Autism screening & diagnostic support
For many families, the period before receiving a diagnosis for autism can be filled with uncertainty. Getting a diagnosis can provide relief and direction for parents, who can now better understand and address their child’s needs. At Action Behavior Centers, we support families through every stage of the autism testing process for children, from initial screening to formal evaluation and the next steps for care. Early autism diagnosis opens the door to early intervention services, like applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, which helps children begin meeting important milestones.
How to get your child tested for autism
Wondering how to get your child tested for autism or where to begin an early autism evaluation? At Action Behavior Centers, we are here to help you navigate the autism diagnostic process so your child can access the care they need when it’s needed.
We offer no-cost ASD evaluations, beginning with simple online autism screening tools for children of all ages. If screening results suggest your child may be at risk for autism, we offer in-person, gold-standard assessments like the ADOS-2 autism spectrum test for children ages 18 months to 6 years old.
Why an autism diagnosis matters
A formal autism diagnosis is often necessary before a child can:
- Access evidence-based autism services like ABA therapy
- Receive insurance coverage for autism treatment
- Qualify for special education support and school accommodations
How the autism diagnostic process works
We make getting your child tested for autism simple and supportive. Here’s what to expect:
- Complete a free, online screener: Start with tools like the M-CHAT-R (for toddlers) or CAST (for older children) to check for early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Schedule an in-person ASD evaluation: If screening results suggest a high autism risk, your child may benefit from a formal assessment using the ADOS-2, a research-backed diagnostic tool.
- Review results with your child’s provider: Our clinicians score and compile your child’s results and send them directly to their doctor for review and next steps.
- Receive a formal diagnosis (if applicable): Based on the assessment and clinical judgment, your child’s specialist will determine whether they meet the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder.
Next steps for support: If your child is diagnosed with autism, we’ll help guide you through available autism resources, including ABA therapy. Our team is here to answer your questions, coordinate care, and help your child take the next steps toward progress and support.
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M-CHAT-R screening tool
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) is a parent-report screening tool that helps identify early signs of autism in toddlers from 16 to 30 months old. This autism quiz consists of 20 questions for parents to answer about their child's social and communicative development, and play behaviors. These questions are critical in identifying potential signs of ASD in children.
A high-risk score does not confirm an autism diagnosis - our online autism tests are simply a tool that helps identify potential needs for further early autism evaluation and intervention. If a child receives a high-risk score, they should receive further evaluation by an autism specialist.
The CAST screening tool
The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) is a 39-item parent questionnaire developed by the Autism Research Centre (ARC) at the University of Cambridge that focuses on behaviors and abilities that can indicate ASD. It can be used to screen for symptoms of autism and social communication difficulties in children 4 to 11 years old. A high score indicates your child may benefit from further diagnostic testing for autism.
The ADOS-2 assessment
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a leading diagnostic tool used by clinicians to observe and evaluate autism symptoms in children aged 18 months to 6 years. During this play-based, face-to-face session, our team engages with your child to assess communication skills, social behavior, and patterns that may indicate autism. Contact us today to learn more about scheduling a no-cost autism evaluation near you for your child.
What to expect:
A gold standard
The ADOS-2 is considered a “gold standard” method for helping determine if a child has ASD. This tool is backed by research and helps clinicians reliably and accurately identify autism symptoms regardless of the child’s age or developmental level.
Play-based
Children have fun participating in the ADOS-2—it’s not like going to the doctor! During the 30 to 60-minute assessment, our clinicians engage in play and activities tailored to your child’s age and abilities.
Scoring
Following the assessment, scores are calculated, which indicate how closely the child’s behaviors in key areas match autism characteristics. The score and a summary are sent to the child’s pediatrician or referring provider to incorporate into their diagnostic process and recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
View all FAQs
What should I do if my child is diagnosed with autism?
If your child is diagnosed with autism, it's important to remember that you are not alone, and there are many resources available to support your family. Start by connecting with your child's pediatrician to discuss the diagnosis and develop a plan. Early intervention services, including ABA therapy, have been proven to help children develop essential life skills.
Who can diagnose autism in children?
Only a qualified healthcare provider can make a formal autism diagnosis. Screeners like the M-CHAT-R and CAST can point to autism risk, but a formal diagnosis requires an in-person assessment like the ADOS-2. After the ADOS-2 assessment, Action Behavior Centers will send the results directly to your child's referring doctor. Your child's doctor will then review these results to evaluate whether the autism diagnostic criteria are met or if additional autism testing may be needed.
