Autism Testing & Evaluation for Children

The full autism evaluation process at Behavioral Innovations typically spans two to four weeks from your initial consultation to receiving your written report. The assessment itself — observation and clinical testing — is usually completed across one to two appointments depending on your child’s age and needs. We move as efficiently as possible so your child can access support sooner.

Behavioral Innovations is in-network with many major insurance plans — including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Magellan Health, and Health First Colorado. For most families, the autism evaluation is covered by insurance, meaning little to no out-of-pocket cost. Coverage varies by plan and state, so we verify your specific benefits before your child’s first appointment. Call us at 855.782.7822 and we can typically confirm your coverage within one business day.

We use the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition), the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised), and the CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), among other evidence-based instruments. The ADOS-2 in particular is widely regarded as the gold standard in autism diagnostic assessment for children. These tools give us an accurate, comprehensive picture of your child’s profile.

We won’t hand you a report and send you home. Our team walks you through what the diagnosis means, what it doesn’t mean, and what the evidence says about next steps. If ABA therapy is the right path, we can begin that process at BI — with no separate intake, no new waitlist, and a clinical team that already knows your child.

With early, evidence-based intervention — particularly ABA therapy — many children with autism make significant, measurable progress in communication, behavior, independence, and social skills. The earlier support begins, the better the outcomes tend to be. Autism is a lifelong condition, but what a child’s life looks like with the right support can be profoundly different from what it looks like without it.