Initial Evaluation & Autism Diagnostic Support
Families love working with HEMYS
HEMYS had been life changing for both us and our child. They have been there every step of the way, from the initial testing/diagnosis, to daily check-ins and updates at pick-up. They helped us with insurance questions and issues, which are overwhelming...
- Jennifer Matson
Very happy with HEMYS and all the therapists. They are all so sweet and nice, always willing to help in any way they can. My son loves going to "school" every day and loves his therapists so much. I always leave with peace of mind knowing they are taking good care of him...
- Lyssa Urias
What is an Initial Diagnostic Evaluation (IDE)?
There is no single assessment that determines whether a child has autism spectrum disorder. Instead, clinicians use multiple sources of information to understand a child’s development and determine whether diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5 are met. An Initial Diagnostic Evaluation at HEMYS is focused specifically on assessing for autism and is not intended to evaluate for all possible developmental or medical conditions.
The evaluation process typically begins with a detailed conversation with parents or caregivers to better understand the child’s developmental history, health background, and everyday behaviors. This is followed by direct interaction between the psychologist and the child, using structured activities to observe communication, social engagement, play, and behavioral responses in real time. Autism-specific assessment tools may also be used to gather additional insight.
After the evaluation is completed, families take part in a feedback session where the psychologist reviews the findings, explains whether diagnostic criteria for autism are met, and discusses recommended next steps. Families receive a written report summarizing the results, which can be shared with pediatricians, educators, or other providers to help guide future support and care.
Who can complete an IDE?
ABC provides IDEs for children ages 18 months through 6 years who are showing signs of autism, such as:
Children may be referred for an Initial Diagnostic Evaluation after completing a screening questionnaire or when developmental concerns are identified during a pediatric visit. Screeners can help signal when a closer look may be helpful, but they do not provide a diagnosis on their own.
In some cases, a child may have additional or more complex developmental needs that fall outside the scope of an autism-focused evaluation. When this happens, families may be guided toward providers who offer more comprehensive assessments to ensure their child receives the most appropriate evaluation and support.
The M-CHAT-R
Online autism screener for toddlers
The CAST
Online autism screener for older children
What does an IDE measure?
An Initial Diagnostic Evaluation examines the key areas of development that are closely related to autism, including:
Clinician observes how a child uses eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions, and whether they share enjoyment or interest with others during interactions.
The assessment looks at how a child engages with toys, participates in pretend or imaginative play, and builds simple stories or scenarios.
Clinician assesses both expressive skills, such as talking, asking questions, and responding to others, and receptive skills, like understanding and following directions.
The clinician notes any repeated movements, intense interests, or sensitivities to changes in routines or environments.
Clinician observes how a child manages transitions, handles frustration, and reacts to unexpected changes or new experiences.
What tools are used during an IDE?
Not every child will need every tool. Our psychologists choose the ones that best fit your child’s age, history, and needs. These tools help support the diagnostic process and guide treatment recommendations.
This includes directly administered tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Childhood Autism Rating Scale, and the Tele-ASD-Peds. Related parent questionnaires are also used.
Where are IDEs performed?
IDEs are offered in select cities via telehealth and in-center. No matter the setting, our evaluations follow best practices for the evaluation of autism and include a developmental interview with the caregiver(s), direct assessment of the child, and incorporation of other sources of information, such as questionnaires or related records.
At-home via telehealth or in-person
Families may choose to complete an Initial Diagnostic Evaluation through a virtual format, which allows the child to be observed in a familiar setting. This approach can offer valuable insight into everyday interactions between the child and caregiver. During the session, the psychologist guides the caregiver through simple activities while observing communication, engagement, and behavior in real time.
Some families prefer an in-person evaluation. In this setting, the psychologist leads structured activities and directly observes the child’s responses. Caregivers are encouraged to participate when appropriate and contribute important information by completing parent-report measures as part of the assessment process.
To learn more about available autism assessment options and whether virtual or in-person evaluations may be offered in your area, please contact the HEMYS team.
Does insurance cover an IDE?
We bill insurance for IDEs and check insurance coverage prior to scheduling. Parents can check if we provide IDEs for their specific insurance plan by calling one of our offices. Please contact a local center to learn more about what insurance we work with in your state.
What happens after an IDE?
After the evaluation, families meet with the clinician for a feedback session. During this meeting, you will receive:
- A detailed diagnostic report with test results and clinical observations
- Diagnostic insights explaining whether your child shows characteristics of autism
- Individualized recommendations for next steps, which may include applied behavior analysis (HEMYS) therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other interventions, depending on the diagnosis made.
At your request, Action Behavior Centers can share this report with your child’s pediatrician or other providers to support referrals, school planning, and ongoing care.
