How to Get an Autism Diagnosis for Your Child

Getting a formal autism diagnosis is usually the first step toward services like ABA therapy, but the path there isn't always obvious. Here's how the process typically works, from noticing early signs to receiving an official diagnosis.

Step 1: Notice the Early Signs

Autism can look different from child to child, but common early signs include limited eye contact, delayed speech, not responding to their name, repetitive movements, or intense focus on specific objects or routines. If you've noticed a few of these signs, it's worth trusting your instincts and starting the conversation with your child's doctor.

Step 2: Talk to Your Child's Pediatrician

Your pediatrician is usually the first stop. At routine well-child visits, they use short developmental screening questionnaires to check whether a child is meeting typical milestones. If your child's screening raises concerns — or if you raise concerns even without a screening flag — your pediatrician can refer you to a specialist for a full evaluation. You don't need to wait for a screening tool to bring it up; parents are often the first to notice something is different.

Step 3: Get Referred to a Specialist for a Full Evaluation

A formal autism diagnosis is typically made by a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or neuropsychologist — not by a general pediatrician alone. Depending on where you live, the wait for an evaluation appointment with a specialist can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, so it's worth scheduling as soon as you get the referral, even if you're still deciding on next steps.

Step 4: Complete the Evaluation

The most widely used diagnostic tool is the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), where a trained clinician observes your child during structured play and social activities. Evaluations usually also include a parent interview about developmental history and, sometimes, questionnaires from teachers or caregivers. The full process is typically completed in one to a few sessions.

Step 5: Receive Your Diagnosis and Plan Next Steps

After the evaluation, the specialist will explain the results and, if applicable, provide a formal autism diagnosis along with recommendations. This diagnosis is what allows you to move forward with insurance-covered services like ABA therapy.

Once you have a diagnosis in hand, the next step is usually reaching out to an ABA provider to begin the intake process.

What If You're Told to "Wait and See"?

Sometimes a pediatrician may suggest waiting to see if a child "grows out of" certain behaviors before pursuing an evaluation. If signs persist and you're not comfortable waiting, it's completely reasonable to ask for a referral anyway or seek a second opinion. Research consistently shows that starting support earlier leads to better outcomes, so there's little downside to getting an evaluation sooner rather than later. (link to: /resources/benefits-of-early-autism-intervention)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover autism evaluations?
Most insurance plans cover diagnostic evaluations for autism, though costs and coverage details vary by plan. Your pediatrician's office or the evaluating specialist can typically help verify your specific benefits.

How long does the whole process take, from first concern to diagnosis?
It varies widely, but many families move from initial concern to formal diagnosis within a few months, factoring in specialist wait times and the evaluation itself.

Can my child start ABA therapy before the diagnosis is finalized?
Generally, insurance requires a completed diagnosis before covering ABA therapy, but you can start researching and contacting providers while your evaluation is in progress.

What if I disagree with the results?
You're always entitled to a second opinion. If something about the evaluation doesn't sit right with you, it's reasonable to seek another specialist for a follow-up assessment.