What Happens During an Autism Evaluation? A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
Parents who have concerns that their child may be on the autism spectrum are often unsure where to go for help, and what the evaluation process actually involves. With so many sources of information regarding what autism is (or is not), evolving diagnostic criteria, and the increasing number of specialists in the medical field, it can be hard to know where to go for high quality information. This guide for parents outlines what happens before, during, and after an autism evaluation for a child or adolescent, and how the results are used to guide next steps.
Why Consider an Autism Evaluation?
It’s important to point out that not all families are interested in finding a diagnosis for their children, even when it is clear to parents that their child is demonstrating differences in social, emotional or behavioral development. This preference is completely understandable, and the choice to seek out an evaluation for autism, or any other mental health or neurodevelopmental condition, is very personal.
For children who are struggling with social communication or showing more restricted patterns of behavior, an evaluation can still be helpful. Even when it does not result in a diagnosis, it can provide a clearer understanding of how to support a child’s needs.
For children that do meet criteria for autism, a body of research has demonstrated that the earlier they are identified and have access to specialized services, the better. Children who receive early intervention services after an autism diagnosis have significantly better outcomes in communication, social skills, and adaptive behavior compared to those who are diagnosed later.
Who Can Diagnose Autism?
Autism evaluations can be completed by several types of professionals, including pediatricians, neuropsychologists, developmental pediatricians, and child and adolescent psychiatrists. Routine screening for autism by pediatricians is recommended at 18 months and 24 months during well-child visits.
When pediatricians are concerned a child may have autism, they are very capable of providing a diagnosis themselves, however many families choose to seek a specialist to confirm the diagnosis.
Depending on what is available in your community, this may involve working with a child and adolescent psychiatrist with experience in autism, a developmental pediatrician, or a psychologist who performs comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations (often referred to as a neuropsychologist).
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Step 1: Free Introductory Call (15 Minutes)
When seeking an autism evaluation at Bowers Integrative Psychiatry, a free introductory call is the first step. This discussion allows you to share your concerns, ask questions, and decide whether a full evaluation feels like the right next step. Not all clinics offer a free introductory call, so it will be important to confirm with your chosen clinic that their physician or psychologist is comfortable diagnosing autism before scheduling an initial evaluation.
Step 2: Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (90+ Minutes)
The evaluation itself is thorough and individualized. It generally includes:
Developmental history: A detailed review of milestones, behavior, medical history, and family context
Standardized screening tools: Questionnaires such as the SRS-2 or CARS-2 help gather structured information about social communication and behavior, and are used to determine how likely your child is to be at risk for autism (these tools do NOT diagnose autism)
Standardized diagnostic tools: the ADOS-2 is considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing autism, and is sometimes used in an autism evaluation. It is important to note that an ADOS-2 is NOT required for a diagnosis of autism, however it is sometimes required by insurance companies before they will reimburse families for specialized services, such as ABA
Collateral input: When available, input from teachers, therapists, or caregivers can provide additional perspective
Direct observation: In-person observation remains an important part of the process, particularly for assessing social interaction and communication patterns
Step 3: Findings and Treatment Plan
After the evaluation, the findings are reviewed with the family in detail. This includes:
Whether diagnostic criteria for ASD are met
Identification of any co-occurring conditions
A personalized treatment plan that may include medication for co-occurring symptoms, and referrals for specialized therapists, such as occupational therapy (OT), speech therapy (SLP), ABA and or/individual therapy
Written documentation that can be shared with schools, therapists, or other providers
What Screening Tools Are Used?
The specific tools used during an autism evaluation depend on the child's age and presentation. At Bowers Integrative Psychiatry, common instruments include:
SRS-2 (Social Responsiveness Scale): A parent/teacher questionnaire that measures social communication and repetitive behaviors
ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised): A structured parent interview exploring communication, social interaction, and behavior patterns.
These tools are used to support clinical judgement — they are not used in isolation.
What Happens After a Diagnosis?
Receiving an autism diagnosis opens the door to targeted support and treatment. At Bowers Integrative Psychiatry, post-diagnosis care may include:
Medication management for co-occurring symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, or ADHD
Referrals for therapeutic interventions, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, or individual therapy
School-based supports, such as IEPs or 504 plans
Ongoing psychiatric care — follow-up appointments allow the treatment plan to evolve as the child grows and their needs change
Does My Child Need to Be Evaluated In Person?
In-person evaluation is strongly recommended for autism assessments because direct observation of the child's social communication, behavior, and interaction is a critical part of the diagnostic process. However, follow-up appointments after the initial evaluation can be conducted via telehealth.
Bowers Integrative Psychiatry offers in-person appointments in Colorado Springs. Telehealth follow-ups are available throughout Colorado, Maryland, Montana, New York, and Oregon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages does Dr. Bowers evaluate for autism?
Dr. Bowers evaluates children, adolescents, and adults for autism. Evaluations for children as young as 3 are available, and adult evaluations are also offered for individuals who were not assessed in childhood.
How long does the evaluation take?
The initial diagnostic evaluation for children and adolescents typically lasts 90 minutes or longer, depending on the complexity of the case. Some evaluations may require more than one appointment to complete.
Will insurance cover the evaluation?
Bowers Integrative Psychiatry is a private-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly. A superbill can be provided for submission to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. View rates and fees for pricing details.
What if the evaluation does not result in an autism diagnosis?
The evaluation may identify other conditions that explain the child's symptoms, or it may result in a recommendation for additional neuropsychological testing.
Can Dr. Bowers prescribe medication during the same evaluation?
If a co-occurring condition is identified that would benefit from medication, Dr. Bowers can discuss treatment options during the evaluation or at a follow-up appointment. The integrative approach at Bowers Integrative Psychiatry also considers nutritional supplementation and lifestyle optimization alongside medication.
Megan Bowers, MD, PhD is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, and is the founder of Bowers Integrative Psychiatry and CEO and Medical Director of The Mind Grove TMS Center. Her work focuses on integrative approaches to mental health, combining evidence-based medication management with lifestyle and mind–body interventions.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for individualized medical guidance. Use of this website does not establish a physician–patient relationship.
Book a Free Introductory Call
If you have concerns about your child's social development, communication, or behavior, a free 15-minute introductory call is the first step. This conversation allows you to share what you are observing and learn whether a comprehensive autism evaluation may be appropriate.
Bowers Integrative Psychiatry provides in-person evaluations in Colorado Springs and telehealth follow-ups throughout Colorado, Maryland, Montana, New York, Oregon, and Washington. View rates and fees or frequently asked questions for more information.
