Autism Evaluations
in Chicago at CST Academy

Providing Clarity, Support, and a Path Forward

Medical Reviewer Megan Morien, M.A., BCBA, LBA

Author Samantha Duff, OTD, OTR/L

At CST Academy, our evaluation process is designed to help families better understand their child’s developmental profile and determine the best next steps for support. Whether you’re concerned about possible autism, developmental delays, or behavioral challenges, our licensed psychologists use gold-standard tools and a collaborative approach to guide you through the process with clarity and compassion.

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What Is an Autism Evaluation?

An autism evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that helps identify developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, global developmental delay, or other social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. Evaluations are conducted by licensed psychologists with expertise in early childhood development.

Our autism evaluations in Chicago go beyond checklists. We combine standardized testing with observations, clinical expertise, and family input to deliver meaningful answers and actionable recommendations—so you feel confident moving forward.

Why Choose CST Academy for a Diagnostic Evaluation?

Why Choose CST Academy for an Autism Evaluation?

At CST Academy, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to wonder whether your child needs support. Our evaluations are thorough, thoughtful, and centered on your child’s unique strengths and challenges. We take the time to answer your questions, explain every step of the process, and provide guidance you can trust.

We also know that timing matters. We offer faster scheduling than many clinics in the area and prioritize open communication so you’re never left wondering what comes next.

The CST Academy Difference in Chicago

Choosing the right team for a diagnostic evaluation means finding professionals who not only understand developmental differences but also recognize your child’s unique strengths. At CST Academy, we go beyond checklists and labels—we take the time to get to know your child, answer your questions, and provide compassionate, evidence-based insights. With experienced psychologists, clear communication, and personalized recommendations, we help families move forward with confidence and clarity.

Faster Scheduling & Clear Timelines

We offer faster availability than many other clinics and keep families informed at every step of the process.

Gold-Standard Tools & Methods

We use evidence-based, industry-leading assessments such as the ADOS-2 and other standardized tools, depending on your child’s needs and age.

Licensed Clinical Psychologists

All evaluations are conducted by experienced, doctoral-level psychologists who specialize in diagnosing autism and related conditions in young children.

Personalized Recommendations

You’ll receive a detailed written report, feedback session, and tailored recommendations based on your child’s strengths and needs.

Understanding the Whole Child Through a Thoughtful Evaluation

At CST Academy, our evaluations are more than just assessments—they’re the first step in truly understanding your child’s developmental profile. We take a comprehensive, child-centered approach that looks at all the areas that impact your child’s growth, behavior, and learning. From communication to social-emotional development, we provide insight into where your child is now—and how to support them moving forward.

Communication & Language Skills

We evaluate your child’s ability to understand and use language, including how they express needs, follow directions, and engage in conversation. Whether your child is nonverbal or highly verbal but struggling with social language, we assess their expressive and receptive skills. This helps identify whether a speech delay, language disorder, or social-communication challenge is present.

Social Interaction & Play

Social development is a key focus of our evaluations. We observe how your child engages with adults and peers, initiates interaction, shares attention, and participates in pretend play. These insights help determine whether your child’s social skills are developing appropriately or may benefit from targeted support.

Behavior & Emotional Regulation

Many families seek answers about meltdowns, rigid routines, or difficulty calming down. Our psychologists assess how your child responds to changes, manages frustration, and regulates emotions. Understanding your child’s behavioral patterns allows us to offer strategies and recommendations that work for both home and school settings.

Developmental Milestones & Cognitive Functioning

We assess how your child is progressing in comparison to age-expected developmental milestones. This includes problem-solving, memory, attention, and learning style. Identifying strengths and delays in these areas is essential for creating a personalized plan that supports future success.

Sensory Processing & Motor Skills

Some children avoid or seek out certain sensory experiences, and this can impact behavior, learning, and daily function. Our evaluations take sensory sensitivities and motor coordination into account—helping you understand why your child may avoid certain textures, sounds, or movement-based activities.

