Autism Diagnosis & Evaluations for Children
Cortica provides comprehensive autism evaluations using gold-standard tools (ADOS, ADI-R, CARS, Vineland-3), with most major insurance plans accepted. Get an accurate diagnosis and a clear treatment plan at any Cortica location.
Every evaluation is personalized to your child
Our clinicians take time to understand your child's unique needs from multiple angles, ensuring you get an accurate diagnosis and clear next steps.
Screenings & Standardized Tests
Developmental screenings and gold-standard diagnostic tools (like ADOS, ADI, or CARS) to provide accurate, evidence-based results.
Medical & Neurological Exams
Comprehensive physical and neurological checks to identify or rule out medical factors that may affect development.
Family and Caregiver Interviews
Detailed interviews with parents or caregivers to capture how your child learns, communicates, and interacts in everyday settings.
Genetic Testing
Conducted by expert clinicians trained in neurodevelopmental differences, ensuring evaluations are tailored to your child’s unique profile.
Communication & Learning Assessments
Speech, language, and occupational therapy assessments to explore communication, sensory processing, and motor skills.
Ongoing Observation
Regular check-ins every 6 months help track developmental progress, adjust treatment plans, and ensure your child’s therapies remain effective.
When & how your child can be diagnosed
When is an appropriate age to be diagnosed?
Early signs can often be identified by 18–24 months, and many children can receive a reliable diagnosis by age 2. Early diagnosis allows families to start therapies that make the biggest difference in communication, social skills, and learning.
Who will evaluate my child?
Evaluations at Cortica are guided by a team of specialists who see the full picture of your child’s development. You’ll be supported by clinicians with expertise in neurodevelopmental differences and holistic pediatric health.
- ADOS & ADI-R: Administered by clinicians with a master’s degree or higher.
- CARS: Completed by a doctor or nurse practitioner during an in-person visit.
- VABS (Vineland-3): Administered by a board-certified behavior analyst, as needed.
Hear how Noah found his path at Cortica
Discover how early intervention made a difference in Noah’s life.
Noah
Joined Cortica at age 18 months
Diagnosis: high-risk for autism
First six months
Noah was not yet speaking or making eye contact, but in a few months at Cortica he learned 20 new words and began responding to his name. Soon he started feeding himself, imitating gestures, and sleeping through the night.
One year
Noah started Cortica’s Jumpstart early intervention program. He participated in circle time, singing, games, arts and crafts, snack time, and became fully toilet-trained.
Three years
Noah mastered his pre-academic skills and transitioned to a mainstream pre-kindergarten classroom. He feeds and dresses himself independently, converses in phrases and sentences, and loves to ride his scooter.
Your journey starts with an intake visit. A Cortica nurse practitioner will learn about your child and may recommend a diagnostic evaluation.
FAQs
Which diagnostic evaluations are available at Cortica?
Cortica offers the following comprehensive evaluations to identify developmental, behavioral, and neurological differences. Any of these evaluations will yield a clinical diagnosis of autism. Some insurance companies require additional neuropsychiatric or psychoeducational testing, which we do not perform at Cortica. In these cases, we will be able to provide ABA therapy after the additional third-party, insurance-required testing is completed.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Autism Diagnostic Observation (ADOS)
- Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R)
- Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)
- Other evaluations are also used when necessary for diagnostic clarity
Testing for ADHD typically occurs around the age of 5, though we may medically and therapeutically manage symptoms in children younger than 5. The NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale requires at least two reporters who see the child in two different settings; a parent/caregiver and a teacher are most commonly selected as reporters.
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham (SNAP-IV) Teacher and Parent Rating Scale
- National Institute for Children’s Health Quality (NICHQ) Vanderbilt Assessment Scale
How long does an autism evaluation take?
The length of an evaluation depends on your child's age, needs, and the specific assessments involved. A comprehensive evaluation often includes a review of your child's history, direct observation with standardized assessments, and a parent interview, and it may take place over one or more visits. Your care team will explain what to expect and how much time to plan for once they understand your child's situation.
You’ll typically receive results within a few weeks of your child’s evaluation. Afterward, your care team will meet with you to walk through the findings, answer questions, and create a personalized care plan to support your child’s next steps.
Am I required to obtain a diagnosis before my child starts services at Cortica?
A diagnosis is required to begin some services at Cortica. Our team can guide you through the diagnostic process if needed and help determine which therapies can begin right away while evaluations are underway.
How much does an autism evaluation cost?
The cost of an evaluation depends on your insurance plan and coverage. Cortica is in-network with many major insurance providers and can complete a benefits check and provide a cost estimate before any services begin, so you know what to expect ahead of time. To get specific information for your family, reach out to our enrollment team and they can review your coverage with you.
At what age can my child be evaluated for autism?
Children can be evaluated as early as toddlerhood, and signs often begin to appear between 18 and 24 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening at 18 and 24 months, even when no concerns have been raised. If you have questions about your child's development at any age, an evaluation can provide clarity, and earlier identification often means earlier access to support. Cortica's care team can help you determine the right timing for your child.
How do I know if my child should be evaluated for autism?
Many families seek an evaluation after noticing differences in how their child communicates, plays, or interacts. Common signs can include limited eye contact, not responding to their name, delays in speech or language, repetitive movements or routines, strong reactions to sounds or textures, or difficulty with changes in routine. Noticing one or more of these does not mean your child has autism, but an evaluation can help you understand what is going on and what support might help. Trusting your instincts as a parent is often the first step.
What happens during an autism diagnostic evaluation?
A Cortica evaluation brings together medical, behavioral, and developmental perspectives to build a complete picture of your child. Depending on your child's needs, it may include a review of medical and developmental history, a parent or caregiver interview, and standardized assessments such as the ADOS, ADI-R, or Vineland-3. Once the evaluation is complete, your care team meets with you to review the findings, answer your questions, and create a personalized care plan.
Together, we can unlock joy
The first step to care with Cortica is scheduling a Clinical Intake Visit. We get started on day 1 with a comprehensive billable consultation designed to give you clarity and direction.
During this appointment:
Our specialists will listen to your child’s story and your family’s goals.
We’ll complete a developmental and medical review.
You’ll leave with a personalized roadmap for care, including therapies, support options, and insurance guidance.