What to Expect From Autism Testing in Chicago

Deciding to pursue autism testing for a child is a big step, and it often comes with a lot of questions. What does an autism evaluation in Chicago actually involve? How long does it take? What happens next if your child receives a diagnosis?

This guide walks through what autism testing typically looks like, how Chicago families can access an evaluation, and what comes next after your child receives an autism diagnosis.

Signs your child may benefit from an autism evaluation

Every child develops differently, and there's no single sign that points to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on its own. But some patterns come up often enough that they're worth discussing with a professional. You might notice your child:

• Doesn't respond consistently when you call their name
• Isn't using gestures like pointing or waving to communicate
• Shows delayed speech or hasn't started talking yet
• Doesn’t make eye contact
• Repeats certain movements or behaviors
• Has a strong preference for routines and a hard time with change

These signs don't confirm ASD on their own, and some children show several of them without being autistic. If a few sound familiar, it's often worth taking a quick online autism screener and talking with your pediatrician about next steps.

What happens during an autism evaluation in Chicago?

Autism can't be identified through a single test, a medical scan, or an online tool alone. A comprehensive evaluation led by a trained clinician is required, and it looks closely at your child's development, behavior, and communication. Getting an autism diagnosis typically includes the following:

• Parent interview: Caregivers share information about their child's medical history, developmental milestones, and daily behaviors.
• Direct observation: Trained clinicians engage the child in interactive activities to observe how they communicate, play, and respond.
• Autism-specific tools: Additional tools are used to gather information about behaviors associated with autism, which may include the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and the Tele-ASD-PEDS, as well as parent questionnaires.
• Results review session: Based on a combination of evaluation results, parent questionnaires, and your child's developmental history, your doctor or psychologist will determine the next steps.

Because making a diagnosis depends on this kind of clinical judgment across multiple sources of information, it's not something an autism screening or a single office visit can determine on its own.

How to access autism testing in the Chicago area

Many families start with a quick autism screener before scheduling a full evaluation for their child. Autism screening doesn't provide a diagnosis, but it can help you decide if a more thorough evaluation makes sense.

At Action Behavior Centers, Chicago families have access to:

• The M-CHAT-R, a no-cost online autism screener for toddlers
• The CAST, a no-cost online autism screener for older children
• Face-to-face, no-cost ADOS-2 assessments, available for children ages 18 months to 6 years
• Initial Diagnostic Evaluations (IDEs) led by psychologists, also available for children ages 18 months to 6 years

One advantage for Chicago families is that autism testing and treatment can happen under the same roof. If your child is diagnosed with autism, they can begin center-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy right away at ABC's Chicago centers, available for children ages 18 months to 8 years, with no waitlists and no need to wait on a referral to a separate provider. 

ABC accepts more than 120 insurance plans, and our insurance and financial assistance team can help verify coverage before an evaluation is scheduled. You can also check your insurance coverage online beforehand!

What happens after an autism diagnosis?

An autism diagnosis is often the start of a new set of questions: what kind of support does your child need, and where do you begin? For many families, the next step is applied ABA therapy, an evidence-based treatment that helps autistic 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.

Getting started typically includes:

• Completing an online interest form so a teammate can learn about your family’s needs
• Reviewing your insurance benefits and coverage options
• Meeting with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) for an initial assessment, who will set individualized goals based on your child's needs and your family’s goals
• Beginning center-based ABA therapy, available for children ages 18 months to 8 years at ABC's Chicago-area centers

Throughout ABA treatment, you'll also attend twice-monthly Family Guidance sessions led by a BCBA, giving you practical strategies to use at home.

Frequently asked questions about autism testing in Chicago

How long does an autism evaluation take? 

It depends on which professional autism evaluation in Chicago your child receives. The ADOS-2 assessment itself takes 40 to 60 minutes. The IDE is a longer process that includes a combination of parent interviews, direct observation, standardized tools, and a results review session. ABC checks insurance coverage before scheduling the IDE, so timelines can vary by location and plan, though there's no waitlist to get on the schedule in the first place.

How old does my child have to be to get an autism diagnosis in Chicago? 

Autism can often be identified as early as 18 months. At ABC's Chicago-area ABA centers, ADOS-2 and IDE evaluations are available for children ages 18 months to 6 years.

What areas of Chicago does ABC serve? 

Action Behavior Centers has several locations across the city, including West Loop, Lincoln Park, North Center, Logan Square, and Park Ridge, as well as centers throughout the Chicago suburbs. Visit our Chicago location page for the full list.

Who can diagnose autism? 

Autism is diagnosed by qualified professionals, including developmental pediatricians, child psychologists or neuropsychologists, child psychiatrists, and pediatric neurologists. BCBAs may support the evaluation process, but a formal diagnosis is made by one of these specialists.

Does insurance cover autism testing in Chicago? 

ADOS-2 evaluations in Chicago are available at no cost, and with no waitlists. IDE coverage varies by plan. ABC accepts more than 120 insurance plans and can help verify benefits before scheduling. Please note, Medicaid is not currently accepted at our Illinois ABA centers. Check if Action Behavior Centers accepts your insurance in minutes.

What happens if my child is diagnosed with autism? 

First, take a deep breath. Before you start gathering information or setting up appointments, take a moment to pause. Processing your child’s autism diagnosis takes time. Remember, your autistic child is the same person they were before the diagnosis. The label doesn’t change who they are; it simply helps you understand how to support them more effectively.

Once your child is diagnosed, every moment counts. Your pediatrician may recommend therapies based on your child’s strengths and challenges. ABA therapy is an evidence-based treatment that helps children build essential life skills through individualized strategies and positive reinforcement. Each child’s plan will look different, depending on their goals and developmental level. The key is finding therapies that fit your child’s needs, and a team you trust to deliver them.

What if my child isn't diagnosed with autism? 

Not every evaluation results in an autism diagnosis. If your child doesn't meet the criteria for autism spectrum disorder, the evaluating professional can share what the results do show and, if needed, point you toward other resources or specialists who can help.

Help your child thrive with autism support through ABA therapy in Chicago

Ready to get started, or just want to see what ABA therapy centers are available nearby? Complete our online interest form to get matched with a Chicago ABA center, or find the location closest to you.