What Does an Autism Evaluation Look Like?
One call starts the process. Your psychologist meets with you by video, observes your child in person, and reviews the results with you the same week. The same licensed psychologist stays with your family from the first interview through the feedback session. No referral needed.
Who Qualifies
We evaluate children ages 18 months through 6 years
If something feels off, that is reason enough to call. You know your child best.
- Limited eye contact
- Not responding to their name by 12 months
- Delayed speech, such as no babbling by 12 months or no words by 16 months
- Repetitive movements like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects
- Distress over small changes in routine
- Little to no pretend play by age 2
- Few gestures such as pointing or waving by 12 months
- Unusual reactions to sounds, textures, or light
No single sign confirms autism. If several sound familiar, an evaluation is a reasonable next step.
Diagnostic evaluations are available at select centers in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Denver. We are expanding to Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.
If you live outside our service area, our intake team can refer you to a qualified evaluator near you.
Understanding Your Options
Medical diagnosis vs. educational eligibility
Parents are often surprised to learn that two separate systems are involved. A school district can evaluate your child and assign an educational eligibility for autism, but this is not accepted by health plans to authorize ABA therapy.
| Medical Diagnosis | Educational Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|
| Who issues it | Licensed clinician (psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or neuropsychologist) | School district evaluation team |
| What it qualifies for | Medical treatment, including ABA therapy covered by insurance | Classroom accommodations and an IEP |
| Accepted by insurance | Yes, required before health plans authorize ABA | No, rarely accepted to fund therapy |
| Uses DSM-5 criteria | Yes | No, uses educational eligibility criteria |
Licensed clinician (psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or neuropsychologist)
School district evaluation team
Medical treatment, including ABA therapy covered by insurance
Classroom accommodations and an IEP
Yes, required before health plans authorize ABA
No, rarely accepted to fund therapy
Yes
No, uses educational eligibility criteria
Already have a school eligibility? You still need a clinical evaluation. Health plans require a medical diagnosis from a licensed clinician before they will authorize ABA therapy. At Behavioral Innovations, evaluations are conducted by licensed psychologists.
How It Works
Our six-step evaluation process
Only one of the six steps requires a visit to a center. Steps 2 and 3 happen by phone or video, and most families complete the full process within a few weeks of their first call.
You or your child's doctor notices something. You do not need a referral or prior screening to get started.
Our intake team walks you through a brief, age-appropriate screening questionnaire. Before anything is scheduled, we contact your insurer and confirm coverage.
We send age-appropriate forms about your child's development, due within 24 to 48 hours. You then meet the psychologist on a 60 to 90 minute video call covering developmental history, current behaviors, and your concerns.
One visit to a center, lasting about two hours. The psychologist works directly with your child using standardized diagnostic tools.
The psychologist reviews the results with you by video and discusses recommendations. Your written report is delivered within one business week of the in-person assessment.
We explain what comes next, including starting ABA therapy with us if that is appropriate and you want it.
Most families finish within a few weeks. Our intake team moves quickly from your first call to a scheduled assessment, and your written report arrives within one business week of the in-person visit.
The Tools We Use
Which assessment tools will be used?
The psychologist selects tools based on your child's age and clinical needs. Not every child receives every measure.
Completed by phone to confirm a full evaluation is the right next step.
A brief parent-completed questionnaire for the youngest children.
Used for preschool and early school-age children.
Used during your in-person visit at the center.
Widely regarded as the gold standard for direct observation. The psychologist presents structured activities and records how your child responds socially.
An objective, standardized eye-tracking evaluation that measures gaze patterns associated with autism. Used when clinically indicated.
A clinician-rated scale that scores autism-related behaviors across 15 areas based on direct observation.
Assessment Day
What to expect during your visit
Plan for about two hours at the center. The session is play-based and child-directed. There are no right or wrong answers and nothing to study.
About 2 hours
The psychologist builds in natural pauses, snack breaks, and movement breaks. Your child does not need to sit still the whole time.
Play-Based and Child-Directed
The psychologist sets up activities and watches how your child communicates, plays, and engages. It feels like play, not a test.
Parents in the Room
You will be present for part of the session. If EarliPoint is part of your child's evaluation, it also happens during this visit.
What to Bring
- Your child fed and rested
- A familiar comfort item from home
- A small snack
- Your questions written down ahead of time
If Your Child Has a Rough Morning
Tell us when you arrive. Kids are often shy, tired, or a little off in a new place, and that is completely normal. Our psychologists are trained to notice it and account for it in how they interpret what they see.
After the Evaluation
What happens after the assessment?
Every family receives a written report and individualized recommendations, whatever the outcome.
- Written report with the diagnosis
- Next-step recommendations
- DSM-5 support level (1, 2, or 3)
- Information on available services
If you choose ABA therapy with us, our diagnostic team hands you directly to ABA scheduling. You do not start intake over.
The evaluation still has value. Your report documents what was found, what was ruled out, and what we recommend, along with referrals for any other developmental needs we identified.
- Share the clinical report with your child's school to update the IEP or 504 Plan
Coverage and Cost
Insurance and Cost
We are in-network with major commercial plans in Texas and Colorado, as well as Colorado Medicaid. Before you schedule, we contact your insurer, confirm coverage, check authorization requirements, and tell you your expected cost.
Don't see your plan? Payer lists change regularly. Call us and our intake team will check your coverage before anything is scheduled.
Call 855.782.7822Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions?
What is the difference between a screening and an evaluation?
A screening is a short questionnaire that indicates whether a full evaluation is warranted. An evaluation is the complete diagnostic process: a psychologist interview, direct assessment, and a written report that can establish a medical diagnosis.
Do we need a referral?
No. Call us or submit a form, and we handle the rest.
Who is qualified to provide an official autism diagnosis?
Insurers recognize diagnoses from licensed clinicians, typically a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, pediatric neurologist, or neuropsychologist. At Behavioral Innovations, evaluations are conducted by licensed psychologists.
Does a school evaluation count as a medical diagnosis?
No. A school evaluation determines educational eligibility for classroom supports. It is rarely accepted by insurers to fund ABA therapy.
How long until we get the report?
You will receive it within one business week of the in-person assessment.
Can we start ABA therapy right after?
Yes, if ABA is recommended and you choose to continue with us. Our diagnostic team coordinates directly with ABA scheduling.
Is the diagnosis permanent?
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. A child's support level, however, can change significantly as they gain skills through intervention.
Get Started
Ready to schedule an evaluation?
Our intake team is here to answer your questions and walk you through every step. We will verify your insurance before anything is scheduled.
- No referral needed
- Insurance verified before scheduling
- Report delivered within one business week
- Direct transition into ABA therapy if recommended