Autism Testing: What to Expect During an Evaluation for Chicago Families

If you’re searching for autism testing in Chicago or looking for an autism evaluation in the Chicago area, you’re likely feeling a mix of concern, curiosity, and hope. Many parents wonder: What does an autism evaluation consist of? How is autism diagnosed? What happens during an autism test?

At Chicago Autism Testing Institute, we support families across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs with compassionate, comprehensive autism testing for children. Understanding the evaluation process can make this important step feel more manageable and empowering.

This step-by-step guide walks Chicago-area families through the full evaluation for autism, from referral to results.

Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person communicates, relates to others, and navigates daily life. People with ASD may experience challenges with social interaction, such as difficulty understanding social cues or forming relationships, and may engage in repetitive behaviors or have specific interests. The signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder can vary widely from person to person, which is why it is described as a “spectrum.”

Medical professionals use a variety of autism screening tools and diagnostic tests to help identify ASD in children and adults. Early autism screening is important because it allows families to access support and resources as soon as possible. The American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines, outlined in the DSM-5, provide a framework for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ensuring that evaluations are thorough and evidence-based. Understanding ASD and the role of autism screening tools can help families feel more prepared as they begin the evaluation process.

Step 1: Initial Concerns and Scheduling Autism Testing in Chicago

Many families begin seeking autism testing in Chicago after noticing developmental differences, such as:

• Delayed speech or limited language
• Reduced eye contact or social interaction
• Repetitive behaviors or rigid routines
• Sensory sensitivities
• Difficulty with transitions

During well child visits, a child's healthcare provider may use a screening tool as part of developmental screening to identify children who may need further assessment. Developmental screening is more formal than developmental monitoring and is a regular part of some well-child visits, even in the absence of a known concern. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental and behavioral screening for all children during regular well-child visits at specific ages. Monitoring how a child grows and develops, and comparing their progress to other children, is an important part of early identification. If your child's healthcare provider does not periodically check your child with a developmental screening test, you can ask that it be done.

Referrals for autism testing can also come from school settings, especially for school-age children. School professionals play a key role in identifying children who may need further evaluation and support.

Families may be referred by a child's pediatrician, school, or therapist, or may self-refer to a specialized center offering autism evaluations in Chicago. No matter how you arrive, taking this first step connects you with local experts who understand the resources and services available in the greater Chicago area.

Preparation for the Evaluation

Getting ready for an autism assessment involves gathering important information about your child’s development and history. Before your appointment, it’s helpful to collect details about your child’s medical background, family history, and any specific concerns you have noticed in their behavior or development. Sharing this information with your child’s doctor or a developmental pediatrician can help guide the evaluation and ensure that all relevant factors are considered.

Parents can also prepare by learning about the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and familiarizing themselves with the diagnostic process. Evaluations often include standardized assessments, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), which looks at communication, social skills, and play, and the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI), which gathers detailed information from parents or caregivers. Early intervention services, including occupational therapy and speech therapy, can be especially beneficial for children with ASD, and obtaining a formal diagnosis is often necessary to access these supports. Being prepared helps families make the most of the evaluation and ensures that children receive the help they need as early as possible.

Step 2: Intake and Developmental History at a Chicago Autism Testing Center

Before the formal autism test, families complete intake paperwork and participate in a detailed interview. This is a standard part of autism evaluations in Chicago and helps clinicians understand your child’s developmental history and daily experiences.

Parents may be asked about:

• Pregnancy and birth history
• Developmental milestones
• Communication and social skills
• Play behaviors
• Sensory preferences
• Family history

A person's developmental history, including input from family members, is a crucial part of the intake process. The child's doctor or pediatrician may also provide important information for the evaluation. A medical diagnosis is based on a comprehensive assessment that includes developmental history and input from parents, caregivers, and teachers. The intake process helps ensure an accurate diagnosis by considering both the child's strengths and challenges.

This information helps your clinician tailor the autism evaluation to your child’s unique needs.

Step 3: Direct Assessment, Observation, and Autism Screening Tools During Autism Testing for Children

A core part of autism testing for children in Chicago involves direct observation and play-based assessment. Clinicians look at how your child:

• Communicates
• Engages socially
• Plays independently and with others
• Responds to structure and change

Screening tools may be used to identify challenging behaviors and other aspects of a child's behavior, such as difficulties with social interaction or communication. The evaluation team observes behaviors such as eye contact, imaginative play, and responses to social prompts during testing. A specialist may also observe your child and give a structured test as part of the evaluation process.

