Autism Diagnostic Testing
Comprehensive Autism Diagnostic Testing
Virtual or In-Person. Answers That Help You Move Forward.
Early answers can change everything.
At Westside, families can choose between virtual or in-person autism diagnostic testing. Both options are led by licensed clinical psychologists and provide the clarity families need to better understand their child’s strengths, needs, and next steps.
In-person and virtual evaluations are billed through insurance. Virtual evaluations offer faster access to testing, while in-person evaluations may take longer to schedule and complete.
WHAT FAMILIES CAN EXPECT
- Choice of virtual or in-person testing
- Care led by a licensed clinical psychologist
- A comprehensive evaluation tailored to your child’s needs
- A formal diagnosis when clinical criteria are met
- Clear recommendations and next steps for your family
- Support from a dedicated Family Navigator
Virtual Testing
- Faster access to appointments
- Convenient, from-home experience
- Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis when criteria are met
- Results available shortly after testing
In-Person Testing
- Traditional face-to-face evaluation
- Billed through insurance
- Conducted in a child-friendly clinic environment
- Results typically take longer than virtual evaluations
Which Testing Option Is Right for Your Family?
Every family is different. That's why we offer both virtual and in-person autism diagnostic evaluations.
- Virtual Testing: Faster Answers Virtual evaluations allow families to receive a comprehensive autism assessment from the comfort of home. Appointments are often available sooner than traditional evaluations, helping families get answers and support more quickly.
- In-Person Testing: A Traditional Evaluation Experience For families who prefer face-to-face care, we offer comprehensive in-person evaluations conducted by licensed psychologists in our clinics. These evaluations are billed through insurance and may take longer to complete due to scheduling and assessment requirements.
- Guidance Beyond the Evaluation No matter which option you choose, our team will help you understand the results, answer your questions, and connect you with resources and services that support your child's unique needs.
Common Signs of Autism
Many families first notice small differences in how their child communicates, plays, or responds to the world around them.
You may be noticing things like:
- Limited or inconsistent eye contact
- Difficulty responding to name or social cues
- Delayed speech, gestures, or communication
- Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
- Repetitive movements or repeated behaviors (e.g., hand flapping, lining up toys)
- Strong focus on specific interests or objects
- Preference for playing alone or parallel play
If you’re noticing some of these behaviors and want help deciding what to do next, you can start with a short screening.
Take the QuestionnaireWhat to Expect
A Complete Path From First Questions to a Clear Plan in Days
Rapid Online Screening
You complete a short questionnaire about your child’s behavior.
Parent Interview
In a 1-on-1 interview, our clinician will ask questions to learn more about your child and what you’re noticing.
Child Observation
Your child engages in structured, play-based activities while the clinician observes. We guide parents on setup, materials, and interaction whether you are joining us in person or connecting virtually.
Results & Diagnostic Report
We determine a diagnosis and send over a written report detailing your child’s developmental profile.
Follow-Up (In-Person or Telehealth)
We review the results with you, answer every question, and explain what the findings mean.
Turning Answers into Action
We will never hand you a report and leave you to figure out what comes next. When results are ready, we translate them into a clear, practical plan that shows exactly what to do next. This may include:
- Referrals to trusted providers
- Direct access to medical, behavioral, or speech services with Westside
- Therapy or testing recommendations
- Community resources and parent support
- Guidance on financial programs and assistance
Therapies at Westside
We support children with autism and other developmental needs through coordinated therapies that focus on the whole child, not just one area of concern.
In-Network With 100+ Insurance Plans for Therapy Services
We will verify your insurance and explain any potential costs for therapy up front, so there are no surprises.
Meet Our Clinical Team
Bradford Czochara
Diagnostics
Bradford Czochara
Diagnostics
Bradford Czochara, Psy.D., ABN, LPC, CGP, earned his Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University. He brings a strong clinical foundation to his work, with experience spanning neuropsychology and rehab psychology across the lifespan.
Bradford’s clinical interests include neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as providing individual psychotherapy and group therapy. He is committed to offering thoughtful, practical support tailored to each person’s needs and strengths.
Outside of his clinical work, Bradford enjoys music, video games, reading, and spending time with his family.
Emily Shearer, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Diagnostics
Emily Shearer, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Diagnostics
Emily Shearer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a passion for helping children and families better understand their unique strengths and needs. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa and has extensive experience providing assessment and psychological services across a variety of clinical settings.
Throughout her career, Dr. Shearer has worked at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in the Learning and Attention Disorders Clinic, Child and Adolescent Psychology, and the Center for Disabilities and Development. She has also provided services through University of Iowa Counseling Services, LittleStar ABA Therapy, and private practice.
Dr. Shearer specializes in the evaluation and diagnosis of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that helps families gain clarity, access resources, and confidently move forward with the support their child needs.
Outside of work, Dr. Shearer enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, playing pickleball, and staying active through regular workouts.
Eun-Yeop Lee, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA
Diagnostics
Eun-Yeop Lee, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA
Diagnostics
Eun-Yeop Lee, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA, is a Massachusetts and Illinois licensed psychologist, PsyPACT-authorized psychologist, pediatric neuropsychologist, Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with more than 10 years of experience in residential schools, hospitals, private practices, and therapy centers across several states.
Most recently, Dr. Lee served as a pediatric neuropsychologist at Northwestern Medicine’s Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital and the Rush NeuroBehavioral Center. She is dedicated to understanding how neuropsychological profiles and medical conditions impact learning and behavior in children and adolescents.
