Why Early Evaluation Matters: Childhood Autism Testing

Early identification makes a meaningful difference. A timely autism evaluation near me can help your child access early interventions, speech and occupational therapy, and individualized educational supports that improve long-term outcomes.

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kids engaging with therapist during assessment

The Testing Process

Our autism testing process is gentle, play-based, and designed to help your child feel at ease. We start with a parent consultation to discuss development and daily routines, then complete structured activities and social tasks to assess communication and sensory patterns using tools like the ADOS-2. After reviewing all results, you’ll receive a detailed report, feedback session, and next steps for therapy or school support. Indigo Therapy Group offers flexible, child-friendly autism testing in Chicago and virtually across Illinois. child-friendly assessment environments.

How Autism Presents in Children

Age Group	Common Behaviors & Early Signs
Toddlers (Ages 1–3)	Limited eye contact or response to their name Delayed babbling, speech, or pointing Prefers playing alone or watching rather than joining others Unusual attachment to specific objects or routines Repetitive movements (flapping, rocking, spinning)
Preschool & Early Elementary (Ages 4–7)	Difficulty making or keeping friends Challenges understanding emotions or social cues Meltdowns when routines or expectations change Sensory sensitivities to sounds, clothing textures, or lights Fixation on narrow interests or topics
Later Elementary & Beyond (Ages 8–12)	Advanced vocabulary but trouble with back-and-forth conversation Anxiety or withdrawal in group settings Repetitive behaviors such as lining up items or scripting conversations Strong preference for routines and predictability Overwhelm or shutdown after long social days

Recognizing these social delays and behavioral differences early allows families to seek intervention that improves communication, regulation, and confidence.

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FAQs: Childhood Autism Testing

What are early signs of autism in toddlers?

Early signs often include lack of eye contact, delayed speech or pointing, repetitive behaviors, or limited social engagement. If your child rarely responds to their name or prefers objects over people, it may be time for an autism evaluation near me.

How accurate is autism testing for children?

When conducted by licensed professionals using standardized tools like the ADOS-2, autism testing in children is highly reliable. Combining parent input, clinical observation, and behavioral measures ensures accuracy across settings.

Do schools accept private autism testing results?

Most schools accept private neurodevelopmental assessments for IEP and 504 planning. Indigo Therapy Group’s reports are comprehensive and family- and school-ready.

Real Talk Therapy

Straight-up, genuine conversations that cut through the noise, focusing on what truly matters to you.

Values That Vibe

We stand tall in our beliefs, offering a space where therapy is infused with passion, purpose, and a commitment to social justice.

Diversity & Inclusion Strength

Our team mirrors the world’s diversity, ensuring you find a therapist who truly gets you, no matter your story.

Therapy is for literally everyone.

Making Therapy Accessible, Because It Matters.

At Indigo, we're serious about smashing barriers to mental health care. We believe therapy should be actually accessible. That's why we're all in on accepting insurance. Because true inclusivity means ensuring everyone can step into our space, get the support they need, and not stress about the price. It's healthcare, plain and simple. And we're here to make it available to literally everyone.