Autism Testing for Your Child: 10 Questions Parents Should Ask Their Pediatrician

When you are watching your child grow, you notice everything. You celebrate every smile, every new word, and every little discovery. But sometimes, you might also notice things that make you pause. Maybe your child isn’t making eye contact the way you expected, or perhaps they aren’t responding when you call their name.

If you have a feeling that something is different about your child’s development, talking to your pediatrician is the best first step. Autism screening is a routine part of well child visits and is usually administered by your child's pediatrician or healthcare provider. It can feel intimidating to voice your worries, but open communication is vital. Pediatricians are there to listen and guide you. Asking the right questions can clarify your concerns and lead to early autism testing and support if needed.

While you may hear about autism testing, it's important to know there is no medical (blood) test to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Instead, screening tools are used by your child's healthcare provider to identify children who may need further evaluation for ASD.

Here is a guide to help you navigate that conversation confidently, ensuring you get the answers and support your family deserves.

10 Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician About Autism

Walking into a doctor’s appointment with a list of questions can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed. Primary care providers often use autism screening tools as part of routine developmental screening to help identify early signs of autism in children. It’s important to know that a positive result on a screening tool is NOT a diagnosis, but may indicate the need for further assessment or referral to a specialist. Here are ten important questions to ask if you are concerned about your child’s development.

1. What are the signs of autism in young children?

Every child is unique, and autism can look different for everyone. Early signs of autism may include difficulties with social interaction, interpreting facial expressions, and understanding body language. Asking your pediatrician to explain common signs can help you compare what they describe with what you see at home. They can discuss markers like delayed speech, limited eye contact, or repetitive behaviors—children with autism may also have limited imaginative play and may exhibit restricted interests—helping you understand if your observations align with potential autism diagnosis criteria.

2. Can you perform a developmental screening for my child?

Developmental screening is a more formal process than developmental monitoring and is used to look closely at a child's development, including whether they are meeting important developmental milestones. Developmental screenings are quick checks to see if children are learning basic skills when they should, or if they might have delays. Asking for a screening is a great way to get objective data about your child's development. Tools like the M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) are commonly used in pediatric offices as a screening tool to flag potential concerns that warrant further investigation. These screening tools are part of autism screening during well-child visits, even if there is no known concern.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine developmental and behavioral screening, including autism screening, at 18 and 24 months during well-child checkups, and the CDC recommends screening for autism at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months. During developmental monitoring, a child's doctor or nurse will ask about your child's development and parents should inform the doctor about any family history of ASD, learning disorders, or intellectual disability. The CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program provides free materials for developmental monitoring.

3. What tools do you use for autism testing?

While pediatricians often do initial screenings, comprehensive evaluations usually require more specialized tools. Diagnostic tools, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS2), are standardized diagnostic tools used to assess autism severity and symptoms. These diagnostic tests help professionals evaluate communication, social interaction, and behaviors in children. It is important to note that a positive result on an autism screening tool is not a diagnosis; it simply indicates the need for further assessment using standardized diagnostic tools. Ask what specific autism screening tools and diagnostic tools they use in their office versus what a specialist might use. This helps you understand the depth of the current assessment and prepares you for what a more thorough autism evaluation might look like later.

4. Should we see a specialist for a comprehensive evaluation?

If a screening suggests a delay, your pediatrician might recommend seeing a specialist. Asking this question directly shows you are ready for the next step. Specialists such as developmental pediatricians and child psychologists conduct formal evaluations for autism, which include interviews with parents, direct observation, and developmental assessments. This process may be enhanced by gathering input from teachers or other caregivers who understand the child's behavior in various settings. Only a qualified specialist can make a formal diagnosis of autism, and if initial screenings suggest concerns, further assessment is needed. Developmental pediatricians or psychologists at centers like the Chicago Autism Testing Institute can provide a deep-dive evaluation using gold-standard tools to give you a clear answer.

5. What therapies do you recommend for children with autism?

Even before a diagnosis is official, you can discuss support options. Pediatricians can explain different evidence-based therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, or occupational therapy. Evidence-based practices, including behavior therapy and speech therapy, are commonly recommended after an autism diagnosis to support your child's development. After diagnosis, a specialist will coordinate a healthcare team to assess your child's needs and recommend appropriate treatment. Understanding these options early helps you feel empowered to act as soon as you are ready.

6. Are there early intervention services we can start now?

You do not always have to wait for a formal diagnosis to get help. In many states, Early Intervention programs are available for children under age three who have developmental delays. Early childhood is a critical period for identifying and addressing developmental and behavioral milestones, and research indicates that early identification and intervention are linked to more positive outcomes and improved quality of life for children with autism. Asking this question can open the door to immediate autism support services funded by the state, helping your child build skills right away.

7. How can I support my child’s development at home?

You are your child’s best teacher. Recognizing your child's strengths and tracking their development and behavior at home is important, as this information can be valuable for your pediatrician and specialists. Ask your pediatrician for practical tips you can use in your daily routine. Whether it is specific ways to play, strategies to encourage communication, or methods to handle sensory sensitivities, actionable advice gives you something positive to focus on at home.

