Noticing differencesin your child?

Many parents notice small differences in their child's development long before they have clear answers. This page is designed to help you understand what to look for—and what to do next.

First, a note on safety:

This is not a diagnosis. Learning about early developmental signs does not mean your child has autism or needs therapy. This is simply about understanding whether your current observations are worth exploring further.

Understanding the Context

We guide families through every step — from first contact to personalized care.

Communication & Pointing

How often does the behavior happen? Is it all the time, or just when they are tired?

Social
Connection

How often does the behavior happen? Is it all the time, or just when they are tired?

Play &
Repetition

How often does the behavior happen? Is it all the time, or just when they are tired?

Communication & Pointing

How often does the behavior happen? Is it all the time, or just when they are tired?

Social
Connection

How often does the behavior happen? Is it all the time, or just when they are tired?

Play &
Repetition

How often does the behavior happen? Is it all the time, or just when they are tired?

Understanding the Signs

These behaviors can be associated with...

  • Developmental differences
  • Speech or language delays
  • Sensory sensitivities
  • The Autism spectrum (in some cases)

They do NOT automatically mean...

  • A diagnosis
  • That something is "wrong"
  • That therapy is needed right away
  • That you caused this

How professionals
look at development

Professionals don’t look at one behavior in isolation.
They look at the full picture.

Get Started
Frequency

Complete a quick, age-appropriate questionnaire online to identify potential developmental delays.

Consistency

How often does the behavior happen? Is it all the time, or just when they are tired?

Context

Is the child reacting to a loud noise, or is the behavior unprompted?

No wait list

In-Home Support

Online Support

Professional Plans

No wait list

In-Home Support

Online Support

Professional Plans

You don't have to guess.

It is hard to be objective when it is your own child. That is why developmental screenings exist. These tools act like a compass. They take the isolated behaviors you might be seeing and check them against thousands of developmental data points to tell you if a closer look is needed.

The tools we use

The M-CHAT-R

For Toddlers (16–30 Months)

The gold standard checklist for detecting early autism risk in toddlers. See how it works.

Start M-Chat

The CAST / AQ-Child

For Children (4–11 Years)

An overview of the tools used to screen social and communication behaviors in school-aged kids.

Start The Cast

FAQs

We understand that the diagnostic process can be overwhelming, and you likely have many questions about what to expect. To help you feel prepared and confident, we have compiled answers to the most common inquiries regarding the ADOS-2 assessment, insurance coverage, and how our team supports you through the evaluation.

How long does the ADOS-2 appointment take?

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The administration of the test usually takes 40 to 60 minutes. However, you should plan for a 90-minute appointment to allow time for intake and discussion.

Can parents stay in the room during the test?

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For the Toddler Module and Module 1, a parent is present and involved in the activities. For Modules 3 and 4 (older/fluent children), the parent usually waits in the lobby to ensure the child responds naturally to the clinician.

Do I need to prepare my child for the test?

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No preparation or "studying" is needed. It is best if the child is well-rested and fed. Tell them they are going to play with some toys and talk to a teacher.

Does insurance cover the ADOS-2?

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Most insurance plans cover diagnostic testing for autism. Our team can help verify your benefits prior to the appointment.

Get clarity in 5 minutes.

No diagnosis. No commitment. Just a clear understanding of your next step.

Contact