FAQs

About Dr. Mary Jones

What professional training and credentials does Dr. Mary Jones hold?

Dr. Mary Jones is a board-certified pediatrician, trained autism specialist, and certified life and leadership coach. She has advanced training in the ADOS-2 and MIGDAS-2, and she is currently pursuing board certification in lifestyle medicine.

What inspired Dr. Jones to specialize in the field she practices?

Dr. Mary Holden Jones, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician, autism specialist, and trained life and leadership coach. She is also a mother of a child on the autism spectrum and children with ADHD, which gives her a deep, personal connection to the work she does. Her experience as both a clinician and a parent shapes her compassionate, strengths-based approach to neurodevelopmental care.
She founded Bright Starts Pediatrics to provide comprehensive autism and ADHD evaluations, developmental assessments, and neuro-affirming support for children, teens, adults, and families. Her mission is rooted in advocacy, early identification, health equity, and helping neurodivergent individuals thrive with clarity and confidence.

Why did Dr. Jones choose to open her practice in Colorado Springs?

After moving to the area, Dr. Jones initially planned to focus on telehealth. But once she saw the significant need in Colorado Springs for timely autism and ADHD evaluations, she chose to open Bright Starts Pediatrics locally so families could access care without long waits.

What unique approach or philosophy does Dr. Jones bring to her practice that sets her apart?

Dr. Jones takes a holistic, neuro-affirming approach. She focuses on accurate diagnosis, but also on understanding the whole child and the needs of their family system. Her goal is to offer clarity, support, and practical next steps instead of just a label.

How long has Dr. Jones been working in this field, and what prompted her decision to start her own practice?

Dr. Jones has been a pediatrician for 20 years. She opened her own practice to provide families with more personalized, neuro-affirming care and to ensure they could access evaluations without long delays.

Which populations or conditions does Dr. Jones focus on, and why does she find this work meaningful?

She primarily focuses on autism and ADHD. This work is deeply meaningful to her because of her clinical expertise and her lived experience as a parent. She understands the challenges families face and is committed to guiding them with empathy and clarity.

What continuing education, certifications, or specialized training has Dr. Jones completed that benefit her patients?

She has completed advanced training in the ADOS-2 and MIGDAS-2 diagnostic tools and earned her autism specialist certification. She is also a trained life and leadership coach and is currently pursuing board certification in lifestyle medicine.

How does Dr. Jones stay current with evolving research, best practices, and innovations in her profession?

She actively participates in conferences, engages in continuing medical education, and completes ongoing training to stay aligned with current standards and emerging research in neurodevelopmental care.

What are some of the most important values Dr. Jones upholds in her patient care — especially in her local community?

Dr. Jones leads with dignity, compassion, and deep listening. She believes in supporting the entire family system, not just the child. Her approach is to walk alongside families, guide them through the diagnostic process, and connect them with the best resources available.

In what ways does Dr. Jones feel being located in Colorado Springs enables her to better serve her patients?

Colorado and Colorado Springs are recognized nationally for strong support systems for children with special needs. Practicing in this community allows Dr. Jones to connect families with robust local resources and partner with a community that values early identification, access, and high-quality care.

MIGDAS 2

What is the MIGDAS-2?

The MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition) is a qualitative, sensory-based autism assessment tool. It helps clinicians gather rich, descriptive information about how a person thinks, communicates, relates, and responds to sensory input, and supports diagnosis across the lifespan.

How is the MIGDAS-2 different from the ADOS-2?

The MIGDAS-2 is more conversational and sensory-based. It uses interests and sensory materials as an entry point and focuses on narrative, strengths, and lived experience. The ADOS-2 is a standardized, semi-structured observation with specific tasks and scoring. Many clinicians use tools like the MIGDAS-2 alongside standardized measures such as the ADOS-2 to build a complete picture.

What ages is the MIGDAS-2 designed for?

The MIGDAS-2 can be used with children, adolescents, and adults. It can also be adapted for toddlers and preschoolers who can engage in sensory-based play. The system includes different interview protocols for limited-verbal and verbally fluent individuals across age groups.

Why do some clinicians like using the MIGDAS-2?

The MIGDAS-2 supports a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach to autism assessment. It uses sensory-based, interactive interviews and natural conversation to understand the person’s “autism worldview,” rather than focusing only on deficits or test scores. This often feels more natural and respectful for many individuals and families.

What does a MIGDAS-2 session look like?

A MIGDAS-2 session usually feels like a guided conversation and sensory-based interaction rather than a traditional test. The clinician may talk about special interests, offer sensory materials, and invite the person to share their experiences.

This process helps reveal patterns in communication, relationships, and sensory use in a natural way.

Is the MIGDAS-2 a neuro-affirming tool?

Yes. The MIGDAS-2 was developed specifically to support a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming style of autism assessment. It emphasizes positive, descriptive language and focuses on the person’s unique brain style, not just what they “can’t” do.

Does the MIGDAS-2 give a diagnosis on its own?

