Getting an Evaluation
An autism evaluation considers developmental history, communication, social interaction, behavior, and related needs. There is no single blood test that diagnoses autism. Ask about the clinician’s experience, ages served, assessment process, cost, insurance, and follow-up.
Based on NIMH · CDC · All sources · Checked November 3, 2026
Who does the evaluation?
A team of health care providers who have experience diagnosing autism conducts the diagnostic evaluation. The team may include child neurologists, developmental behavioral pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, child psychologists and psychiatrists, educational specialists, and occupational therapists.
What the evaluation may include
- Medical and neurological examinations
- Assessment of the child’s cognitive abilities
- Assessment of speech and language abilities
- Observation of the child’s behavior
- An in-depth conversation with caregivers about the child’s behavior and development
- Assessment of everyday skills such as eating, dressing, and toileting
- Questions about family history
Because autism sometimes occurs with other conditions, the evaluation may include blood tests and a hearing test. There is no single blood test that diagnoses autism. The outcome may be a formal diagnosis and recommendations for support.
Two paths you can start at the same time
1. Ask your child’s doctor for a referral to a specialist such as a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist, or child psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Request a free evaluation from your state — you do not need a doctor’s referral or a diagnosis first:
- Younger than 3: contact your local early intervention program. Find your state’s contact.
- Age 3 or older: call any local public elementary school — even if your child does not attend it — and say: “I have concerns about my child’s development and I would like to have my child evaluated through the school system for preschool special education services.”
Older children and teenagers
Caregivers and teachers are often the first to notice autism in older children and adolescents. The school’s special education team may do an initial evaluation and recommend further evaluation by a health care provider. Differences may be subtle — such as understanding tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, humor, or sarcasm, or forming friendships.
Questions to ask a provider
- How much experience do you have diagnosing autism?
- What ages do you see?
- What does your assessment process involve, and how long does it take?
- What will it cost, and do you accept our insurance?
- What follow-up support do you offer after the evaluation?
Sources
- NIMH — Autism Spectrum Disorder (revised 2025)
- CDC — Concerned About Your Child’s Development?
- CDC — Early intervention contacts by state
Adapted from the National Institute of Mental Health, “Autism Spectrum Disorder,” revised 2025. Our website’s presentation does not imply NIMH endorsement.
This website provides general educational information. It does not diagnose autism or replace individualized medical, developmental, psychological, or educational advice. Screening is not diagnosis.
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