How Is Autism Diagnosed in Children? What Twin Cities Parents Need to Know

Maybe your toddler doesn't turn around when you call their name. Or your preschooler gets really upset if their bedtime routine changes. If you've started noticing things like this and wondering if your child might be autistic, take a breath. What should you do first if you notice possible signs of autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) isn't diagnosed with a single test. It's a process that usually includes a screener, a comprehensive evaluation, and a lot of input from those who knows your child best. 

What are some signs of autism parents notice first?

Every child is different, and there's no single sign that points to "autism." But some patterns come up often enough that they're worth paying attention to. You might notice your child:

• Doesn't make eye contact
• Lines up toys, blocks, or crayons instead of playing with them in other ways
• Has sensory sensitivities and big reactions to certain sounds, textures, lights, or smells
• Seems to prefer playing alone, even when other children are right there
• Isn't using many words yet, or has lost words they used to say
• Doesn't imitate gestures like waving, clapping, or blowing a kiss

If a few of these sound familiar, that doesn't mean your child has autism spectrum disorder. It just means it might be worth exploring further. Some children show several of these patterns and aren't autistic. Others show just one or two and are.

How is autism diagnosed in children?

Autism is diagnosed through a process that typically includes the following steps:

1. Complete a no-cost online autism screener. Start at home with a quick online questionnaire that asks about your child's social, communication, and play behaviors. This can help you understand if your child may be at risk for autism and if further evaluation is worth pursuing.

2. Schedule a comprehensive autism evaluation. If your child receives a high-risk score on the autism screener, or if you have ongoing concerns regardless of score, the next step is an in-person or telehealth Initial Diagnostic Evaluation (IDE).

3. Review results and next steps. A licensed psychologist reviews the findings with you directly. Based on the evaluation, parent questionnaires, and your child's developmental history, they'll determine if your child meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder.

Watch now: Getting an Autism Diagnosis Webinar

What is an autism screener?

An autism screener is a quick online tool that does not provide a diagnosis. It helps you and your child's provider decide if more thorough autism testing in Minneapolis is worth pursuing.

• Autism screeners take just a few minutes to complete at home
• A high-risk score doesn't confirm an autism diagnosis on its own
• Children with a high-risk score should be further assessed by an autism specialist

For toddlers: M-CHAT-R            For older children: CAST

What happens during a comprehensive autism evaluation?

If an autism screener suggests your child is at risk for autism, the next step is a comprehensive autism evaluation completed by a professional. At Action Behavior Centers, that's our Initial Diagnostic Evaluation (IDE), available for children ages 18 months through 6 years with licensed psychologists, in-center or via telehealth.

There's no single test that diagnoses autism spectrum disorder. Instead, licensed psychologists use several methods to determine if a child meets the criteria for ASD, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). An IDE at ABC focuses specifically on autism rather than screening for every possible childhood diagnosis.

Here's what to expect:

• Parent interview: You'll share your child's medical history, developmental milestones, and daily behaviors.
• Direct observation: The psychologist engages your child in interactive activities to observe communication, play, and responses.
• Autism-specific tools: Additional tools help gather information about behaviors associated with autism.
• Results review: The psychologist walks you through the findings, discusses if your child meets criteria for a diagnosis, and provides individualized recommendations. You'll also receive a written report to share with your pediatrician, teachers, or other providers.

Action Behavior Centers proudly works with 120+ insurance plans in Minnesota. Check your insurance coverage online in minutes.

Who diagnoses autism in children?

Autism is typically diagnosed through a formal evaluation by a qualified medical or mental health professional, such as a psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or neurologist. Your pediatrician is often the first to hear your questions and can help point you in the right direction, but the diagnosis itself comes from an in-depth evaluation. At Action Behavior Centers, our licensed psychologists perform these in-depth evaluations.

How do Twin Cities school district screenings fit into the autism diagnostic process?

Some Twin Cities parents also run into developmental screening through their local school district, especially when questions come up about learning, communication, or preschool readiness. This can be a helpful part of the process, but it's usually separate from a clinical autism diagnosis.

A school district screening can help identify whether your child could benefit from educational support or a more formal school-based evaluation. A clinical autism diagnosis comes from a separate medical or psychological evaluation, so some families in Minneapolis–St. Paul end up navigating both at the same time.

How do Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) fit into the autism diagnostic process?

In Minnesota, part of the early identification process may happen through Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC), the state's preventive health program for children and teens. C&TC includes recommended autism screening at the 18- and 24-month visits, or earlier if a parent or provider notices something worth a closer look.

C&TC won't give you an autism diagnosis on its own. What it does is create an early checkpoint where screening can happen, results get reviewed, and your child can be referred for further evaluation if needed. 

Why an early autism diagnosis matters

Getting an autism diagnosis helps you understand your child's needs and access the right support at the right time. After an evaluation and autism diagnosis, families can begin early intervention, often through Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI), an approach built around applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA therapy is an evidence-based treatment that uses the science of learning and positive reinforcement to help autistic children build meaningful skills and make lasting changes in their lives.

Early intervention typically begins around ages 2 or 3, when young children's brains are especially quick to pick up new skills and carry them across different parts of the day.¹ That's why families and clinicians place so much value on getting support in place early. Starting sooner can also reduce the need for more intensive services later on.²

Does your child needs an autism evaluation in the Twin Cities?

If a comprehensive evaluation is the right next step after an autism screener, the Minneapolis–St. Paul area offers a clear path forward. At ABC, we offer Initial Diagnostic Evaluations (IDEs) with licensed psychologists, available in-center or through telehealth, to help you move from questions to answers.

If your child receives an autism diagnosis, ABA therapy is often the next step. It's an evidence-based autism treatment that helps children build functional skills for everyday life, like communicating their needs, connecting with others in social situations, and building independence at home and in the community. Action Behavior Centers has ABA therapy centers for autistic children across Minneapolis, with no waitlists. Complete a no-cost autism screener or contact a Minnesota ABA center near you to schedule a tour.