Autism Screening &
Diagnostic support 

Many families face uncertainty before an autism diagnosis. Getting answers brings clarity and helps parents support their child’s needs. We guide families through each step—from screening to evaluation and care. Early diagnosis leads to early support, like ABA therapy, to help children reach key milestones.

Autism Screening &
Diagnostic support 

Many families face uncertainty before an autism diagnosis. Getting answers brings clarity and helps parents support their child’s needs. We guide families through each step—from screening to evaluation and care. Early diagnosis leads to early support, like ABA therapy, to help children reach key milestones.

Autism Screening &
Diagnostic support 

Many families face uncertainty before an autism diagnosis. Getting answers brings clarity and helps parents support their child’s needs. We guide families through each step—from screening to evaluation and care. Early diagnosis leads to early support, like ABA therapy, to help children reach key milestones.

How to get your child tested for autism

Not sure where to start with autism testing for your child? At Intercare, we’re here to guide you through the diagnostic process so your child can get the support they need—when they need it.


We provide free autism evaluations, starting with easy online screening tools for kids of all ages. If results indicate a risk for autism, we offer in-person assessments using trusted tools like the ADOS-2 for children ages 18 months to 6 years.

Why an autism diagnosis matters

A formal autism diagnosis is often necessary before a child can:

Why an autism diagnosis matters

A formal autism diagnosis is often necessary before a child can:

Why an autism diagnosis matters

A formal autism diagnosis is often necessary before a child can:

Access evidence-based autism services like ABA therapy

Access evidence-based autism services like ABA therapy

Receive insurance coverage for autism treatment

Receive insurance coverage for autism treatment

Qualify for special education support and school accommodations

How the autism diagnostic process works

We make autism evaluations easy and supportive. Here’s how it works:

  1. Start with a free online screener – Use the online tool, M-CHAT-R, to check for early signs of autism.

  2. Book an in-person evaluation – If your child shows signs of autism, we’ll schedule a comprehensive assessment using the gold-standard ADOS-2 tool.

  3. Get results reviewed – Our clinicians compile and send the evaluation results to your child’s doctor for next steps.

  4. Receive a diagnosis (if applicable) – A specialist will determine whether your child meets criteria for an autism diagnosis.

Next steps for support: If diagnosed, we’ll walk you through therapy options like ABA and help you get started with the right care and resources.

M-CHAT-R Screening Tool

The M-CHAT-R (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised) is a simple screening tool designed for parents of children 16 to 30 months old. It includes 20 questions about your child’s social skills, communication, and play—key areas for spotting early signs of autism.


A high-risk result doesn’t mean your child has autism, but it does suggest they may benefit from a more in-depth evaluation by a specialist. This screener is a first step in identifying whether further support or intervention may be helpful.

The ADOS-2 Assessment

The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is a trusted tool used to assess autism symptoms in children ages 18 months to 6 years. During this play-based session, our specialists interact with your child to observe communication, social skills, and behavior.

Interested in a no-cost autism evaluation?

Gold Standard

The ADOS-2 is widely recognized as a gold-standard tool for identifying autism. Backed by research, it allows clinicians to reliably assess autism symptoms across different ages and developmental levels.

Gold Standard

The ADOS-2 is widely recognized as a gold-standard tool for identifying autism. Backed by research, it allows clinicians to reliably assess autism symptoms across different ages and developmental levels.

Gold Standard

The ADOS-2 is widely recognized as a gold-standard tool for identifying autism. Backed by research, it allows clinicians to reliably assess autism symptoms across different ages and developmental levels.

Play-Based

Kids actually enjoy the ADOS-2—it feels more like play than a doctor’s visit! During the 30 to 60-minute session, our clinicians use age-appropriate games and activities to connect with your child and observe key behaviors.

Play-Based

Kids actually enjoy the ADOS-2—it feels more like play than a doctor’s visit! During the 30 to 60-minute session, our clinicians use age-appropriate games and activities to connect with your child and observe key behaviors.

Play-Based

Kids actually enjoy the ADOS-2—it feels more like play than a doctor’s visit! During the 30 to 60-minute session, our clinicians use age-appropriate games and activities to connect with your child and observe key behaviors.

Scoring

After the assessment, we calculate scores that show how closely your child’s behaviors align with common signs of autism. A summary and results are then shared with your child’s pediatrician or referring provider to support their diagnosis and next steps.

Scoring

After the assessment, we calculate scores that show how closely your child’s behaviors align with common signs of autism. A summary and results are then shared with your child’s pediatrician or referring provider to support their diagnosis and next steps.

Scoring

After the assessment, we calculate scores that show how closely your child’s behaviors align with common signs of autism. A summary and results are then shared with your child’s pediatrician or referring provider to support their diagnosis and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common Questions About Autism Testing and Care

When should my child start ABA therapy?

The sooner, the better. Research shows that children who begin ABA therapy early—around age 2—are more likely to hit key developmental milestones and start school on time with their peers. In many cases, early intervention leads to such significant progress that children are functioning at the same level as their neurotypical classmates by school age.


One thing these children often have in common? They were diagnosed and began treatment early.

When should my child start ABA therapy?

The sooner, the better. Research shows that children who begin ABA therapy early—around age 2—are more likely to hit key developmental milestones and start school on time with their peers. In many cases, early intervention leads to such significant progress that children are functioning at the same level as their neurotypical classmates by school age.


One thing these children often have in common? They were diagnosed and began treatment early.

When should my child start ABA therapy?

The sooner, the better. Research shows that children who begin ABA therapy early—around age 2—are more likely to hit key developmental milestones and start school on time with their peers. In many cases, early intervention leads to such significant progress that children are functioning at the same level as their neurotypical classmates by school age.


One thing these children often have in common? They were diagnosed and began treatment early.

What should I do if my child is diagnosed with autism?

First, know that you’re not alone—there’s a strong support system and many resources available to help your family. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician to understand the diagnosis and create a care plan. Early intervention, including ABA therapy, can make a big difference in helping your child build important life skills.

What should I do if my child is diagnosed with autism?

First, know that you’re not alone—there’s a strong support system and many resources available to help your family. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician to understand the diagnosis and create a care plan. Early intervention, including ABA therapy, can make a big difference in helping your child build important life skills.

What should I do if my child is diagnosed with autism?

First, know that you’re not alone—there’s a strong support system and many resources available to help your family. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician to understand the diagnosis and create a care plan. Early intervention, including ABA therapy, can make a big difference in helping your child build important life skills.

Who can diagnose autism in children?

A formal autism diagnosis must be made by a qualified healthcare provider. While screening tools like the M-CHAT-R and CAST can highlight potential signs of autism, a diagnosis requires an in-person evaluation—often using tools like the ADOS-2. After the assessment, Intercare sends the results to your child’s doctor, who reviews them to determine if the diagnostic criteria are met or if further testing is needed.

Who can diagnose autism in children?

A formal autism diagnosis must be made by a qualified healthcare provider. While screening tools like the M-CHAT-R and CAST can highlight potential signs of autism, a diagnosis requires an in-person evaluation—often using tools like the ADOS-2. After the assessment, Intercare sends the results to your child’s doctor, who reviews them to determine if the diagnostic criteria are met or if further testing is needed.

Who can diagnose autism in children?

A formal autism diagnosis must be made by a qualified healthcare provider. While screening tools like the M-CHAT-R and CAST can highlight potential signs of autism, a diagnosis requires an in-person evaluation—often using tools like the ADOS-2. After the assessment, Intercare sends the results to your child’s doctor, who reviews them to determine if the diagnostic criteria are met or if further testing is needed.