free from developmental challenges. Some children with autism may thrive in school while still facing difficulties with social interactions, adapting to changes in routine, sensory sensitivities, or communication. An evaluation can help identify these needs and determine whether additional support might be helpful.

contact us today

get started with an Autism Consultation

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Dr. Jazmin Burns

Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions

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