The Autism Evaluation Program
Chicagoland Families Trust Most
Schedule Your Child's Evaluation"We came to CST Academy for an autism evaluation, and the process was so compassionate and thorough. The team walked us through every step and helped us understand our child's strengths and needs in a way that felt empowering, not overwhelming."
CST Academy Parent, Google Review
We will contact you within 24 hours. No obligation.
What an Autism Evaluation Looks Like When Your Care Team Works Together
When your child's evaluation, therapy recommendations, and treatment are handled by a connected team, nothing gets lost along the way.
Answers in Weeks, Not Months
Most families get clear answers within weeks of their appointment. You will know exactly where your child stands and what comes next.
From Evaluation to Therapy, Seamlessly
If your child's evaluation confirms autism, therapy can begin with the same team. No new intake. No new waitlist.
Start in 2 to 3 Weeks
From your first call to your child's evaluation appointment. We handle insurance verification and scheduling so there is no waiting on outside referrals or approvals.
What Is an Autism Evaluation?
An autism evaluation is a comprehensive, clinician-led assessment designed to determine whether a child meets the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It goes far beyond a simple screening or checklist. A full autism diagnostic evaluation involves standardized testing, direct observation of your child, a detailed review of developmental history, and a parent interview, all conducted by a licensed psychologist or diagnostic team.
At CST Academy, our autism evaluations use the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition), which is widely recognized as the gold standard in autism diagnostic testing. The ADOS-2 involves structured activities and interactions that allow our psychologists to observe your child's communication, social interaction, play, and behavior in a comfortable, play-based setting.
What Does an Autism Assessment Include?
- ADOS-2 gold-standard diagnostic testing administered by a licensed psychologist
- A comprehensive developmental history review covering speech, motor, social, and behavioral milestones
- A parent or caregiver interview to understand your child's strengths, challenges, and daily routines
- Direct clinical observation of your child in a play-based, low-pressure environment
- A detailed written report with a clear diagnosis (or ruling out of ASD), your child's strengths and areas of need, and specific recommendations for next steps
- A results review meeting where our team walks you through every finding so you leave with clarity, not more questions
Autism Evaluation vs. Autism Screening: What Is the Difference?
Many pediatricians use brief screening tools like the M-CHAT at well-child visits. These screenings can flag potential concerns, but they are not diagnostic. A screening tells you whether further evaluation is warranted. An autism diagnostic assessment at CST Academy is the full clinical evaluation that provides an actual diagnosis, a detailed understanding of your child's profile, and a clear path forward for treatment.
Get Clarity About Your Child's Development
Our psychologists provide thorough, compassionate autism evaluations with results in weeks, not months.
Who Should Get an Autism Evaluation?
Parents often wonder whether their child's behavior is within the normal range of development or whether it signals something that needs attention. You do not need a referral, a previous diagnosis, or certainty that your child has autism to schedule an evaluation. Many families come to CST Academy simply because something feels different, and they want answers.
Common Signs Parents Notice
Every child develops at their own pace, but the following patterns are common reasons families seek an autism diagnostic evaluation:
- Delayed speech or language development, or loss of previously acquired words
- Limited eye contact or difficulty responding to their name
- Repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, lining up objects, or repeating phrases
- Difficulty with transitions, changes in routine, or new environments
- Challenges with social interaction, including difficulty playing with peers or sharing interests
- Unusual responses to sensory input such as sounds, textures, lights, or movement
- Intense or narrow interests that seem beyond typical childhood fascination
At What Age Should My Child Be Evaluated?
Autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as 18 to 24 months of age, though many children are not evaluated until age 3 or later. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening at 18 and 24 months, but a full diagnostic evaluation can be pursued at any age if concerns arise. At CST Academy, we evaluate children across a range of ages and developmental stages. Early evaluation leads to earlier intervention, and earlier intervention consistently produces better long-term outcomes.
ADHD and Autism: When Both May Be Present
It is common for ADHD and autism to co-occur. Research shows that a significant number of children with autism also meet criteria for ADHD, and the reverse is also true. Symptoms can overlap, making it difficult for parents to know which condition is driving the behaviors they see at home. If your child has an existing ADHD diagnosis but you suspect autism may also be a factor, or if you are seeing a mix of attention, social, and behavioral challenges, a comprehensive autism and ADHD assessment can provide the clarity your family needs. Our psychologists are experienced in differentiating between autism, ADHD, and other developmental conditions, and can identify when both are present.
Not Sure If Your Child Needs an Evaluation?
