Is your High Point-area child developing differently from peers? Does your pediatrician recommend autism evaluation? Formal diagnosis helps you understand your child and access evidence-based support. This guide explains what evaluation involves, signs that suggest testing, how North Carolina Medicaid covers diagnosis, and next steps.
Autism looks different in every child. Some children show obvious signs early; others have subtle differences that become clearer over time. Consider evaluation if you’ve noticed:
Communication and Language
Social Interaction and Awareness
Repetitive Behaviors and Sensory Patterns
Development
These traits are common in childhood; autism involves a persistent cluster affecting your child’s overall functioning.
A comprehensive autism evaluation is thorough and evidence-based. Here’s what to expect:
Your child’s pediatrician is typically the first step. They can perform screening and refer you to a specialist if autism is suspected. You can also self-refer to a developmental pediatrician or clinical psychologist.
The evaluation involves multiple components over 2-4 appointments:
In-Depth Interview: You provide detailed information about your child’s birth, developmental milestones, health history, family background, and specific behaviors and concerns across settings. Thorough history helps the evaluator understand your child fully.
Observation: The clinician watches your child during play, conversation, and structured tasks. They observe communication, social interaction, behavior, sensory responses, and how your child handles changes or frustration.
Formal Diagnostic Testing: The evaluation includes standardized assessments like the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule). These measure specific behaviors and social-communication patterns and are designed to be engaging for your child.
Cognitive and Adaptive Assessment: Depending on your child’s needs, testing may include thinking skills, language development, daily living abilities, motor skills, or sensory processing.
Collateral Input: Teachers, therapists, videos from home, or others who know your child provide additional perspective.
The full evaluation requires 4-8 hours of testing spread across appointments. Results and a written report typically arrive 2-4 weeks after testing.
The evaluator meets with you to explain findings and discuss diagnosis. The report includes:
An autism diagnosis means your child’s brain processes information and social interaction differently. This affects communication, sensory experiences, and preference for routine and focused interests.
Autism isn’t a tragedy or defect. Many autistic people have remarkable strengths in visual thinking, pattern recognition, persistence, and creativity. Understanding your child’s autism helps you support their actual capabilities and needs authentically.
Early diagnosis (before age 3) opens access to North Carolina’s Part C early intervention program, which provides free or low-cost speech, occupational, and developmental services during critical brain development.
School-age diagnosis (3 and older) provides school-based special education services and accommodations.
Later diagnosis still matters. Understanding your child’s autism explains their experience and guides choices about education, support, and therapy. ABA and other evidence-based interventions help at any age.
Evaluation costs money. Here’s how to navigate coverage:
If your family qualifies for NC Medicaid by income, autism evaluation is covered. Medicaid covers assessment, testing, and diagnostic report writing.
Accessing Medicaid:
1. Confirm your family qualifies
2. Ask your pediatrician to refer you to a Medicaid-accepting evaluator
3. Call the evaluator’s office with your Medicaid number
4. They’ll verify coverage and schedule (you may have a small copay)
Note: Some Medicaid plans require prior authorization. Confirm with your plan.
Most insurance plans cover developmental or psychological evaluations. Call your insurance to ask:
If uninsured, many evaluators offer sliding-scale fees. Don’t let cost prevent evaluation; ask about payment options.
A diagnosis opens access to support. After evaluation, these typically become available:
Early Intervention (under 3)
Contact the NC Division of Public Health about Part C services for free or low-cost therapy.
School Services (age 3+)
Your child qualifies for special education services. You’ll work with the school on an IEP (Individualized Education Plan).
ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis is the most researched intervention for autism. It helps children develop communication, social, self-care, and academic skills. In-home ABA therapy through providers like Children’s ABA North Carolina brings therapy into your family’s daily environment.
Speech and Occupational Therapy
Most children with autism benefit from these therapies, often alongside ABA.
Parent Coaching
Parents learning autism-informed strategies accelerates progress. Many programs include parent training.
Getting Started:
Community Resources:
In-home ABA therapy helps your child develop skills in familiar settings. Combined with school services and family support, this comprehensive approach supports development and helps your child reach their potential.
Your diagnosis is the beginning of understanding and targeted support.
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While evaluation processes are similar statewide, High Point families may want to know about local resources. Your pediatrician’s office is a good starting point—they know local providers and can recommend evaluators they trust. Schools in your district can also suggest evaluators they work with regularly.
If you’d like to explore options beyond your immediate area, we maintain a comprehensive guide to autism diagnosis locations across North Carolina to help families find the right fit.
Regardless of your location in North Carolina, the next steps after diagnosis are similar: connect with school services, explore therapy options, and build your support team. Many families in High Point combine local school services with specialized providers from across the region.
Evidence-based ABA therapy delivered in your home brings expert support into your family’s daily environment, making it easier to practice new skills and build on your child’s strengths.
Some families also explore options in nearby Burlington or consult with multiple evaluators before choosing their provider.
Preparing for your child’s autism evaluation appointment makes the process more efficient. Bring any developmental records your pediatrician or school has. If your child has had speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other services, ask for summary reports to share with the evaluator.
Write down specific examples of behaviors or communication differences you’ve noticed. Include when each pattern started and whether it happens at home, school, or both. Detail is helpful to the evaluator.
Many evaluators send pre-visit forms or questionnaires about your child’s early development, health history, and current functioning. Complete these thoroughly and honestly—they help the evaluator prepare and understand your child’s background.
On evaluation day, keep your child’s schedule normal if possible. A child who is well-rested and fed shows their typical abilities more clearly. Plan quiet time after the appointment rather than other demands.
Evaluators understand that children sometimes behave differently in unfamiliar settings. They’re trained to work with children across ages and temperaments, and they use multiple strategies to observe your child’s typical patterns.
On evaluation day, you’ll typically have a detailed conversation with the clinician about your child’s development, health history, and current behaviors. This interview usually lasts 30-60 minutes and may happen before or after observations of your child.
The clinician will spend time watching your child in structured activities designed to bring out communication and social patterns. They’re trained to create comfortable conditions and use age-appropriate activities to observe your child’s typical way of interacting.
Formal testing usually includes standardized assessments specific to autism, such as the ADOS-2. These tests are designed to be engaging for children and help the clinician observe specific behaviors associated with autism. Your child doesn’t “pass” or “fail” these assessments—they provide a clear picture of your child’s communication and social patterns.
After the appointment, you’ll typically wait 2-4 weeks for a comprehensive written report. The report includes diagnostic findings, descriptions of your child’s strengths and needs, and specific recommendations for school, therapy, and family support.
High Point families often benefit from understanding this timeline and preparing materials in advance. Schools need diagnosis to provide services, and early intervention programs have different requirements, so knowing your child’s status helps you access appropriate support quickly.
If you’ve noticed signs of autism in your child, evaluation provides clarity and access to support. High Point families have access to skilled evaluators and evidence-based therapies.
Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician. They can discuss your concerns and provide referrals. After diagnosis, Children’s ABA North Carolina is ready to support your family with in-home therapy tailored to your child’s needs.