ABA Centers of Florida Can Test Your Child for Autism Signs and Symptoms

Before beginning ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy, your child must obtain an official autism diagnosis. ABA Centers of Florida offers thorough autism screening, autism testing, and autism diagnosis. If your child is showing autism signs, autism symptoms, developmental disabilities, or even a lack of verbal or social interaction skills, our autism center can help.

If you’ve been researching how to get an autism diagnosis, you’ve probably found it can take months or even years before you can get an official test and diagnosis of autism. At ABA Centers of Florida, we are focusing significant resources on identifying autism signs and providing an accurate ASD diagnosis to eliminate or shorten any wait time.

Our Four-Step Process for Autism Testing and Autism Screening

Call Us

Call us for an initial consultation on autism testing. We will listen to your concerns, ask some initial autism screening questions, and discuss any autism symptoms you’ve noticed in your child. We will also verify any insurance benefits that can help you and discuss appointment options.

Analysis and Review

After your autism diagnosis appointment, our medical specialists will review the results of your autism testing session, which usually takes one-to-two weeks.

Initial Evaluation

At your appointment, our clinical team will meet with you and your child. The tests, including the ADOS-2, the current gold standard in autism assessment, are all play/activity-based in a warm, friendly setting. Recognizing autism symptoms on time can make a difference. The typical autism screening appointment involves several components and lasts two to four hours.

Diagnosis Report

At a second appointment, we will share our findings and any diagnosis with you, including a written report and recommendations on the treatment of autism, if needed. At ABA Centers of Florida, we pay close attention to the comfort level of your loved one during the autism diagnostic process and are generous with our time and support in discussing the results.

Autism Screening, Autism Testing, and Autism Diagnosis Tools

There is no medical test to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Instead, a child’s developmental history and behavior are studied to identify autism signs and make a diagnosis.

Early intervention (2-5 years old) in neurodivergent individuals is crucial to address autism symptoms and ensure they receive the proper therapy and support for a successful, independent life.

Developmental Screening

If you’ve noticed any developmental delays or autism symptoms in your child, you may want to start with a developmental screening. Children should be given a developmental screening at 9, 18, and 30 months. Studies show one in four children under the age of 6 is at risk for a developmental delay or disability. If you think your child might have autism, then a developmental screening is recommended at 24 months or other times if challenges continue.

In a developmental screening, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your child, or your child may take a short test. These tests will be used to focus on specific elements of your child’s development, such as:

Autism Testing for Autism Signs and Symptoms

If, after a developmental screening, you believe your child may have ASD, ABA Centers of Florida can help with autism testing and diagnosis. We may use a variety of testing methods, such as:

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), a structured observation of your child’s repetitive behavior, play, communication, and social skills
Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised test, where a specialist will speak with you about your child’s past and current behaviors related to autism.
The Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition, made up of 15 questions to help determine whether your child has another condition that is not autism.
RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised) is a diagnostic tool used primarily for older children, adolescents, or adults to identify symptoms of autism, including traits often associated with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Additional evaluations may be used to test your child on cognition, motor skills, language, vision, and hearing.

Autism Diagnosis FAQs

How do I get my child evaluated for autism in Florida?

The process usually begins by scheduling a developmental evaluation with a qualified autism diagnostic provider. During the assessment, clinicians review developmental history, observe behavior, and use standardized tools to determine whether a child meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many parents ask, “Who can diagnose autism in Florida?” or “Do I need a referral for an autism evaluation?” In many cases, families can contact a diagnostic provider directly to begin testing.

How long does the autism diagnosis process take in Florida?

At ABA Centers of Florida, we reduce unnecessary waiting times by streamlining the evaluation process; the final timeline can vary depending on the child’s needs and the evaluation process. After completing the assessment, families typically receive results and next-step guidance within a few weeks.

What happens during an autism evaluation for a child?

An autism evaluation typically includes parent interviews, developmental questionnaires, behavioral observations, and standardized diagnostic assessments, such as the ADOS-2. Clinicians examine communication, social interaction, and behavioral patterns to determine whether autism is present. The goal is to create a clear clinical picture of how the child learns, communicates, and responds to the environment so families can receive appropriate support recommendations.

Do I need a referral to schedule an autism evaluation in Florida?

Some families can schedule an autism evaluation directly, while others may need a referral, depending on insurance. Our team clarifies what’s needed before getting started.

Does insurance cover autism testing and diagnosis?

Many insurance plans in Florida help cover autism diagnostic evaluations when the testing is medically necessary. State autism coverage requirements and many employer-sponsored plans include diagnostic services that help confirm an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Families often ask, “Is autism testing covered by insurance in Florida?” or “Will Medicaid pay for an autism evaluation?” Coverage depends on the specific plan, so providers typically verify benefits before scheduling testing.

At what age can a child be diagnosed with autism?

Children can often receive an autism diagnosis as early as toddlerhood when developmental differences become noticeable. Many clinicians begin evaluating concerns between 18 months and 3 years of age, although older children can also be assessed if signs were missed earlier. Early diagnostic identification helps families access services sooner, which can support communication, social development, and learning.

How do I know if my child should be tested for autism?

Parents often seek testing when they notice delays in speech, reduced eye contact, repetitive behaviors, or difficulty interacting with others. If developmental concerns appear or a pediatrician recommends further evaluation, an autism diagnostic assessment can provide clarity. Testing helps determine whether a child meets the criteria for ASD and whether specialized therapies may be helpful.

How long does it take to receive autism testing results?

Results are typically shared after clinicians review assessment data and complete a detailed diagnostic report. This process may take several days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the evaluation and documentation requirements. Once the report is finalized, families receive clear guidance about whether ASD was identified and what services may support their child’s development.

Are autism evaluations different from therapy services?

Yes, autism diagnostic evaluations focus on identifying whether a child meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder, while therapy services focus on treatment. Diagnosis involves structured assessments, clinical observation, and a review of developmental history. After a diagnosis is confirmed, families may pursue services such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which focuses on building communication, behavior, and daily living skills.

Can my child receive an autism diagnosis even if the signs are mild?

Yes. Autism can present in many ways, and evaluations consider a wide range of developmental, communication, and behavioral factors, even when signs are subtle.

What happens after my child receives an autism diagnosis?

After the diagnosis, the child and their family receive a detailed report and guidance on recommended next steps by our BCBAs, which may include ABA therapy or other supports based on the child’s individual needs.

Where can families in Florida find autism diagnostic services?

Families across Florida can access autism diagnostic evaluations through specialized providers such as ABA Centers of Florida who focus on developmental assessments for children. Diagnostic services are available in multiple regions throughout the state including Boca Raton, Jensen Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Celebration, Miramar, Tamarac and more areas, allowing parents to seek evaluation closer to home. Local access matters because early diagnosis helps Florida families begin appropriate therapy services sooner and better coordinate care with pediatricians and schools.