How Do I Get an Autism Diagnosis?
If you believe your child may have autism, a formal medical evaluation can help your family better understand your child’s strengths, needs, and available support options.
Can I get help before a diagnosis?
Yes. A formal autism diagnosis can open doors, but families do not have to wait for every answer before seeking support.
👶 Under age 3
Contact the Children’s Developmental Services Agency and ask about early intervention evaluation and services.
🎒 Age 3 and older
Ask about Child Find or school-based evaluation options if concerns affect learning, communication, behavior, or school participation.
When should I consider an autism evaluation?
You do not need to be certain your child has autism before asking for help. If the same concerns keep showing up, it may be time to ask your pediatrician about an evaluation.
💬 Communication
Delayed speech, limited gestures, or trouble using language socially.
🧩 Play & Social
Limited pretend play, reduced eye contact, or difficulty engaging with others.
🔁 Patterns & Routines
Lining up toys, repeated actions, intense interests, or distress with changes.
🌈 Sensory Needs
Strong reactions to sounds, textures, lights, foods, clothing, or busy places.
Who can diagnose autism?
Depending on your child’s age and needs, families may work with one or more of these specialists.
| 👩⚕️ | Developmental Pediatrician A pediatrician with specialized training in child development and developmental differences. |
| 🧠 | Psychologist A licensed psychologist may complete developmental, behavioral, cognitive, or autism-specific testing. |
| 🏥 | Neurologist A neurologist may be involved when there are broader neurological or medical concerns. |
| 🩺 | Psychiatrist A psychiatrist may evaluate autism along with emotional, behavioral, or mental health concerns. |
How to Get Started
What happens during an autism evaluation?
Most evaluations are not one single test. The provider builds a picture from several sources.
- Parent interview: history, concerns, routines, strengths, and daily life.
- Child observation: communication, play, interaction, transitions, and responses.
- Forms or testing: rating forms, structured activities, or developmental tools.
- Feedback and report: findings, recommendations, and next steps.
After the evaluation
Get results.
Ask the provider to explain what the findings mean.
Save copies.
Keep digital and paper copies of the report.
Share carefully.
Give the report to providers or school teams when it helps your child.
Request supports.
Use the report to ask about therapy, school evaluations, or service updates.
Explore Development Concerns & First Steps →
We Just Received an Autism Diagnosis. Where Do We Go From Here?
For many families, an autism diagnosis feels like a major milestone. In reality, it is often the beginning of a new chapter.
The answer is simple: start with one step.
There will be time to learn about therapies, schools, activities, financial resources, and long-term planning. For now, let's focus on the practical first steps that can help your family move forward with confidence.
Where can I learn more about getting an autism diagnosis for my child?
These trusted organizations provide evidence-based information about autism, the evaluation process, and available supports for children and families.
Learn how autism is diagnosed and what families can expect during the evaluation process.
Medical guidance, developmental screening recommendations, and clinical resources.
Parent-friendly autism information written by pediatricians.
North Carolina-specific guidance for finding diagnostic services and local resources.