The goal of an autism evaluation in Chicago is not to “test” your child in a rigid way, but to understand how they naturally interact with the world.

Step 4: Additional Assessments as Part of a Comprehensive Autism Evaluation in Chicago

Some children benefit from additional testing during their evaluation for autism in Chicago, including:

• Cognitive or developmental assessments
• Speech and language evaluations
• Adaptive functioning measures
• Behavioral rating scales

If a screening tool identifies an area of concern, a formal evaluation may be needed. Additional assessments may involve specialists such as a child psychologist, pediatric neurologist, occupational therapist, or child psychiatrist. These evaluations can help identify developmental delays, intellectual disability, and learning disorders, and may recommend therapies such as physical therapy. Evaluations performed by Licensed Clinical Psychologists or Developmental Pediatricians are recommended for a diagnosis widely accepted by schools and insurance.

This comprehensive approach ensures that diagnosing autism is based on a full understanding of your child’s profile, not just one snapshot in time.

Step 5: How Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosed?

Families often ask, How is autism diagnosed?

At Chicago Autism Testing Institute, clinicians review all data gathered during the autism evaluation in Chicago, including:

• Parent interviews
• Standardized assessment tools
• Behavioral observations
• Developmental history

A positive result on a screening tool is not a diagnosis and should always be followed by a thorough assessment by a healthcare professional.

A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is made by healthcare professionals, who use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association as the standard for diagnosis. A medical diagnosis of autism is based on a comprehensive assessment that includes developmental history and input from parents, caregivers, and teachers to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosing autism is a thoughtful, evidence-based process. The goal is to provide clarity and guidance—not just a label—so families can access the right supports.

Step 6: Feedback Session and Autism Test Results

After your child’s autism testing in Chicago is complete, families attend a feedback session to review results. During this meeting, you’ll learn:

• Whether your child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis
• How the diagnosis was determined
• Your child’s strengths and areas for growth, including a focus on identifying and building upon your child's strengths
• Recommended next steps and resources in the Chicago area

This is also a time to ask questions, discuss any challenging behaviors observed, and plan for support services tailored to your child's needs.

Step 7: Next Steps After an Autism Diagnosis in Chicago

If your child receives a diagnosis, your provider will help connect you with recommended therapies and services available throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, which may include:

• ABA therapy
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• School-based supports and IEP guidance
• Parent training and family support

Behavior therapy and early intervention are key components of support for autistic children. Early intervention for autism can lead to more positive outcomes than treatment later in life or not at all. Intervention should start when an autism diagnosis is suspected, rather than waiting for a formal diagnosis.

Even if your child does not meet the criteria for autism, your autism evaluation in Chicago can still provide valuable insights and recommendations.

Re-Evaluation and Ongoing Assessment

As children with autism spectrum disorder grow and develop, their needs and abilities may change. Regular re-evaluation and ongoing assessment are essential to ensure that each child continues to receive the right support at every stage. Healthcare professionals may use tools like the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) to monitor changes in symptoms and track the effectiveness of interventions over time.

In addition to standardized checklists, neuropsychological testing can provide a deeper understanding of a child’s cognitive functioning, strengths, and areas where additional support may be needed. Ongoing assessments may also highlight the need for services such as occupational therapy or speech therapy as new challenges or goals arise. By working closely with medical professionals and staying proactive about re-evaluation, families can help their child with ASD reach their full potential and adapt to new stages of life.

Why Early Autism Testing and Early Intervention in Chicago Matters

Early autism testing in Chicago can help families access support sooner and feel more confident advocating for their child. Most children reach certain developmental milestones by a certain age, and developmental screening tools are designed for use in early childhood to identify children who may need further assessment. Early identification allows children to begin services during critical developmental windows, which can support communication, social skills, and independence. Early identification of autism is associated with dramatically better outcomes for individuals with the condition.

Schedule an Autism Evaluation in Chicago

If you’re seeking autism testing in Chicago or exploring an autism evaluation for your child, the team at Chicago Autism Testing Institute is here to help. We provide comprehensive, family-centered evaluations for children across Chicago and the greater Chicago area.

Ready to take the next step?
Contact Chicago Autism Testing Institute today to schedule your child’s autism evaluation in Chicago and get personalized guidance for your family.