Understanding what the diagnosis process actually involves can make it feel far less intimidating — and help you know what to expect at each stage, whether you're just starting or already in the middle of it.
Step 1: Initial Concern or Screening
The process usually starts one of two ways: a parent, caregiver, teacher, or pediatrician notices developmental differences, or a routine developmental screening (which pediatricians typically conduct at standard well-child visits) flags a concern. For children under three, Michigan's free Early On program can also provide this initial screening.
Step 2: Referral for a Comprehensive Evaluation
If initial screening suggests autism is a possibility, the next step is a referral to a qualified evaluator. In Michigan, this typically means a developmental pediatrician, a licensed psychologist with autism evaluation training, or an Approved Autism Evaluation Center (AAEC) — a designation used by some Michigan insurers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, for hospital-based or clinic-based evaluation programs meeting specific quality standards.
Step 3: The Comprehensive Evaluation Itself
A thorough autism evaluation typically includes: a detailed developmental history interview with parents/caregivers, direct observation and structured interaction with your child (often using a standardized tool like the ADOS-2), and consideration of information from other settings, like daycare or school, when available. Evaluations can take anywhere from a couple of hours in a single visit to multiple sessions spread across a few weeks, depending on the provider and your child's specific situation.
Step 4: Diagnosis and Feedback
After the evaluation, the evaluator provides a diagnostic determination and a feedback session to discuss results, generally including a written report. If your child receives an autism diagnosis, this report typically includes a diagnostic "level" (see Understanding Autism Levels) and specific recommendations for next steps and services.
Step 5: Using the Diagnosis to Access Services
A formal, written autism diagnosis is generally required before insurance will authorize ABA therapy under Michigan's autism insurance mandate. The diagnostic report is also useful for accessing school-based special education services and other supports.
Realistic Timelines
Wait times for a comprehensive autism evaluation vary significantly across Michigan, and can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the provider and region — demand for evaluation services has grown substantially in recent years. It's generally worth getting on a waitlist as soon as a concern is identified rather than waiting for more certainty first, since the evaluation itself is part of building that certainty.
What to Bring to an Evaluation
Having any existing developmental screening results, school or daycare observations, and a written list of your specific concerns and observations can help the evaluation process go more smoothly and thoroughly.
Next Steps for Holland-Area Families
If you're just starting this process, Where to Get an Autism Evaluation in West & Central Michigan covers real local evaluation resources. If your child already has a diagnosis, What to Do in the First 30 Days is a good next read.
If you're in the Holland area and ready to explore ABA therapy once a diagnosis is in place, Our BCBA Assessments & Treatment Planning service is designed around exactly this kind of goal. our in-home ABA therapy in Holland page has more information, or Get Started Today to get started.
This article is part of our complete guide, What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Clinically reviewed by Kimberly Blazer, BCBA.