Common Questions About Autism Diagnostic Testing, Answered

Families come to us with a lot of questions, and that makes sense. Pursuing an autism evaluation for your child is a significant step, and it helps to know what to expect before you begin. Here are the questions we hear most often, answered as directly and honestly as we can.

At what age can my child be tested for autism?

At Westside, we provide autism diagnostic evaluations for children from the early toddler years on up. Some children show developmental patterns that can be reliably assessed as early as 16 to 18 months, while others may benefit from waiting a little longer for certain skills to emerge before an evaluation is most informative. If you are noticing concerns but are not sure whether your child is old enough for an evaluation, our team is happy to talk through what you are observing and help you decide whether now is the right time.

Who can diagnose autism in children?

In Illinois, autism can be diagnosed by a licensed clinical psychologist, developmental pediatrician, neurologist, or psychiatrist. At Westside, evaluations are conducted by licensed clinical psychologists with specific training and experience in autism assessment. A pediatrician can raise a concern or provide a referral, but a formal diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified specialist, not a screening at a typical wellness exam. 

How much does autism diagnostic testing cost with insurance?

At a typical diagnostic clinic, the out-of-pocket cost for an autism evaluation with insurance usually falls into one of these ranges:

• $0–$100: Excellent coverage or deductible already met.
• $100–$500: A common range for many families using in-network commercial insurance.
• $500–$1,500+: High-deductible plans or when the deductible hasn’t been met.

At Westside, virtual autism evaluations are provided at no cost to families and do not require insurance. There are no copays or deductibles. In-person evaluations are billed through insurance. Before an in-person evaluation begins, our team verifies your benefits and explains any out-of-pocket responsibility you may have. We do not want cost to be a surprise.

How much does autism testing cost without insurance?

The cost of an autism evaluation without insurance varies significantly depending on the provider, the format, and the scope of the assessment. At Westside, both virtual and in-person evaluations are billed through insurance, and our team verifies your benefits before anything is scheduled. If you do not have insurance coverage or are unsure whether your plan qualifies, reach out to our team directly. We will work through your options with you before you commit to anything, so cost is never a reason a family does not get answers. 

Can autism be diagnosed through a virtual evaluation?

Yes. Virtual autism evaluations at Westside are conducted by licensed clinical psychologists using standardized, telehealth-validated assessment tools and produce a formal written diagnosis when clinical criteria are met. Research supports the diagnostic reliability of telehealth-based autism assessments, and the home environment often provides a more accurate picture of how a child actually functions day to day than a clinical setting can. A virtual evaluation is simply a different format that, when conducted well, produces the same quality of answers as an in-person assessment. 

What is the difference between virtual and in-person autism testing?

Both options are led by licensed clinical psychologists and include a comprehensive evaluation, a formal diagnosis when criteria are met, a written report, and a follow-up session to review findings with your family. The clinical quality is the same. Virtual testing is available at no cost, can often be scheduled more quickly, and is completed from home. In-person testing is billed through insurance, conducted at a Westside clinic, and may involve a longer wait for appointments and results. The format you choose depends on your family’s priorities and circumstances.

Can I switch from virtual to in-person if I change my mind?

Yes. If you start the process with one format in mind and decide the other is a better fit, contact our team, and we will work to accommodate the change. We want the evaluation format to feel right for your family, and switching before the evaluation begins is straightforward. If you are unsure which format makes more sense for your child from the start, our team is happy to talk through the differences before you commit to either. 

What do I need for a virtual evaluation?

You will need a device with a camera, a stable internet connection, and a quiet space where your child can engage with the clinician. Our team sends detailed preparation instructions before your appointment so you are fully ready. You do not need any special materials or setup beyond what our instructions describe.

How does a virtual evaluation work?

The virtual evaluation includes two main components. The first is a parent interview, during which the clinician asks about your child’s development, strengths, and the behaviors you have been noticing. The second is a structured observation, during which the clinician guides your child through developmentally appropriate, play-based activities while observing communication, social interaction, and behavior. The clinician guides you on how to set up the space and how to interact with your child during the observation. Most virtual evaluations take one to two hours, though additional time or sessions may be needed depending on your child.