Clarity, Diagnosis & Next Steps

Whether your child receives a diagnosis like autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or another developmental condition—or no diagnosis at all—you’ll leave with a clear understanding of their needs. Our team provides you with an actionable report, thoughtful recommendations, and a roadmap to guide you forward with confidence and support.

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Getting started is easy. Our team is here to listen, guide, and create a care plan tailored to your child and your family.

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What to Expect During the Evaluation Process

At CST Academy, we want every family to feel informed and supported throughout the evaluation journey. Our process is simple, structured, and designed with your child’s comfort in mind.

1. Intake Meeting
Your first step is a parent-only intake meeting with one of our licensed psychologists. This is a chance for us to learn about your child’s development, behavior, and any concerns you may have. We’ll walk you through the evaluation process, answer your questions, and gather important background information to ensure we provide the most personalized care possible.

2. Evaluation Session
About a week after your intake meeting, your child will come to our clinic for a one-on-one evaluation session. This appointment lasts approximately two hours and is led by our psychologist and a trained psychometrician. We’ll use gold-standard assessment tools to evaluate your child’s communication, behavior, social skills, and developmental milestones. Parents are welcome to be present during the session to provide support and insights.

3. Feedback Meeting
Two weeks after the evaluation, you’ll meet with the psychologist for a virtual feedback session. During this one-hour meeting, we’ll walk you through the results, explain any diagnoses (if applicable), and provide clear recommendations for next steps. If therapy is recommended, we’ll help you get started with services—often right here at CST Academy.

A Seamless Path from Evaluation to Ongoing Support

At CST Academy, our diagnostic evaluations are just the beginning of a truly collaborative care experience. Because our psychologists, therapists, and intake team work closely together under one roof, families who complete their evaluation with us benefit from a smoother, faster, and more informed transition into therapy services. The insights gained from the evaluation don’t stay on paper—they become a roadmap we use as a team to help your child thrive.

Here’s how beginning your journey with a CST Academy evaluation allows for a fully integrated, personalized support plan:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Following a diagnosis of autism or other developmental conditions, ABA therapy can begin quickly with a team already familiar with your child’s strengths, behaviors, and goals. The evaluation informs every aspect of the plan—from skill-building to behavior reduction—so your child’s therapy starts with purpose from day one.

Speech Therapy

When communication delays are identified, our speech therapists work directly with the evaluating psychologist to begin targeted interventions. Whether the focus is on expressive language, articulation, or AAC support, we can begin therapy immediately—without needing a second opinion or outside referral.

Occupational Therapy

If the evaluation reveals sensory processing needs, motor delays, or challenges with daily routines, we seamlessly connect families with our in-house occupational therapy team. Evaluation insights are used to create therapy goals that reflect your child’s profile and ensure continuity of care.

Feeding Therapy

Motor delays, balance issues, or low tone identified during evaluation can be addressed quickly with support from our physical therapy team. Coordination between the psychologist and PT allows for focused treatment and ongoing communication as your child makes progress.

Physical Therapy

Our physical therapy services are designed to enhance gross motor development, balance, strength, and mobility. Whether a child is working on walking, climbing, or coordinated play, our PT team helps improve motor planning and physical confidence. Therapy is goal-oriented and engaging, using fun, movement-based activities that promote progress.

Therapeutic Preschool-Styled Program

For children not yet ready for a traditional school setting, our therapeutic preschool-styled program offers the perfect bridge. If a child is recommended for the program during the evaluation process, we can begin placement and support quickly—ensuring consistency and avoiding disruptions in care.

When to Consider an Evaluation for Your Child

Here are some common signs that may indicate it’s time to pursue a diagnostic evaluation. Whether or not a diagnosis is made, early evaluation provides valuable insight into your child’s development and helps guide meaningful next steps. Every child is unique, but understanding their needs early can make a lasting difference.

