If you’re looking into an autism evaluation in Colorado, you’re probably carrying a lot of questions. Maybe you’ve noticed something in your child’s development that makes you wonder. Maybe a teacher mentioned concerns. Or perhaps you just want clarity after months of uncertainty.
Getting an autism diagnosis can feel like navigating unfamiliar territory, but the process in Colorado follows a clear path. Understanding what to expect and what each step involves can make this journey feel less overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know about autism evaluations in Colorado, from the first screening to what comes after a diagnosis.
What an Autism Evaluation Involves
An autism evaluation looks at how your child communicates, interacts socially, and engages with their world. The process includes a detailed developmental history (you’ll talk through milestones, behaviors, and concerns), standardized screening tools and assessments, direct observation of your child in different settings, and sometimes cognitive or adaptive behavior testing. The goal is to build a complete picture of how your child experiences and navigates their world.
This process can feel intense, but it exists to make sure your child gets the right support. Whether the results lead to a diagnosis or rule one out, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of your child’s needs. And if you do receive an autism diagnosis, you’ll have options for support—including services designed to help your child thrive and resources to help you feel confident as their parent.
Step-by-Step: How to Start the Process in Colorado
Start with a screening
Many families begin with a general developmental screening. You can do this through your child’s pediatrician at a regular checkup, or sometimes through online screening tools. These initial screenings are quick and help identify whether a full evaluation makes sense.
Get a referral
If the screening suggests further evaluation, your pediatrician can refer you to a specialist. In Colorado, this might be a developmental pediatrician, a pediatric neuropsychologist, a psychiatrist, or a psychologist who specializes in autism. The type of specialist can depend on your insurance network, where you live, and sometimes how long the wait lists are.
Choose your provider
Colorado has several options for diagnostic evaluations, from children’s hospitals to private practices to university-based clinics. Some families prioritize shorter wait times, others want a specific type of specialist. Your pediatrician can help you weigh the options based on your situation and what your insurance covers.
One thing to know: wait times for evaluations can stretch several months in some areas. If you’re concerned, it’s worth getting the referral process started sooner rather than later.
What Happens During a Comprehensive Evaluation
The actual evaluation usually happens over one or more appointments, and it’s designed to see your child in action, not just hear about them secondhand.
You’ll likely fill out detailed questionnaires about your child’s behavior, communication, and daily routines. Then comes the interview portion, where you’ll walk through your child’s developmental history with the clinician. This is your chance to share what you’ve noticed, what worries you, and what your child does well.
The clinician will also spend time directly observing and interacting with your child. Two common tools used are the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised). The ADOS involves structured activities that let the evaluator see how your child communicates and plays. The ADI-R is a detailed parent interview covering social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.
Depending on your child’s age and needs, the evaluation might also include an intelligence test or an adaptive living skills assessment—basically, how your child manages everyday tasks like dressing, eating, or following routines.
It can feel like a lot. You might notice your child acting differently in an unfamiliar setting, or you might feel anxious about how they’ll “perform.” That’s completely normal. Evaluators are trained to see past nervousness and get an accurate picture of your child.
Receiving the Results & Understanding Next Steps
After the evaluation, the clinician will schedule a feedback session to review the results with you. You’ll receive a formal written report that explains their findings, whether your child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis, and recommendations for next steps.
If your child does receive an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, the report will outline which areas show the most significant challenges—things like social communication, sensory sensitivities, or repetitive behaviors. But it should also highlight your child’s strengths.
The recommendations section matters most for what comes next. This might include referrals for ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other early intervention services that can support your child’s development.
This is also when many families feel a mix of emotions: relief at finally having answers, worry about what it means, maybe even grief. All of that is valid. A diagnosis is just the beginning of understanding how to support your child. It opens doors to services and strategies designed to help your child learn, communicate, and navigate daily life more easily.
How United Care ABA Supports Families After Diagnosis
Once you have a diagnosis, the next question is usually: “What now?”
Starting ABA therapy can feel like another big step, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At United Care ABA, we work with families throughout Colorado to make the transition as smooth as possible. We also help you navigate insurance verification and authorizations, coordinate with your child’s other providers, and design a treatment plan that fits your family’s life.
We also know that supporting your child means supporting you. You’ll get hands-on training, practical tools for everyday challenges, and a team that stays connected with you throughout the process. Because real progress happens when parents feel confident and equipped, not left to figure it out alone.
If you’re ready to explore what ABA therapy could look like for your family—or if you just have questions about next steps after a diagnosis, we’re here to help. Reach out whenever you’re ready, and we’ll take it from there.