What should I do before my child’s autism evaluation?

Our team sends detailed preparation instructions before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect and how to set up. Beyond logistics, the most useful thing you can do ahead of the evaluation is gather your observations. Think through what you have been noticing, how long you have noticed it, and in what situations it tends to show up. The more specifically you can describe your child’s patterns during the parent interview, the more complete a picture the clinician can build. 

What happens during an autism evaluation?

The evaluation begins with a detailed parent interview conducted by a licensed clinical psychologist. This is a real clinical conversation, not an intake form, and the information you share directly shapes how the clinician approaches the observation. Following the interview, your child participates in structured, play-based activities designed to elicit natural communication, social interaction, and behavior. After both components are complete, the clinician prepares a comprehensive written report and schedules a follow-up session to walk through the findings with you directly. 

Can parents stay with their child during the evaluation?

Yes. At Westside, parents are present throughout the evaluation process, not waiting in another room while decisions are made about their child. During the virtual evaluation, you are in the room with your child for the full session. During in-person evaluations, our team works with you on the best arrangement for your child specifically. Your presence during the observation also gives the clinician real-time access to how your child responds to you, which is clinically relevant information. 

How long does it take to get autism evaluation results?

For virtual evaluations, results are typically available shortly after testing is complete. In-person evaluations may take longer due to the additional coordination involved. Our team will give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.

Will my child definitely receive a diagnosis?

An evaluation results in a formal diagnosis only when clinical criteria are met. Our clinicians complete a comprehensive assessment and apply standardized diagnostic criteria. If the evaluation does not support a diagnosis of autism, you will still receive a detailed report of your child’s developmental profile and guidance on what, if any, next steps make sense.

What happens after the evaluation?

After the evaluation is complete, you participate in a follow-up session where our clinician reviews the findings with you, answers your questions, and helps you understand what the results mean for your child. From there, our team helps you build a practical next-steps plan. Depending on what the evaluation shows, that may include therapy recommendations, referrals, community resources, or guidance on financial assistance options. We will never hand you a report and leave you to figure out what comes next on your own.

How soon can therapy start after a diagnosis?

If therapy is recommended and your family is ready to move forward, our team works to get started as quickly as possible. We handle insurance verification and the authorization process so you do not have to navigate that alone. The timeline depends on your insurance and the specific services recommended, but we do not put unnecessary delays in the path.

How do I know which therapy is right for my child?

The right combination of therapies depends on your child’s specific developmental profile, not a standard recommendation applied to every autism diagnosis. During your results review, the clinician walks through what the evaluation found and what types of support are most relevant to your child’s needs. At Westside, ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other services are available under one roof, and our clinical team helps you understand what each addresses and why it is or is not a priority for your child right now. 

What if I am not sure my child needs an evaluation?

Starting with our short online screening is a low-stakes way to get a clearer sense of whether a full evaluation makes sense. It takes about two minutes and is available anytime. If the results suggest moving forward, our team reaches out to walk you through next steps. If you are still unsure, we are happy to have a conversation before you commit to anything.

Does Westside work with schools and other providers after a diagnosis?

Yes. When it is relevant to your child’s care, we coordinate directly with schools and outside providers. If your child has an IEP or is in the process of getting one, the evaluation report from Westside can be shared with the school team. If your child needs services from providers outside of Westside, we try to make those referrals specific and useful rather than just pointing you toward a general search.

To learn more about the full autism diagnostic testing process at Westside, visit our autism diagnostic testing page.

What Families Say About Westside 

Many families who come to Westside for an autism evaluation look back and wish they had not waited. A diagnosis answered the question they had been sitting with, but what stayed with them was having a team who explained the findings in plain language, stayed involved after the evaluation, and helped them figure out specifically what their child needed next. Turning a difficult moment into a clear starting point for their child is what drives how we work with every family.