Dr. Lee earned her doctorate in School Psychology from the University of South Florida, completed her internship in Pediatric Neuropsychology at The Watson Institute, specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, and completed her postdoctoral training at McLean Hospital in Boston.
She has conducted comprehensive neuropsychological and educational evaluations for children with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, and other developmental concerns, providing families with individualized educational and behavioral recommendations. Since graduate school, Dr. Lee has been especially passionate about working with the Early Intervention population (birth to 3 years), with specialized interests in ASD diagnosis and training in the administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
Outside of work, Dr. Lee enjoys traveling, staying active through sports and fitness, and is currently improving her surfing and golfing skills.
Kara Steiskal, Psy.D
Diagnostics
Kara Steiskal, Psy.D
Diagnostics
Kara Steiskal holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from DePaul University, as well as a Master of Arts and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Adler University. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Illinois (License #071-022326) and began her clinical work as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) before expanding her role during doctoral training to include diagnostic assessment and therapy services across community mental health centers, schools, and multi-disciplinary practices.
Kara specializes in diagnostic assessments for children ages 2–16, providing diagnostic clarification for concerns such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and mood disorders. She also offers individualized and family-centered feedback sessions to review results and share tailored recommendations and resources. In therapy, Kara works with children ages 5–17 and supports a range of concerns including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety and depressive disorders, restricted/avoidant food intake disorder, adjustment concerns, attachment disruptions, and school avoidance. She provides individual therapy, parent training and support, and family therapy, using an integrative approach that draws from cognitive and behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and play therapy techniques.
Outside of work, Kara enjoys spending time with family and friends, spending time outdoors, cooking and baking, skin-care, and shopping.
FAQs
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At what age can my child be tested for autism?
We provide autism diagnostic testing for children from the early toddler years through age 5.
Some children show clear developmental patterns that can be evaluated as early as 16–18 months, while others may need a bit more time for certain skills to emerge.
If you’re unsure whether now is the right time, we’re happy to talk through what you’re noticing and help you decide whether to move forward or wait a little longer.
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How much does an autism diagnosis cost?
Our autism diagnostic testing is billed to insurance. Our team will work with your insurance to verify coverage and costs upfront.
If you choose to move forward with therapy services at Westside, we are in-network with 100+ insurance plans to help make ongoing care accessible and affordable.
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What do I need for a virtual appointment?
You’ll need an electronic device with a camera, a stable internet connection, and a quiet space. Our licensed clinical psychologist will send instructions before your appointment, so you’re fully prepared.
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How do online diagnostic appointments work?
Our virtual assessment includes two main components, usually lasting 1–2 hours, all done through secure telehealth:
1. A parent interview
We talk with you about your child’s development, strengths, and any concerns you’ve noticed.2. A guided observation
Our clinician engages your child in simple, developmentally appropriate activities to understand communication, play, and social interaction. Since these sessions are virtual, the clinician will guide you on setting up the activities and on interacting with your child on screen.Additional time and sessions may be needed to ensure accurate, complete information, depending on the child’s development and needs.
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How soon can therapy begin after a diagnosis?
If ABA therapy is recommended, we help you get started as soon as possible. Our team verifies insurance, explains the process, and coordinates scheduling so your child can begin receiving support without unnecessary delays.
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What if my child is not diagnosed with autism?
We guide you toward what your child may benefit from next—such as additional developmental testing, school and community resources, and more.
Westside offers neuropsychological testing, which takes a broader look at how your child learns, pays attention, and manages emotions. If recommended, this assessment can help clarify diagnoses and inform next steps for care.
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If my child is diagnosed with autism, do I need to continue care with Westside?
No. Our role is to provide a thorough assessment and clear recommendations so you can decide what’s best for your child. You’re free to work with any providers you choose, and we’re happy to offer guidance or referrals if helpful.
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How long does the assessment take?
The length of the assessment varies based on your child’s age and needs. Most families complete the process over two sessions: a parent interview and a child observation. Each session typically lasts 1–2 hours, with the parent interview often taking the longest.
For some older children or those who need additional activities, the observation session may be slightly longer.
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Do I need a referral?
No—Westside accepts families directly. You can book now using our calendar.
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What diagnostic tools do you use during the process?
Our licensed clinical psychologists use a combination of gold-standard, research-backed assessment tools. This includes structured play-based observation, parent interviews, developmental history, rating scales, and other standardized measures.
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Do you diagnose for co-occurring conditions (ADHD, sensory needs, anxiety)?
The autism assessment focuses specifically on autism. During the process, our clinicians may notice signs that additional factors—such as attention, sensory processing, or anxiety—could be contributing.
If that happens, we’ll explain what we’re seeing and discuss options for next steps. This may include referrals for further testing, or—if you prefer—neuropsychological testing at Westside, which holistically examines attention, learning, emotional and behavioral concerns.
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What is my role in the diagnostic process?
Parents or caregivers are essential partners in the process.
You’ll share insights into your child’s communication, behavior, and daily routines, and your perspective will help us interpret what we observe during the process.
Book Your Autism Diagnostic Test Now
Westside also provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for other diagnoses at our center in Orland Park South. If you’re interested in scheduling a neuropsych evaluation, click here.
Still Deciding What’s Right for Your Family?
If you’re unsure about moving forward with full diagnostic testing, you can complete a short screening questionnaire. We’ll be in touch to discuss results and next steps.
If you’d like to connect directly, just submit an inquiry below, and a Family Navigator will reach out to answer any questions. You can also call us at (815) 469-1500.