Professional Autism Evaluations in Waco

Something feels different. Maybe your child isn't quite hitting the same milestones as other children their age, or their pediatrician suggested taking a closer look. An autism screener is a simple, no-cost first step that can help bring some of your questions into focus.

Complete a no-cost online autism screener

Autism screeners can help identify your child's autism risk and give insight into whether further evaluation is needed.

  • First place to begin
  • No cost
  • Complete it at home in a few minutes
  • Doesn't provide a diagnosis

After screening and when you're ready for the next step, we work with major insurance providers and can help verify your coverage:

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Action Behavior Centers in Waco, Texas, provides evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA therapy is one of the most effective methods for helping autistic children learn and develop new skills. Need autism diagnostic support? Our knowledgable ABA clinicians can help! Call one of our Waco-area locations to explore our ABA therapy options at no cost.

Find the right screener

#1 Rated ABA therapy in Waco

ABC had been life changing for both us, and our child. They have been there every step of the way, from the initial testing/diagnosis, to daily check ins and updates at pick up. They helped us with insurance questions and issues, which are overwhelming all on their own. We’ve seen so many improvements in our little one. The therapists and everyone at the facility go above and beyond. I can’t recommend them enough!!

Jennifer Matson

The ABA therapy provided here has been a game changer for my son, who in his own words said "I've learned how to make friends and finally enjoy school." The staff are delightful and knowledgeable, and patiently worked with us as we navigated our own journey through the world of ABA. The staff at ABC gave our family the tools we needed to improve our son's life and ours. It's definitely a team effort and parents need to be willing to put in the investment of learning too, but it's absolutely worth it. We even miss coming here as we had such positive interactions with the staff! Thank you, ABC!

Caroline Hackney

This place is a heaven sent! My son was diagnosed with autism 3 years ago. And he is 6 and now has graduated from this wonderful place! Now heading to first grade! Our son and family has always felt supported here. He never wanted to miss a day! We are definitely going to miss this place! Thank you to the ABC Staff for all that you’ve done for my son! If you’re looking for ABA therapy for your loved one look no further, this is the place to go!

Taryn O’Neal

Autism screening: a simple first step

A screener cannot diagnose autism or tell you everything about your child. It can help identify whether a full evaluation may be worth pursuing, so you can move forward with more clarity and confidence.

You know your child best. If something feels different, it’s okay to ask questions.

What are the steps in the autism diagnostic process?

1. Complete a quick online screener

Answer a few questions about your child's everyday behavior. A higher-risk result isn't a diagnosis, but it can point you toward next steps.

2. Schedule a professional autism evaluation

If your results suggest a closer look is needed, the next step is a comprehensive evaluation. Depending on your region and your child's needs, this will be an ADOS-2 or an Initial Diagnostic Evaluation (IDE).

3. Review results and confirm autism diagnosis

Your doctor or psychologist will review the evaluation, parent questionnaires, and your child's developmental history to determine next steps.

How is autism diagnosed?

The first signs of ASD typically appear before age 2. There is not currently a blood test, brain scan, or physical examination that can diagnose autism. Instead, a licensed professional, such as a pediatrician or child psychologist, can make an accurate diagnosis after observing a child’s behavior during a formal assessment. Learn more about how to get an autism diagnosis.

Diagnosing ASD involves several steps:

  1. Identification: Parents, caregivers, or doctors may begin to recognize signs of autism in a child’s behavior. Early signs may involve not making eye contact or not speaking.
  2. Screening: Parents or doctors can use screening tools, such as the M-CHAT-R or CAST, to see whether their child should receive a more formal evaluation.
  3. Developmental evaluation: A trained clinician or specialist completes an evaluation using directly administered, play-based tests. One commonly used test, the ADOS-2, is a gold-standard tool that can reliably identify ASD symptoms.
  4. Diagnosis: The child's doctor or psychologist will review all test results and data collected to determine if the child meets the criteria for an ASD diagnosis.

Who can diagnose autism?

In the U.S., autism is diagnosed by qualified medical and mental health professionals through a comprehensive evaluation. This process may include direct observation, developmental history, caregiver interviews, and standardized diagnostic tools to determine whether a child meets criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Many children can be evaluated as early as 18 months old.

Professionals who may diagnose autism include:

  • Developmental pediatricians
  • Child psychologists or neuropsychologists
  • Child psychiatrists
  • Pediatric neurologists

Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®) may support the evaluation process, but a formal autism diagnosis is typically made by one of the specialists listed above. Learn more about how to get an autism diagnosis.

Does my child need an autism diagnosis before starting ABA therapy?

Yes! Your child will need a formal autism diagnosis before they can begin ABA therapy, receive insurance coverage, and access certain school programs. As a trusted ABA therapy provider, Action Behavior offers no-cost autism evaluations, including the ADOS-2, to help guide your next steps. Contact us today to learn more about the autism evaluation process.

Autism Screeners in Waco

How old is your child?

Great, we recommend the CAST Screener

Great, we recommend the M-CHAT-R Screener

Find top ABA therapy in Waco, TX

Top ABA Therapy near you available at Action Behavior Centers
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Phone:
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Name

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Address
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Brooklyn
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NY
11211
(512) 364-0006
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Check Autism Therapy insurance coverage in Waco

Insurance coverage for ABA therapy can vary by state and by health plan. Use the tool below to find state-specific insurance coverage for autism therapy in your area. Don’t see your insurance listed? Contact your local ABA center to verify in-network ABA coverage.

Please note: Medicaid is not accepted in Texas at this time.

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