What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation By Bright Starts Health

If you’re seeking clarity about your child’s development, Bright Starts Health is here to support and guide you—every step of the way. Our autism evaluation process is designed with compassion, transparency, and evidence-based care. Here’s a friendly walk through of what to expect—from your first call to diagnosis and next steps.

📞 Step 1: The First Call or Consultation

Your journey begins when you reach out. During an initial consultation, we will ask about your child’s developmental history, current concerns, and why you’re seeking evaluation now. This helps us tailor the next steps and ensures the process feels clear from the start. At this point, we’ll review logistics like available dates, insurance coverage, and what to expect next.

🧠 Step 2: Diagnostic Evaluation by Experts

At Bright Starts, evaluations are led by a multidisciplinary team—typically pediatric psychologists, developmental specialists, and sometimes speech‑language or occupational therapists. These team members bring together experience to understand your child’s strengths and challenges.

During this stage, your child will participate in structured activities while clinicians observe and interact in ways that help reveal communication, social, and behavioral patterns.

📄 Step 3: Structured Standard Assessments

We use evidence‑based tools, like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule‑2 (ADOS‑2), which involves play‑based and interactive tasks to assess social and communication behaviors.

Parents may also complete interviews and questionnaires about developmental milestones and behaviors (such as ADI‑R or other validated screening tools). These help give a full picture of your child’s profile.

🏫 Step 4: Input from Multiple Settings

We believe in looking at your child across environments. With permission, we gather observations from your child’s school, daycare, or therapists to better understand how they function across settings. This rounded approach helps ensure accurate and meaningful insights.

📊 Step 5: Clinical Review and Differential Diagnosis

Autism can overlap with other developmental differences like ADHD or speech delays. Our team reviews all data—including your observations, clinician notes, test results, and third‑party input—to differentiate and ensure an accurate diagnosis.

🗣️ Step 6: Diagnosis Feedback Session

Once evaluations are complete, we'll meet with you to explain findings clearly and compassionately. You’ll get a full report outlining strengths, challenges, and whether an ASD diagnosis is appropriate. We’ll review the level of support recommended and answer all your questions.

This is also when we begin talking about next steps—whether it’s early intervention programs, therapeutic supports, educational planning, or community resources.

🌟 Step 7: The Path Forward

After diagnosis, we’ll work with you to develop a personalized support plan. This might include therapies like ABA, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or educational guidance—depending on your child’s needs. We can also help with referrals or coordinating care across providers.

Why Choose Bright Starts?

We guide families through early, accurate, and supportive evaluations with a mission to recognize, support, and celebrate every child as early as possible. Our approach is rooted in expertise—but carried out with compassion.

You’re Not Alone on This Journey Navigating developmental concerns can feel overwhelming—but support is available. At Bright Starts Health, we give you clarity, understanding, and a thoughtful plan. From your first phone call to diagnosis and beyond, we’re here to empower your family.

Need to schedule or learn more? Visit our website or call us to take the next step toward clarity and support.