Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Testing

As a designated Approved Autism Evaluation Center (AAEC), we provide initial and re-evaluation services to children between the ages of 12 months and 18 years. Evaluations include direct testing with the child, interviews and rating scales with parents and caregivers, direct observations, and feedback.

A Designated Approved Autism Evaluation Center (AAEC) is a healthcare facility or organization that has been officially recognized and approved to conduct comprehensive autism evaluations. These centers follow standardized procedures to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using evidence-based assessment tools.

AAECs are designated by state health departments, insurance providers, or other governing bodies to ensure that evaluations meet high clinical standards. Many insurance companies require an autism diagnosis from an AAEC for coverage of autism-related services, such as therapy or interventions.

Our process begins with completing a Request for Services form to be placed on our waitlist. If needed, we may schedule a testing consultation before the full evaluation.

The evaluation includes a thorough assessment, typically featuring the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)—the gold standard tool for diagnosing autism. Once testing is complete, clients receive a detailed report, which is reviewed during a personalized feedback session to discuss findings and recommendations.

For adult clients seeking autism testing, a consultation is required before scheduling the evaluation. Alternatively, adults may attend our Adult ASD Workshop to fulfill this prerequisite.

UCCF clinicians tailor their approach to assessing each client. Often that includes using the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP), which can be time-intensive and is conducted over multiple sessions. In addition to the industry-standard diagnostic tools, our clinicians also assess how a child uses language, their social and play skills, and their ability to ask for what they need in conjunction with their developmental stage.