8. Are there local resources or support groups for families?

Navigating developmental concerns can feel lonely, but you are not alone. Your pediatrician likely knows of local parent support groups, community organizations, or workshops. Connecting with other families who understand your journey is an invaluable source of emotional support and practical advice. Additionally, reaching out to family members who have experience with autism can provide valuable insights and support as you navigate autism testing for your child.

9. What should I know about autism and sensory processing?

Many children with autism process sensory information differently—they might be over-sensitive to loud noises or seek out deep pressure like hugs. Asking about this helps you understand behaviors that might seem puzzling, like covering ears or spinning, viewing them through the lens of sensory needs rather than just behavior.

Sensory processing differences can also impact nonverbal communication, such as gestures and facial expressions, which are important aspects assessed during autism testing for a child.

10. How often should we monitor my child’s development?

If your pediatrician suggests a “wait and see” approach, ask specifically what you are waiting for and when you should follow up. Setting a timeline ensures that concerns don’t drift. We generally recommend that if you have concerns, early action is better than waiting, as early autism diagnosis allows for faster access to helpful therapies.

Regular re-evaluation by your child's doctor is important. During well visits, your child's doctor or nurse will perform developmental monitoring to track progress and address any new concerns. This ongoing process helps ensure that any changes in your child's needs are identified promptly.

Education and Autism: Navigating School Support and Services

When it comes to supporting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their educational journey, collaboration is key. Every child on the autism spectrum has unique strengths and challenges, and schools are equipped with a variety of resources to help them succeed. Understanding what support is available—and how to access it—can make a world of difference for your child’s development and confidence.

Most schools offer specialized services for children with autism spectrum disorder, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans. These plans are designed to address your child’s specific learning needs, whether that means extra time on tests, speech and language support, or a quiet space to regroup during the school day. Classroom accommodations might also include visual schedules, sensory breaks, or the use of assistive technology to help your child communicate and learn more effectively.

As a parent, your involvement is crucial. Regular communication with your child’s teachers, school counselors, and special education staff ensures that everyone is working together to support your child’s progress. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your child’s educational plan or request meetings to review their goals and achievements. Your insights into your child’s behavior and learning style are invaluable in shaping a supportive school environment.

Remember, children with autism spectrum disorder asd can thrive in school settings when their individual needs are recognized and met. By partnering with educators and advocating for the right services, you are helping your child build the skills and confidence they need to succeed—both in the classroom and beyond.

The Importance of Early Autism Testing

We cannot overstate the value of acting early. The first few years of a child’s life are a time of incredible brain growth. This period offers a unique window of opportunity where interventions can have the most profound impact. Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder involves identifying early signs and using screening tools to identify children who may be autistic individuals. There is no medical autism test to diagnose autism spectrum disorder; instead, diagnosing autism relies on behavioral and developmental assessments. Early identification of developmental disorders leads to dramatically better outcomes for autistic individuals.

Early autism diagnosis is not about labeling your child; it is about understanding how they view the world so you can provide the right tools for them to thrive. Early autism testing allows you to access specialized services that can improve communication, social skills, and learning outcomes. It replaces uncertainty with a plan, giving you the confidence that you are doing everything possible to support your child’s potential.

How Chicago Autism Testing Institute Can Help

If your conversation with your pediatrician points toward the need for a comprehensive evaluation, we are here to help. At the Chicago Autism Testing Institute, our team of experienced medical professionals specializes in providing accurate, compassionate Chicago autism evaluation services.

We use gold-standard tools like the ADOS-2 and the Autism Diagnostic Interview™, which focuses on a child's behavior in three main areas: social interaction, communication, and restricted interests, to ensure you get a reliable diagnosis. Neuropsychological testing is also part of our comprehensive evaluation process, assessing cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and language, and often includes input from parents, teachers, and other caregivers to understand the child's developmental profile. An autism diagnosis is based on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, which guides clinicians in applying standardized diagnostic criteria. Gathering a person's developmental history is a crucial part of the assessment, as it provides insight into early behaviors and milestones.

Parents often begin the autism assessment process with a referral from their child's pediatrician or teacher if developmental differences are observed. To prepare, parents should collect documents about their child's medical and developmental history. In Illinois, parents can request a school-based evaluation for school age children (ages three and older) to determine eligibility for special education services.

Furthermore, we are part of the North Shore Pediatric Therapy family. This means that if your child receives a diagnosis, you have immediate, seamless access to a team of experts in ABA, speech, and occupational therapy across multiple locations. We guide you from the first question to the first therapy session, ensuring you never have to navigate the system alone.

Taking the First Proactive Step

Asking questions is an act of love. It shows you are championing your child’s well-being. If you have concerns, trust your parental instincts—they are usually right. If your child is at high risk due to a family history of autism spectrum disorder or you observe concerning symptoms, it is important to act promptly. Discussing your child's symptoms with your pediatrician is a crucial step in the autism testing process and can help determine the need for further evaluation.

If you are ready for a comprehensive evaluation or need a second opinion, please contact the Chicago Autism Testing Institute. We are here to listen, support, and guide you every step of the way.