Delayed Speech or Language Development

If your child isn’t babbling, forming words, or speaking in phrases at age-appropriate milestones, it may be time to evaluate for a speech delay, language disorder, or autism-related communication challenge.

Limited Eye Contact or Social Engagement

Children who avoid eye contact, don’t show interest in shared activities, or struggle to connect with others may benefit from an evaluation to explore social-communication development.

Repetitive Behaviors or Intense Interests

Hand-flapping, lining up toys, repeating words or phrases, or fixating on certain objects could be signs of autism or other neurodevelopmental differences that should be assessed.

High Sensory Sensitivity or Sensory-Seeking Behavior

If your child becomes overwhelmed by lights, sounds, textures—or seeks constant movement or pressure—they may be experiencing sensory processing challenges that warrant evaluation.

Difficulty with Transitions or Flexibility

Resistance to change, intense upset during daily transitions, or a need for strict routines may indicate emotional regulation challenges often associated with autism or anxiety.

Lack of Gestures or Nonverbal Communication

Children who don’t point, wave, or use facial expressions to communicate may be missing early milestones that indicate readiness for language and social interaction.

Delays in Play or Imaginative Thinking

If your child shows limited pretend play, doesn’t share interests, or struggles to play alongside peers, it may be a sign that further developmental support is needed.

Limited Response to Name or Spoken Instructions

Children who seem “in their own world,” do not respond to their name, or appear unaware of verbal directions may benefit from evaluation to rule out auditory processing or social attention concerns.

Frequent Meltdowns or Difficulty Self-Regulating

If tantrums feel extreme or your child has trouble calming down after frustration, fear, or transitions, an evaluation can help uncover underlying challenges in behavior or emotional regulation.

Loss of Previously Acquired Skills

A noticeable regression in language, play, or social engagement is a red flag that should be addressed promptly with a developmental evaluation.

Wondering if ABA Therapy Might Be Right for Your Child? Start with Our Free M-CHAT Screening

If your child is showing early signs of autism or behavioral challenges and you’re unsure what to do next, our quick, research-backed Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) is a helpful place to start. This free online screening takes just a few minutes and provides immediate results to help you better understand your child’s developmental needs. While it’s not a diagnosis, it’s an important first step toward early intervention and the right support—like ABA therapy.

Take the M-CHAT Screening Now

A Place Where Your Child’s Journey Begins with Clarity

Choosing CST Academy for a diagnostic evaluation means stepping into a space where your child is seen, supported, and understood. We believe that every child—regardless of age, ability, or challenges—deserves a compassionate team that takes the time to listen, learn, and uncover the full picture. Our evaluations are designed not just to assess but to celebrate your child’s unique strengths while identifying the right path forward.

While seeking answers can feel overwhelming, we create a calm, caring environment where families feel empowered and informed every step of the way. At CST Academy, it’s not just about diagnoses—it’s about building a foundation for growth, confidence, and lifelong potential. We're here to guide, support, and cheer your child on from the very beginning.

What parents Are Saying About
Autism Evaluations at CST Academy

We had been on waitlists for months elsewhere and were starting to panic. CST Academy called us back quickly, and we had our evaluation scheduled within just a couple of weeks. The psychologist was so thorough and kind—and we were able to start speech and ABA services almost immediately.

Laura M.

CST Academy helped us finally understand what our son was going through. The evaluation process was smooth and scheduled within two weeks, which was such a relief. We left with clear answers, a detailed plan, and the right therapies in place without any delay.

Jonathan L.

We weren’t sure where to turn when we noticed our daughter’s delays. CST Academy scheduled our evaluation in under three weeks, and the team walked us through every step with care and clarity. The report was spot on, and we were able to get started with services right away.

Priya N.

1000+

5-Star Google Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Evaluations at CST Academy

An Autism Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a licensed psychologist to better understand your child’s developmental, behavioral, and communication profile. It helps identify conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, developmental delays, or other concerns that may benefit from early intervention.

Autism Evaluations in Chicago at CST Academy