How to Prepare for Your Child’s Autism Evaluation in Colorado

Key Points:

• A detailed autism evaluation can help determine the right support path for your child, including eligibility for services like ABA therapy in Colorado.
  
• Preparation includes gathering relevant records, understanding evaluation components, and managing your child’s emotional comfort.
  
• Knowing what to expect and how to advocate during and after the process can reduce stress and lead to better outcomes.
  

Getting ready for your child’s autism evaluation can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. If you're in Colorado, and especially if you’re considering ABA therapy as a next step, a comprehensive and well-prepared evaluation lays the foundation for everything that follows. As providers of ABA therapy in Colorado, we’ve seen firsthand how clarity during the evaluation process can make a big difference in accessing the right resources quickly.

Whether you’re preparing for an initial diagnosis or a reevaluation to update your child’s service plan, this guide will walk you through every step—clearly and without the fluff.

What Is an Autism Evaluation?

An autism evaluation is a multi-step process used to assess whether a child meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This isn’t just about assigning a diagnosis—it’s about understanding your child’s strengths, challenges, and support needs across communication, behavior, sensory processing, and social interaction.

In Colorado, evaluations are often completed by a multidisciplinary team. This can include a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, and/or behavior analyst.

The evaluation typically covers:

• Medical and developmental history
  
• Parent/caregiver interviews
  
• Direct observation of your child
  
• Standardized assessment tools (like ADOS-2 or CARS-2)
  

The results can unlock access to therapies, school services, and insurance-based support—so preparation matters.

Before the Evaluation: What You’ll Need

The more context you can offer the evaluation team, the more accurate and helpful the results will be. That’s why organizing your materials and thinking ahead is crucial.

Here’s what to gather and prepare beforehand:

1. Medical and Developmental Records

Include:

• Birth records and pediatrician notes
  
• Growth charts and milestones
  
• Previous diagnoses or concerns noted by doctors
  

These help rule out or identify co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or hearing impairments.

2. School and Therapy Reports

Bring:

• IEPs or 504 Plans
  
• Speech or OT evaluations
  
• Teacher reports or behavioral notes
  

These documents offer insight into how your child functions in structured settings.

3. Behavior Logs or Journals

If you’ve been tracking behaviors at home, bring those notes. This can include:

• Sleep routines
  
• Tantrum triggers
  
• Food sensitivities
  
• Social interactions (or avoidance)
  

Even if it’s messy or incomplete, it adds value.

4. Videos or Photos (If Allowed)

If the evaluation will take place at a clinic or unfamiliar setting, your child might behave differently. Short videos of your child in natural environments—playing, struggling, stimming—can provide key insights.

What to Expect During the Evaluation

Your child’s autism evaluation in Colorado may happen in one long appointment or spread out over a few visits. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:

Structured Observation

A professional will observe how your child responds to different tasks or play activities. This helps assess things like eye contact, turn-taking, language use, and repetitive behaviors.

Standardized Tests

Tools like the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) or Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales are often used. These are evidence-based and allow providers to score your child’s social-emotional and communication development against age-based norms.

Interviews with Caregivers

Expect questions like:

• When did you first notice signs?
  
• How does your child handle transitions?
  
• What concerns do teachers or caregivers express?
  

Being honest and detailed helps the team get a full picture.

Medical or Developmental Screening

Some clinics may run hearing or vision tests to rule out other causes of delay. You may also be asked about sleep, feeding, or sensory sensitivities.

Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable

The evaluation process can be long, new, and unfamiliar—which is why preparing your child matters almost as much as preparing documents.

Here are ways to make the process smoother for your child:

1. Talk About It in Advance

Keep it simple. Try:
“We’re going to visit some people who want to learn how your brain works so they can help you.”
Avoid words like “test” or “doctor” if those bring anxiety.

2. Practice Sitting Still and Taking Turns

If your child struggles with attention or compliance, practice “pretend evaluations” using puzzles, waiting games, or turn-taking tasks.

3. Pack Comfort Items

Snacks, a preferred toy, fidget tool, or tablet with headphones can go a long way toward keeping your child calm.

4. Use Visual Schedules

If your child uses a visual support system, bring it. You can also create a simple schedule to help them anticipate transitions.

After the Evaluation: What Happens Next?

The team will review their findings with you. This might happen immediately or in a follow-up appointment. You’ll typically receive:

• A diagnostic summary
  
• Recommendations for services (including ABA therapy, speech therapy, OT, etc.)
  
• Referrals for additional evaluations if needed
  

If your child receives an autism diagnosis, you may feel a mix of relief, grief, and urgency. That’s normal. Take a breath, then start exploring your support options.

How ABA Therapy Can Help After Diagnosis

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is often one of the primary recommendations after an autism diagnosis—especially for children who experience challenges with communication, daily routines, or behavior regulation.

At New Dawn ABA, we specialize in customized ABA therapy in Colorado. Here’s how we can help once you have your child’s evaluation report:

• Skill building: We teach communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviors tailored to your child’s developmental level.
  
• Behavior support: We help reduce aggressive, self-injurious, or disruptive behaviors using data-driven methods.
  
• Parent coaching: You’ll learn how to use consistent techniques at home, so progress continues beyond the clinic.
  
• Collaboration: We coordinate with schools, therapists, and pediatricians to align everyone on your child’s goals.
  

Our team understands that no two children—or families—are alike. We build plans that meet your child where they are, and help them grow step by step.

Questions to Ask Your Evaluator

Don’t leave the evaluation without clarity. Here are questions that can guide the conversation:

• Does my child meet criteria for ASD under DSM-5?
  
• What therapies do you recommend based on this evaluation?
  
• How soon should we start services like ABA?
  
• Will this report be accepted by insurance for therapy approval?
  
• What follow-up is required for re-evaluation or updates?
  

Final Thoughts: The First Step Toward Support

Preparing for your child’s autism evaluation in Colorado can feel like a big task, but it’s an important first step in advocating for their future. The better prepared you are, the smoother the process—and the more accurate the recommendations.

Once your child is evaluated and if ABA therapy is part of the care plan, you’ll need a provider who truly understands Colorado families. That’s where we come in.

Contact us today to learn more about how New Dawn ABA can support your child with personalized, effective ABA therapy in Colorado.