No. The MIGDAS-2 is one part of a full autism evaluation. It provides a qualitative, sensory-based behavioral profile that is combined with history, other measures, and clinical judgment to make a diagnosis. Best practice is always a multimodal, team-based process that looks at all the evidence together.

How long does the MIGDAS-2 process take?

There is no single set time. The MIGDAS-2 is a flexible interview framework that can be adapted to the person’s age, communication style, and needs. It is typically completed as part of a broader evaluation over one or more sessions, with the pace adjusted to keep the experience comfortable and authentic.

Is the MIGDAS-2 useful for girls, teens, or adults who mask?

Yes. One of the strengths of the MIGDAS-2 is its ability to uncover more subtle presentations of autism, including in people who mask or have high verbal abilities. By lowering social demands and inviting the person to share their worldview and sensory preferences, masking often becomes less necessary and their authentic patterns show through.

Why does Bright Starts Pediatrics use the MIGDAS-2?

Bright Starts Pediatrics uses the MIGDAS-2 because it fits a neuro-affirming, strengths-focused approach to autism assessment. It helps tell the individual’s story in positive, accessible language and supports accurate diagnosis by integrating sensory experiences, communication style, and real-life behavior. Families often appreciate that the process feels more respectful and less like a test.

Virtual Evaluations

What are virtual evaluations?

Virtual evaluations are secure, telehealth-based assessments that allow families to complete parts (or all) of the diagnostic process from home.

At Bright Starts Pediatrics, our clinicians use validated tools like the CARS-2 for autism and structured interviews for ADHD and developmental concerns to provide accurate, comprehensive evaluations through video conferencing.

Are virtual evaluations accurate?

Yes.

When conducted by trained clinicians using research-based tools, virtual evaluations are clinically reliable and follow the same professional standards as in-person testing.

In many cases, observing a child in their natural home environment can even offer richer, more authentic insights into behavior and communication.

Who is a good candidate for virtual testing?

Virtual evaluations are a great fit for families who:

- Live in rural or underserved areas

- Prefer at-home assessments for comfort or sensory needs

- Have scheduling or travel limitations

- Want initial screening before an in-person visit

Our team will help determine whether virtual testing alone or a hybrid model (virtual + in-person) is best for your child.

What types of conditions can be evaluated virtually?

We offer telehealth evaluations for:

- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using the CARS-2 and developmental history

- ADHD and attention concerns using structured clinical interviews and validated rating scales

- Developmental and behavioral screenings to guide early intervention or next steps

What equipment do I need?

You’ll need:

- A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone

- A stable internet connection

- A quiet, well-lit space where your child can be comfortable and move freely

Before your session, our staff will send a simple checklist and walk you through connecting to our secure telehealth platform.

How should I prepare my child?

Let your child know they’ll be talking and playing with a friendly doctor through the computer.

Have favorite toys, books, or snacks nearby to help them feel comfortable.

Dress casually, and try to minimize background noise or distractions.

How long does a virtual evaluation take?

Most virtual sessions last 60–90 minutes, depending on your child’s age and needs.

Some families may complete additional online questionnaires before or after the appointment to ensure a thorough assessment.

Will I receive results and recommendations?

Absolutely.

After the evaluation, your clinician will meet with you via telehealth for a feedback session to review results, answer questions, and discuss personalized recommendations, supports, or referrals.

Is my information secure?

Yes.

All telehealth appointments are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant, encrypted platform to protect your privacy and your child’s health information.

Why choose Bright Starts Pediatrics for virtual evaluations?

Because we bring expertise and empathy to every interaction.

Our team combines medical, developmental, and coaching perspectives to deliver evaluations that are accurate, accessible, and affirming — no matter where you live.

We’re here to make the process easier, clearer, and full of care.

CARS-2

What is the CARS-2?

The CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition) is a research-validated tool used to assess characteristics of autism across communication, behavior, and social interaction.

It helps clinicians identify whether autism traits are present and, if so, at what level of intensity.

Can the CARS-2 be done virtually?

Yes. The CARS-2 can be effectively administered through secure telehealth sessions.

Our clinicians at Bright Starts Pediatrics use video conferencing to observe your child’s natural behavior, review developmental history, and gather caregiver insights — all from the comfort of home.

Is virtual autism testing accurate?

When conducted by experienced, trained clinicians, virtual CARS-2 evaluations are reliable and clinically valid.

Because observations occur in a familiar setting, many children show their most natural communication and behavior patterns — adding valuable context to the assessment.

What ages are eligible for a CARS-2 evaluation?

The CARS-2 can be used with children as young as two years old, as well as teens and adults.

Different versions of the scale allow us to tailor the evaluation to each person’s age and communication level.

What happens during a virtual CARS-2 appointment?

Pre-Visit Forms: Parents or caregivers complete developmental and behavioral questionnaires.

Telehealth Observation: A clinician meets with you virtually, observes interactions, and asks structured questions.

Clinician Scoring: Using CARS-2 criteria, the clinician rates observed and reported behaviors.

Feedback & Report: You receive results, a detailed interpretation, and recommendations for next steps.

Do I need special equipment or preparation?

