Autism Testing: What is it, What to Expect & How to Prepare 

If you’re considering an autism evaluation for your child or a loved one, you might feel overwhelmed or unsure about what the process involves. My goal is to make the experience as clear, supportive, and helpful as possible. Whether you're seeking answers, a diagnosis, or recommendations for next steps, I hope this guide helps you feel more prepared and informed.

What Is Autism Testing?

Autism testing—also called an autism evaluation—is a series of assessments and observations designed to determine whether someone meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It’s not just a single questionnaire or quick screening. A thorough evaluation considers developmental history, communication, social interaction, play, behavior patterns, and more.

As a licensed psychologist, I have specialized training in evaluating neurodevelopmental differences. I use evidence-based tools and clinical expertise to ensure that each evaluation is thoughtful, accurate, and meaningful.

Why Pursue Autism Testing?

Families come to me for evaluations for many reasons, including:

• Concerns about their child’s development, social interactions, or communication

• Recommendations from a pediatrician, teacher, or therapist

• A desire to understand their child more deeply and support them effectively

• Clarifying or updating a previous diagnosis

A formal diagnosis can help your child access therapy, early intervention, school accommodations, and community services that support their growth and well-being.

What to Expect During the Evaluation

Every evaluation is tailored to your child’s age and needs, but most include the following steps:

1. Diagnostic Interview
   We’ll start with a detailed conversation about your child’s development, strengths, challenges, and current concerns. This helps me understand your child in context and guides the rest of the testing process. Interviews can feel long and maybe boring for young children especially since it's typically focused on interviewing the caregiver(s). Brining something to keep your child occupied during the interview is always welcome.

2. Standardized Testing
   I use a combination of tools that may include:

• Observational assessments like the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)

• Developmental or cognitive tests to look at learning, language, and problem-solving

• Behavior rating scales completed by caregivers and/or teachers

3. Feedback Session
   After testing is complete, we’ll meet to go over the results. I’ll explain the findings in everyday language, let you know whether your child meets diagnostic criteria, and provide clear recommendations for next steps. This is an excellent time to take notes, bring questions, and have multiple caregivers to understand testing results, diagnoses, and recommendations. 

How to Prepare for the Appointment 

Here are a few ways you can help your child feel more comfortable and set the stage for a smooth evaluation:

• Talk to your child ahead of time about what to expect. Let them know they’ll be doing different activities or answering questions with me.

• Bring any relevant records you have, like previous evaluations (e.g., First Steps evaluations, Speech testing, IEPs, previous psychological testing, evaluations and therapy notes).

• Make sure your child gets good sleep and is welcome to bring snacks, a water bottle, or comfort items if needed, especially for longer appointments.

• Continue to take their prescribed mental health medication (including medication for attention and or ADHD). 

• Complete paperwork before the session so we can focus our time on your child. This also gives me time to walk into the appointment with more clarity on what to focus on during our time together. 

How Long Does Autism Testing Take?

Evaluations typically take between 4 and 7 hours, depending on your child’s age, attention span, and the amount of testing needed. Sometimes we may break the testing into two shorter sessions if needed. Behind the scenes, I spend 6-8 hours scoring testing measures, reviewing health and school records, and writing up the interview results, summary, and recommendations following testing. 

After the Evaluation: What’s Next?

If your child receives a diagnosis (or does not), I’ll guide you through the next steps—whether that means starting therapy, connecting with early intervention, working with your child’s school, or locating helpful community resources. If your child does not meet the criteria for autism, you’ll still receive a full report with insights, strengths, and individualized recommendations.

I’m Here to Help

I know that seeking an autism evaluation can be a big step! My role is to walk alongside you through the process, offering clarity, compassion, and clinically sound guidance. If you’re ready to schedule or just want to learn more, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to answer any questions.

Dr. Khail