Should I tell my child they are going to be tested for autism?

Keep it simple and positive for a young child: you are going to see someone who likes to play and talk with kids. Older children and teens often do better with an honest, calm explanation that the visit is to understand how they think and learn. You know your child, so choose words that fit them.

What if my child has a hard day during the evaluation?

Tell the evaluator. Experienced evaluators expect some children to be tired, upset or quiet, and they use your history, notes and videos as well as what they see. If the day goes very differently from usual, ask whether a second session is possible.

Can I send videos before the appointment?

Many offices welcome them, but ask how to send them securely rather than by regular email or text. Label each video with the date and a short note about what happened before it. Bring copies on your phone in case they are not reviewed in advance.

How long does it take to get the report?

It varies by evaluator. Some share results at a feedback visit the same day and send the written report later; others take a few weeks. At Hope Center, the report is usually ready within about a week once parents finish all the questionnaires. Ask when you book, and ask whether the office can send the report to your pediatrician and ABA provider once you sign a release. Our pediatrician script helps with next steps.

What to Bring to an Autism Evaluation: Checklist

After the wait, the evaluation date is finally on the calendar. A little preparation helps the evaluator see your child clearly, helps your child stay comfortable, and makes sure you leave with a report that insurers, Early Steps, schools and other programs will accept. Print this checklist, work through it over the weeks before the appointment, and bring it with you.

What should I do when I book the appointment?

Ask these questions on the first call. The answers decide which papers you need and whether the report will work for your child's insurance and state programs later.

"What is the evaluator's license and board certification, and do they have specific training and experience diagnosing autism?" (Florida's APD, for example, only accepts an autism diagnosis from a Florida-licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, or a board-certified developmental pediatrician or pediatric neurologist.)
"Will the written report include the DSM-5 diagnosis, the diagnosis code, the date, the tools used and the evaluator's name, credentials and license?"
"How long is the visit, and is it one appointment or several?"
"Are there intake forms or questionnaires I need to send back before the visit?" Return them the same week. Some offices will not hold a slot until they arrive.
"Do you need a referral from our pediatrician?"
"Can I send records and videos ahead of time? How?"
"Do you keep a cancellation list?" If your date is far away, ask to be on it.

Not sure which specialist to book? See developmental pediatrician, psychologist or neurologist.

What do I need to check with insurance?

Call the member services number on your card and ask: "Is an autism diagnostic evaluation covered? Is this evaluator in network? Is a referral or prior authorization required?"
Ask what you will owe: deductible, copay or coinsurance. Write down the date, the name of the person you spoke to and a reference number.
If prior authorization is required, confirm it is approved before the visit.
If you are paying yourself, ask for a Good Faith Estimate. Under federal rules, if you are not using insurance and you schedule at least 3 business days ahead, the provider must give you an estimate of expected charges. You need it if you ever dispute the bill.
Bring the insurance card (front and back) and a photo ID.

For costs, see what an autism evaluation costs in Florida.

Which records should I gather?

Bring copies, not originals, and keep a set for yourself. Put them in one folder in this order.

Medical

The referral from your pediatrician, if one was needed
Recent well-child visit notes and any developmental screening results (for example the M-CHAT-R/F)
Hearing and vision results, if your child has had them. Ask the evaluator whether they need these first.
A list of current medications, supplements and doses
Any diagnoses, hospital stays, seizures, sleep or feeding problems, and relevant birth history
Family history of autism, ADHD, learning differences or genetic conditions, if you know it

Early intervention and school

Early Steps evaluations and the IFSP (birth to 3)
School district or FDLRS screening and evaluation reports
IEP or 504 plan, with the most recent progress report
Report cards and notes from teachers or daycare staff
Behavior or incident reports, if there are any

Other therapies

Speech, occupational or physical therapy evaluations and progress notes
Any earlier psychological or developmental testing

School evaluations are useful background, but they are not a medical diagnosis. UMR, for one, says "IEPs and school evaluations are NOT acceptable as the sole proof of diagnosis," which is why the medical evaluation matters even when your child already has an IEP.

What notes and videos should I prepare?

Your child may act differently in an unfamiliar office. Your notes and videos show the evaluator what daily life looks like.

A one-page summary of your concerns, with specific examples: "does not turn when we call her name," "lines up cars and gets very upset if one is moved," "stopped saying 'more' and 'bye' at 20 months."
A milestone timeline: when your child first smiled, babbled, pointed, walked, said words and put words together, and any skills that were lost. Baby books, photos and phone videos help with dates.
Strengths and interests. What your child loves and does well helps the evaluator and later the therapy team.
Short videos (30 seconds to 2 minutes each) of the things that worry you: play, communication, routines, meltdowns, repetitive movements, reactions to sounds. Note the date and what happened just before.
A typical day: sleep, meals, play, screen time, how your child handles changes.
Input from others: a short note from a teacher, daycare provider or grandparent who sees your child often. Some evaluators send rating forms for teachers; get them back early.

Our guide on what happens at an autism evaluation explains how evaluators use this information.

How do I plan the day around my child?

Pick the time of day carefully. If you have a choice, book when your child is usually rested and fed, not during a usual nap.
Keep medications as usual unless a doctor tells you otherwise. If your child takes medication that affects attention, sleep or behavior, ask the evaluator's office ahead of time whether they want it given that day, and check any change with the prescribing doctor first.
Prepare your child with simple words and, if it helps, photos of the building or a picture schedule: "car, doctor's office, play with toys, snack, home."
Pack a comfort and sensory bag: favorite snacks and drink, a comfort toy, headphones or ear defenders, a tablet with favorite videos for waiting, a change of clothes, diapers or pull-ups if used.
Bring help if you can. A second adult can care for siblings or step out with your child while you answer questions.
Ask whether siblings may come. Many offices prefer they stay home.
Plan something calm for afterward. It can be a long day for both of you.

What questions should I ask the evaluator?

"What tools will you use, and what will my child be asked to do?"
"When will we get the results, and will there be a feedback meeting?"
"If you diagnose autism, will the report include the DSM-5 diagnosis, code, date, your credentials and license, and specific recommendations, such as ABA, speech or occupational therapy?"
"If you do not diagnose autism, what do you think explains what we are seeing, and what do you recommend?"
"Do you recommend a follow-up evaluation, and when?"
"Can you send the report directly to our pediatrician and therapy providers once I sign a release?"

Write the answers down, or ask whether you may record the feedback meeting.

What should I do after the evaluation?

Get the full written report, not just a letter, and keep a digital and paper copy.
Check that it lists the diagnosis, code, date and evaluator's credentials and license. Ask for a correction if something is missing.
Share it with your pediatrician and, if you want, your child's school.
If your child is under 3, send it to Early Steps. Autism is an established condition, so a diagnosed toddler qualifies without delay testing.
If ABA is recommended, see the diagnosis paperwork you need before ABA can start and documents to start ABA.

How can Hope Center help?

Hope Center for Behavior Change offers diagnostic evaluations through our clinical director, Aisha Albright-Jourdan, MSW, LCSW, BCBA, with a supervising licensed psychologist. Parents complete diagnostic questionnaires online as part of the process. If your child already has a diagnosis, we can check your benefits for free and start the ABA intake; first call to first session can be as little as three weeks, depending on paperwork and insurance approval. We have no waitlist, and our staff speak English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Bengali and Russian. Request a free consultation or call 561-337-8865.

This guide is general information for Florida families, not medical, legal or financial advice for your child. Laws, plan rules and program amounts change; check with your plan, the agency named, or a Florida attorney before you act.

Preparing for Your Child's Autism Evaluation: A Printable Checklist