That is exactly what our first phone call is for. Tell us what you are seeing, and we will help you figure out the right next step.
Families Who Found Answers
at CST Academy
These parents were in your shoes. Here is what happened when they chose CST Academy.
We came to CST Academy for an autism evaluation, and the process was so compassionate and thorough. The team walked us through every step and helped us understand our child's strengths and needs in a way that felt empowering, not overwhelming.
I referred a friend to their program and the progress his child made just blew him away! You cannot go wrong here. I would not trust my children to anyone else. There is just no comparison.
The preschool program has done wonders for him. His teacher was warm, kind, and patient, and she collaborated closely with his occupational and speech therapists. Our son has blossomed into a strong, confident boy who is well-prepared to begin his new school.
What Makes CST Academy Different for Autism Evaluations
A side-by-side look at what most autism evaluation providers offer versus what happens at CST Academy.
Most Autism Evaluation Providers
CST Academy
What Happens After an Autism Diagnosis?
Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can feel overwhelming, but at CST Academy, a diagnosis is the beginning of a clear plan, not the end of the conversation. Because our evaluation team and therapy team work in the same building, your child's transition from evaluation to treatment is seamless.
Your Child's Results Review
After the evaluation, our psychologist schedules a results review meeting with your family. During this meeting, we walk through your child's full report together, explain the diagnosis in plain language, discuss your child's specific strengths and areas of need, and answer every question you have. You will leave with a clear understanding of what the diagnosis means and exactly what comes next.
Therapy Can Begin Immediately
If your child's evaluation confirms an autism spectrum diagnosis, ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy can all begin with the same team that already knows your child. There is no need to find a separate provider, sit on another waitlist, or repeat your child's history to a new office. Our psychologists coordinate directly with our therapy team so your child's treatment plan is ready to go.
If the Evaluation Does Not Confirm Autism
Not every evaluation results in an autism diagnosis, and that is okay. If our psychologist determines that your child does not meet the criteria for ASD, your report will still include a detailed profile of your child's developmental strengths and challenges, along with specific recommendations. Whether that means speech therapy, occupational therapy, monitoring, or further evaluation for other conditions, we will make sure your family has a clear path forward.
From Evaluation to Answers to Action
Most families go from first call to evaluation in 2 to 3 weeks. If therapy is needed, it starts with the same team.
Trusted Care, Close to Home
CST Academy offers autism diagnostic evaluations and integrated therapy across convenient Chicagoland locations. Each center provides the same expert team, coordinated care, and welcoming environment families trust.
Autism Evaluations Across Chicagoland
CST Academy provides autism diagnostic testing and comprehensive developmental evaluations at multiple locations across the Chicago area. Each center offers the same gold-standard ADOS-2 assessment, the same expert psychologists, and the same coordinated care model.
Families travel to CST Academy for autism evaluations from neighborhoods and suburbs across Chicagoland, including Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Lakeview, Logan Square, Ravenswood, the North Shore, Northbrook, Evanston, Skokie, Park Ridge, Wilmette, Oak Park, and the greater Chicago suburbs.
All 8 of our Chicagoland locations accept BCBS PPO insurance for autism evaluations. We verify your benefits and handle pre-authorization before your child's appointment so there are no surprises.
Find Your Nearest Location
Autism evaluations available across 8 Chicagoland centers. We will help you find the closest one.
Getting Started Takes One Phone Call
Most families go from first call to evaluation appointment in 2 to 3 weeks.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Tell us about your child. Our intake team will call you within 24 hours to answer your questions and walk you through the evaluation process. No obligation, no pressure.
Let's start with a conversation
Tell us about your child, and we will call you within 24 hours.
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We will call within 24 hours. No waitlists, no runaround.
Insurance Coverage
We verify your benefits, manage pre-authorization, and handle billing so you do not have to.
BCBS PPO In-Network
We verify your benefits and handle all paperwork. Many families have low or no out-of-pocket costs depending on their plan.
Illinois law requires commercial insurance to cover medically necessary autism evaluations for children. Aetna coming soon.
Your Child's Answers Start with
One Phone Call
Every week you wait is a week without clarity. Our team across Chicagoland is ready to help your family understand what is going on and what to do next.
Monday to Thursday: 8 AM to 6 PM / Friday: 8 AM to 5 PM
Questions Parents Ask About Autism Evaluations
The questions we hear most from families across Chicago and the suburbs.
Have a Question We Did Not Cover?
Call us and talk to our intake team directly. We are happy to walk you through everything before you commit.