Anise Flowers, PhD
Same-day verification. Appointments available now.
Start your child's autism evaluation today.
Getting an autism evaluation should not mean months of waiting, confusing paperwork, and a report you cannot use. We make the process clear, compassionate, and as fast as possible—because your family has already waited long enough.
Contact Us Today To Get Started
Your information below will help us instantly match you with one of our expert intake advocates.
- Licensed psychologists on every evaluation
- Evidence-based diagnostic tools (ADOS-2, ADI-R, CARS)
- No waitlist—appointments available now
- Autism testing in Texas and Colorado
- In-person and virtual assessments offered
Why choose us
Diagnostic support at Behavioral Innovations
Licensed leadership
Our assessment team is led by licensed psychologists who oversee training and quality assurance for diagnostic services.
End-to-end guidance
We handle each step with care—from initial screening through the final report—so you receive clear guidance throughout.
Research-aligned methods
Our methods follow current research and best practices in autism diagnosis to support accurate, useful results.
Reports you can use
External providers frequently accept our diagnostic results, supporting your next steps with schools, insurers, and therapy providers.
Early signs of autism by age
When an evaluation may be worth pursuing
Every child develops differently, and no single sign confirms an autism diagnosis. If several of these patterns feel familiar—especially across more than one age group—an autism evaluation may be appropriate. Research consistently shows that earlier diagnosis leads to better long-term outcomes.
Infants (0–1 year)
- Lack of eye contact
- Not responding to name
- Limited facial expressions
- Not imitating sounds or movements
Toddlers (1–2 years)
- Delayed speech or no babbling
- Limited gestures (pointing, waving)
- Difficulty playing with others
- Repetitive actions like spinning
Preschool (3–4 years)
- Difficulty with social interactions
- Repetitive behaviors (for example, hand flapping)
- Echolalia (repeating words or phrases)
- Inconsistent responses to sounds
- Difficulty with pretend play
School-age (4–6 years)
- Trouble understanding social cues
- Intense focus on specific topics
- Sensitivity to sensory stimuli
- Struggles with changes in routine
- Difficulty making friends
The process
How our autism evaluation process works
From your first call to the final report, most evaluations take 2 to 4 weeks. Every step is led by a licensed psychologist and explained in plain language.
- Initial consultation. We start by listening. Your child's story matters before any assessment begins—we review your concerns, developmental history, and any records from your pediatrician or school.
- Structured observation & clinical testing. Your child participates in age-appropriate activities while our clinicians observe and conduct gold-standard assessments (ADOS-2, ADI-R, CARS). Designed to feel comfortable and low-pressure for your child.
- Plain-language results. We don't hand you a report and send you home. We sit down, walk you through what we find, and explain what it means for your child—and what it doesn't.
- Written report & next steps. You receive a formal written report—accepted by insurers, school districts, and therapy providers—along with specific recommendations for what to do next, whether that's ABA, speech, school accommodations, or something else.
Autism testing tools
How we screen for autism
We use multiple diagnostic tools to help you understand your child's needs—and we walk with you through the process.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)
A structured clinician-led assessment that observes social interaction, communication, play, and behavior patterns associated with autism.
Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI - R)
A highly structured interview conducted with parents or caregivers by a trained clinician to gather detailed developmental history.
Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)
A clinician-rated behavioral rating scale that scores behaviors across multiple domains.
Other Assessments
Additional evaluations are provided based on your child's individual needs, including developmental, behavioral, speech-language, cognitive, or adaptive skill assessments.
In-network insurance plans
Coverage for evaluations (Texas & Colorado)
We accept most major insurance plans for services in Texas and Colorado. If you do not see your provider, contact our team and we can verify your plan.
| Aetna | Anthem BCBS |
| BlueCross BlueShield | Beacon / Carelon |
| Cigna Evernorth | ComPsych |
| Curative | HealthSmart |
| HealthFirst Colorado | Imagine Health |
| Open Healthcare Network | PHCS Multiplan |
| Tricare | UnitedHealthcare Optum |
Coverage varies by state.
Who conducts the evaluation
Licensed psychologists. Real expertise. Real care.
Every autism evaluation at Behavioral Innovations is conducted and overseen by doctoral-level licensed psychologists—not general practitioners or paraprofessionals. Each diagnostic report is reviewed for clinical accuracy before it reaches you.
Casey Vaccaro, PsyD
Suzanne Hart, PhD
Tanner Simpson, PsyD
Get answers, not guesswork
Our licensed psychologists will conduct a comprehensive autism evaluation, explain the results clearly, and provide a written report you can use with insurance, schools, and any future providers. No waitlist. Available now in Texas and Colorado.
Schedule an evaluationFAQs
Questions about diagnostic services
Where is autism testing available?
Behavioral Innovations offers autism testing at select locations in Texas and Colorado, with in-person and virtual assessment options. Contact us to confirm availability near you.
How long does an autism evaluation take?
The full evaluation process typically spans about two to four weeks from your initial consultation to receiving your written report. The assessment itself—observation and clinical testing—is usually completed across one to two appointments depending on age and needs.
How much does an autism evaluation cost, and does insurance cover it?
Behavioral Innovations is in-network with many major insurance plans. For most families, the autism evaluation is covered by insurance, which can mean little to no out-of-pocket cost. Coverage varies by plan and state, so we verify your specific benefits before your child's first appointment. Call us at (844) 249-2354—we can often confirm coverage within one business day.
What diagnostic tools do you use for autism testing?
We use the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition), the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised), and the CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), among other evidence-based instruments. The ADOS-2 is widely regarded as a gold standard in autism diagnostic assessment for children.
What happens after my child receives an autism diagnosis?
We do not hand you a report and send you home. Our team walks you through what the diagnosis means, what it does not mean, and what the evidence suggests for next steps. If ABA therapy is appropriate, we can begin that process at BI—with no separate intake and a clinical team that already knows your child.
Can autism symptoms improve with treatment?
With early, evidence-based intervention—particularly ABA therapy—many children with autism make measurable progress in communication, behavior, independence, and social skills. The earlier support begins, the better outcomes tend to be. Autism is a lifelong condition, but the right support can change what day-to-day life looks like for a child and family.
