Autism diagnosis and screening
For many families, the period before receiving an autism diagnosis can be filled with uncertainty. Getting a diagnosis can bring relief and provide direction for parents, who can now better understand their child’s needs. The earlier a child receives an autism diagnosis, the sooner they can start interventions like applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy and begin meeting milestones.
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At Action Behavior, we are here to help you navigate this diagnosis process so that your child can access the care they need, when they need it. Our no-cost diagnostic services include online screening tools for children of all ages and face-to-face ADOS-2 assessments for children ages 18 months to 6 years old.
If your child is exhibiting any of the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), complete one of our online diagnostic screenings or schedule a no-cost ADOS-2 assessment today:
Why is it important to get an autism diagnosis for your child? A formal autism diagnosis is often required before a child can access specialized services, obtain insurance coverage for therapies, and receive certain school accommodations.
Find the right screener:
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The M-CHAT screening tool
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) is a parent-report screening tool designed to assess the risk for autism spectrum disorder in young children ages 3 and younger. It consists of 20 questions that parents answer about their child's social, communicative, and play behaviors, which are critical in identifying potential signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
A high-risk score does not confirm a diagnosis of autism. Instead, it’s a tool that helps identify children who may need further evaluation and intervention.
The CAST screening tool
The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST), previously known as the Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test, is a parent questionnaire developed by the Autism Research Centre (ARC) at the University of Cambridge.1 It evaluates symptoms of autism and social communication difficulties in children and is highly effective in screening for autism spectrum disorder.
At Action Behavior, we use the CAST to screen for signs of autism in children ages 4 and older. A high CAST score suggests that further evaluation may be necessary.
The ADOS-2 assessment
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a tool clinical experts use to accurately assess autism in children. Contact us today to learn more about scheduling a no-cost autism evaluation for your child.
Gold Standard
The ADOS-2 is considered the “gold standard” method for determining if someone has autism spectrum disorder. This tool is backed by research and helps clinicians reliably and accurately diagnose autism regardless of the child’s age or developmental level.
Play-based
Children are excited to participate in the ADOS-2—it’s not like going to the doctor! During the 40 to 60-minute assessment, our clinicians engage in play tailored to your child’s age and developmental abilities.
Scoring
Following the assessment, we calculate a score based on whether the child’s behavior matches key autism characteristics. The score and a summary are sent to the child’s pediatrician or referring provider, who can use it to make an autism diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
View all FAQs
What is the difference between the M-CHAT and the CAST?
The M-CHAT is a screening tool for children ages 3 and younger to assess autism risk, while the CAST is for children ages 4 and older to detect autism spectrum symptoms and social communication concerns.
What is the ADOS-2 assessment?
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is the leading diagnostic tool specialists use to diagnose ASD. During this natural, play-based assessment, our expert clinicians work with children to evaluate their communication, social skills, and behaviors.
How can I know if my child needs an autism evaluation?
Early signs of autism can include limited eye contact, lack of response to name, repetitive behaviors, and delayed speech. Screening tools like the M-CHAT and the CAST can help identify your child’s autism risk based on these specific signs. If these tools indicate that your child may have autism, additional assessments like the ADOS-2 can provide a more thorough evaluation.
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 skills.
How does ABA therapy help children with autism?
ABA therapy uses positive reinforcement and play-based activities to help children reach milestones and learn new skills. Our programming is tailored to each child’s needs and is designed to produce results you can feel good about.
Our BCBAs work with each family to determine goals for ABA therapy. Some children need help learning new skills, like talking and increasing eye contact. Other children may need support decreasing self-injurious or other target behaviors. Whatever your goals are, we are here to support you and help your child have a happy and fulfilling childhood.
Can I get an autism diagnosis for my child without visiting a doctor?
While initial screenings, such as the M-CHAT or CAST, can be a helpful first step and can be done online, a formal diagnosis requires a more thorough assessment. For this, tools like the ADOS-2, administered by a qualified professional, are necessary. 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 determine if the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder are met or if additional testing may be needed. Consulting with your primary care provider is a crucial step to ensure that you get a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis for your child.
Will my insurance cover the cost of ABA therapy?
Each insurance plan differs in terms of how many hours of ABA therapy are covered after a thorough assessment of the child’s needs. Our team of insurance specialists is happy to navigate the insurance verification process on your behalf and provide you with specific information about your plan’s benefits.
How soon should I start therapy if my child is diagnosed with autism?
Early intervention is critical for your child with autism to have the best outcomes. Starting ABA therapy as soon as possible can significantly help your child develop essential skills and meet milestones.
What is the CAST?
The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) is a 39-item questionnaire for parents that focuses on behaviors and abilities that can indicate ASD. It can help identify children who may benefit from further evaluation and intervention.
What is the M-CHAT?
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT™) is a screening tool that parents can use to identify early signs of ASD in children ages 16 to 30 months old. It consists of questions parents answer about their child’s development. If a child receives a high-risk score, they should receive further evaluation by an autism specialist.