You’ll need a quiet space, a device with a camera, and a stable internet connection.

Have a few toys, books, or activities your child enjoys nearby. You’ll receive guidance before your appointment to make the process smooth and stress-free.

Does the CARS-2 replace in-person testing like the ADOS-2?

Not necessarily. The CARS-2 is excellent for virtual or initial evaluations, while the ADOS-2 remains the gold standard for in-person assessments.

Your clinician will recommend the best option — or sometimes both — to ensure the most accurate and comprehensive results.

How will I receive results and recommendations?

After the evaluation, your clinician will schedule a virtual feedback session to discuss results, answer questions, and provide clear next steps — including referrals, therapy recommendations, and school or community supports.

Why choose Bright Starts Pediatrics for virtual autism testing?

Because we bring expertise and empathy together.

Our clinicians are trained in both evidence-based assessment and neurodiversity-affirming care, ensuring that every family feels seen, respected, and supported — wherever they are.

ADOS-2

What is the ADOS-2?

The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is a structured, play- and conversation-based assessment used by trained clinicians to observe social communication, imagination, and behavior patterns. It’s considered the gold standard for identifying autism in children, teens, and adults.

What ages can take the ADOS-2?

The ADOS-2 can be used across the lifespan — from toddlers as young as 12 months to adults.

Different “modules” are selected based on a person’s age and communication level, ensuring the experience feels natural and age-appropriate.

What happens during the evaluation?

Your child will meet one-on-one with a Bright Starts clinician who is trained and certified to administer the ADOS-2.

Through interactive tasks, toys, pictures, and conversation, we observe how your child communicates, engages, and responds. The assessment usually takes 40–60 minutes, and caregivers may observe when appropriate.

Does the ADOS-2 replace a full autism evaluation?

Not by itself. The ADOS-2 is one part of a comprehensive autism evaluation, which also includes:

- A developmental and medical history review

- Parent/caregiver questionnaires

- Observations and input from teachers or therapists

- Cognitive and/or language assessments (if indicated)

Together, these components provide a complete, individualized picture of development, strengths, and needs.

How should I prepare my child for the test?

No special preparation is needed!

You can tell your child they’ll be playing and talking with a friendly doctor who wants to learn how they think and communicate.

Bring any comfort items (toy, snack, or fidget) if it helps your child feel relaxed.

Will I get the results right away?

After the ADOS-2 session, your clinician reviews all data, observations, and history before preparing a comprehensive report.

A feedback appointment will be scheduled to discuss results, answer questions, and outline next steps — including supports, therapies, or community resources.

How is the ADOS-2 different from online or screening tools?

Unlike online checklists or questionnaires, the ADOS-2 involves direct interaction and standardized scoring, allowing clinicians to see behaviors in real time.

It adds scientific accuracy and reduces bias — especially when combined with family input and developmental context.

Why choose Bright Starts Pediatrics for an autism evaluation?

Because our approach is both evidence-based and heart-based.

We use research-supported tools like the ADOS-2 within a caring, neurodiversity-affirming framework — recognizing that every child’s brain and story are unique.

Our goal is to provide clarity, compassion, and a plan that helps your child thrive.

QbTest

How does the Qb Test work?

During the test, your child (or you, if an adult evaluation) watches symbols appear on a screen and presses a button when they match specific targets.

A small motion sensor records subtle movements.

The test typically takes 15–20 minutes for children and 20–25 minutes for adults.

It’s quiet, noninvasive, and feels more like a simple computer game than a medical test.

How does the Qb Test work?

During the test, your child (or you, if an adult evaluation) watches symbols appear on a screen and presses a button when they match specific targets.

A small motion sensor records subtle movements.

The test typically takes 15–20 minutes for children and 20–25 minutes for adults.

It’s quiet, noninvasive, and feels more like a simple computer game than a medical test.

What does the Qb Test measure?

The Qb Test measures:

Attention – how consistently and accurately a person responds

Impulsivity – how often responses happen too quickly or are missed

Activity – subtle physical movement patterns compared to age-based norms

These data points help create a unique profile of focus, self-regulation, and movement.

What are the benefits of the Qb Test?

The Qb Test:

- Provides objective data to support clinical impressions

- Helps reduce bias in ADHD evaluations

- Tracks improvement over time with treatment or support

- Enhances confidence in the diagnosis and care plan

For many families, it brings clarity — translating observations into measurable results.

Who can take the Qb Test?

The Qb Test is suitable for children (ages 6+), teens, and adults being evaluated for ADHD.

It’s especially helpful for:

- Families seeking confirmation of ADHD symptoms

- Individuals beginning or adjusting treatment

- Educators or employers needing objective data for accommodations

How should I prepare for the Qb Test?

No special preparation is needed!

Make sure your child has eaten, is well-rested, and brings any needed glasses or hearing aids.

If your child is taking ADHD medication, follow your clinician’s instructions on whether to take it before testing.

When will I receive the results?

Results are typically available shortly after the test.

Your clinician will review the findings during your follow-up visit, explain the data in plain language, and discuss next steps or treatment recommendations.