Getting started with an Initial Diagnostic Evaluation (IDE)
Does an IDE diagnose autism?
The IDE helps evaluate whether autism is present or not. If a child meets full diagnostic criteria, a diagnosis of autism is provided. If the child does not meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis, alternative diagnoses might be provided along with tailored recommendations.
Why is early autism diagnosis important?
Identifying autism early can help families access supportive services sooner, at a time when intervention may be especially helpful. In many cases, a formal diagnosis is also required for insurance coverage of therapies such as applied behavior analysis (ABA).
What’s the difference between an IDE and the ADOS-2?
HEMYS offers diagnostic support services to help families move forward when they have questions about their child’s development. Depending on location and availability, families may have access to different types of autism-focused assessments designed to support next steps in care.
One option is an Initial Diagnostic Evaluation, conducted by a licensed psychologist. This evaluation brings together information from developmental history, direct observation, and standardized assessment tools to help determine whether a child meets criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Families receive a summary of results along with individualized recommendations to help guide future care decisions. Availability and insurance coverage for these evaluations may vary by location.
In some areas, HEMYS also supports access to Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) assessments administered by trained clinicians. These assessments are completed in person and provide structured observational information that can be shared with a child’s pediatrician or referring provider as part of a broader diagnostic process. This service is intended to support early identification and timely connection to care, particularly in communities where comprehensive evaluations may have longer wait times.
Because services and assessment options can differ by state, families are encouraged to contact HEMYS to learn more about what may be available in their area.
HEMYS therapy: Evidence-based autism treatment
HEMYS provides evidence-based ABA therapy designed to support children with autism in building practical, everyday skills. Our approach uses positive reinforcement and individualized strategies to help children strengthen communication, independence, and social engagement in ways that carry over into daily life.
At HEMYS, Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®) and Registered Behavior Technicians® (RBTs®) work closely with families to develop and adjust care plans based on each child’s needs and progress. We have seen how early identification and timely support can positively influence development, and we focus on providing care that is thoughtful, structured, and family-centered.
- Children who complete services with HEMYS are more likely to thrive in general education classrooms. Most graduates spend the majority of their school time in general education settings. In contrast, children who leave services prematurely often remain in special education or alternative placements.
- Families report reduced stress after starting HEMYS. In the first year of treatment at HEMYS, parents share that their stress levels go down, especially those who began therapy feeling the most overwhelmed.
- Challenging behaviors decrease significantly. In our research, children ages 2–6 experienced an 86% reduction in unsafe behaviors like aggression, property destruction, and elopement. These improvements were strongest in the first year of care and continued even as therapy hours gradually decreased.
Ready to get started?
HEMYS is here to help guide you through the diagnostic process so your child can access the care they need, when they need it. Complete our brief online interest form, and a teammate will contact you to discuss your child’s needs at no cost.
FAQs about Initial Diagnostic Evaluations
What can we expect during an IDE?
The process is designed to be as comfortable as possible for your child. It typically includes:
- Parent interview – You’ll share details about your child’s development, daily life, and any concerns you’ve observed.
- Parent questionnaires – Families may complete standardized tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R), Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-3), or Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS).
- Child observation and testing – The psychologist will observe your child’s play, communication, and social interactions using specialized tools such as the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS-2), ADOS-2, or Tele-ASD-PEDS.
Do I have to reach my deductible before insurance covers HEMYS therapy?
In most cases, yes. Families are responsible for their deductible and any copays or coinsurance until the plan’s maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) is reached. After that, insurance typically covers 100% of additional HEMYS therapy costs for the year.
Who can benefit from an IDE?
IDEs are best suited for children ages 18 months to 6 years who show developmental concerns or early “red flags” for autism. If your child has multiple or complex developmental needs, a more comprehensive evaluation may be recommended.
What happens after the IDE?
The psychologist who completes the IDE will schedule a feedback appointment to go over results and recommendations. A written report will also be provided. At your request, we can send the report to other providers to support planning and next steps.
Do you offer virtual autism evaluations?
Yes. We offer flexible evaluation settings to meet each family’s needs:
- At-home via telehealth – Virtual evaluations allow your child to be observed in their familiar home environment, where natural behaviors are often easiest to see.
- In-center – Some families prefer an in-person evaluation at an Action Behavior Center, where the psychologist can guide activities in a structured setting. These are offered in select states.
Our psychologists are trained to adapt if challenges arise during the process. If your child has difficulty participating or if disruptions occur, the psychologist can reschedule, complete follow-up observations, or use additional measures to ensure accurate results.
Why is it important to get an autism diagnosis?
A formal diagnosis is often required for children to access therapies such as HEMYS, speech, or occupational therapy. It may also be necessary for school services and insurance coverage. Early diagnosis opens the door to early intervention, which has been shown to improve long-term outcomes.