Is it too early to tell?
It's not. And it matters.

You may not be able to name it—but you feel it. Maybe your child is struggling in ways that are hard to explain. Maybe a teacher raised a concern. Maybe they’re meeting milestones, but something still doesn’t feel typical. That’s not something to brush aside—it’s something to honor.

Many parents wait and wonder, but early support can make all the difference.

Schedule an Evaluation

"We know that parents first have concerns about autism around the age of 14 months, but most kids don’t get diagnosed until they are over 4. The earlier you know, the more time you have to support the way your child learns best."

Rhiannon Law, PhD
Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Dr. Rhiannon Law, PhD - Pediatric Neuropsychologist at Chicago Autism Testing Institute
Therapist gently guiding a young child through a play-based activity in a bright, welcoming room

Private Autism Testing vs. IL Early Intervention: What’s the difference?

Illinois' Early Intervention (EI) program is an amazing resource for children ages 0–3 with developmental delays. But EI doesn’t provide a formal diagnosis of autism—and without one, families may miss out on therapies, school supports, or insurance coverage that can make a big difference, especially after aging out of EI at the age of 3.

You can do both!

Many families we work with are already in Early Intervention when they come to us. The two services can work beautifully together. Early Intervention helps your child grow. A neuropsychological diagnosis helps you unlock the full range of support—especially post-EI, and gives you more paths for lifelong support.

Schedule an Evaluation

Medical, Educational Autism Diagnoses, and EI: What's the difference?

It’s common to feel confused about the different types of autism diagnoses—especially when school teams and doctors seem to speak different languages. A medical or neuropsychological diagnosis is used to guide clinical care and access to services, while an educational or Early Intervention diagnosis focuses on eligibility for school-based support. They all matter, but they serve different purposes.

We're here to help you understand how they work—and what your child may need.

Medical Diagnosis from a Neuropsychologist or Developmental Pediatrician

This is the formal, clinical diagnosis that follows DSM-5 criteria and opens up doors for comprehensive support services.

Who gives it
Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Developmental Pediatrician, or Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Based On
DSM-5 criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) with supporting diagnostic measures such as the ADOS-2 or GARS-2
Purpose
To identify autism as a clinical condition that can affect behavior, communication, and development
Used For
Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Developmental Pediatrician, or Licensed Clinical Psychologist
  • Insurance coverage (especially for ABA therapy)
  • Accessing private therapy services
  • Supporting medical documentation for IEPs or school accommodations
Portable
Can be used across schools, states, and providers
Recognized By
Health insurance companies, medical providers, schools (when documentation is submitted)
At the Chicago Autism Testing Institute, this is the type of diagnosis we provide.

ADOS-2 Assessment Administered by a BCBA

While some providers administer the ADOS as part of their intake process, these results cannot be used as a medical diagnosis without additional review and signature from a qualified diagnosing physician.

Who gives it
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), often as part of an ABA therapy intake
Based On
The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), a structured observation tool often used in medical settings—but here, administered without full clinical evaluation or diagnostic authority
Purpose
To screen for autism traits and determine if a child might benefit from ABA services
Used For
  • Internal ABA treatment planning
  • Informal support discussions with families
Does Not Provide a Diagnosis
Does not provide a diagnosis: Even if an ADOS score is suggestive of autism, BCBAs are not licensed to diagnose, and insurance or schools do not accept this as an official diagnosis
Limitations
  • Can create confusion for families expecting a diagnosis
  • Cannot be used to access school-based services, insurance-covered ABA, or formal supports
  • May delay access to appropriate diagnostic care if misunderstood as sufficient
If a BCBA tells you your child “meets criteria” after an ADOS, it’s essential to follow up with a licensed neuropsychologist or developmental pediatrician for a formal evaluation and diagnosis.

EI "Eligibility" (Early Intervention Diagnosis)

Early Intervention in Illinois does not give formal diagnoses—it determines eligibility for support.

Who gives it
State-appointed evaluators (typically through a multidisciplinary EI team)
Based On
Developmental delays in certain areas (speech, motor, cognitive, etc.)
Purpose
To provide therapy and support services to children under age 3
Used For
Accessing free services like Speech, OT, PT
Does Not Diagnose Autism
EI evaluators may note “concerns,” but they do not provide DSM-5 diagnoses
Limited in Scope
Services end at age 3; many children are discharged without a long-term plan unless a formal diagnosis is pursued elsewhere
Many families in EI still need a medical diagnosis if they want to continue services beyond age 3.

Educational Diagnosis (School District)

This determines whether a child qualifies for school-based autism support—not whether they meet the clinical criteria.

Who gives it
Public school psychologist or school-based evaluation team
Based On
How the child’s behavior impacts educational access/performance
Purpose
To determine eligibility for special education services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
Used For
  • IEPs (Individualized Education Plans)
  • School accommodations or classroom support
Not a Medical Diagnosis
Cannot be used to access insurance-funded services (like ABA therapy)
Limited in Scope
Only applies in school. May not transfer between districts or states
A child can receive an educational diagnosis without ever getting a formal medical diagnosis—and vice versa.
Schedule an Evaluation

How an Evaluation Can Help

Request an Evaluation
Phone - Sporty X Webflow Template | BRIX Templates
Give us a call
(224) 725-4144

You don’t have to navigate this alone. A neuropsychological or autism evaluation offers more than just a diagnosis—it provides insight, support, and a roadmap.

Our compassionate team works with you to understand your child’s unique strengths and needs, giving you answers that guide meaningful next steps, whether that’s therapy, school support, or simply peace of mind.

If you’re noticing signs or have questions, trust your gut. We’re here to listen and help you find the clarity you deserve.

resources & Information:
North Shore Pediatric Therapy in Chicagoland logo

The Chicago Autism Testing Institute is powered by the trusted team at North Shore Pediatric Therapy.

For over 25 years, families have trusted our team at NSPT for expert evaluations and compassionate care. The Chicago Autism Testing Institute is our way of shining a brighter spotlight on the specialized testing services we’ve been offering all along—now with a name and space that makes it easier for families to find the answers they need. Because we’re part of NSPT, you’ll still have access to the same trusted team and the full range of support services across 12+ Chicagoland locations—so care doesn’t stop after the evaluation.

Learn more about North Shore Pediatric Therapy
Chicago Autism Testing Institute

Copyright © 2025 · Chicago Autism Testing Institute