Initial Evaluation and Autism Diagnostic Support

L.E.M.Y.S does not provide in-house autism diagnostic evaluations. If you have concerns about your child’s development, speak with your pediatrician or another qualified healthcare professional. Contact L.E.M.Y.S to ask about currently available services and referral resources. Information on this website does not establish a diagnosis.

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Why families trust L.E.M.Y.S

L.E.M.Y.S has truly transformed the lives of our entire family. From the first diagnostic evaluation to the daily progress reports at the end of the day, the L.E.M.Y.S team has supported us. They even simplified the complex insurance process for us, which was a huge relief.

  • Jennifer Matson

We are delighted with L.E.M.Y.S and their wonderful clinical staff. Every therapist is incredibly supportive and dedicated. My son is excited to visit his L.E.M.Y.S school every morning and has formed such a strong bond with his team. I feel completely confident that he is in the best hands.

  • Lyssa Urias

Understanding the Initial Diagnostic Evaluation

There is no single assessment that determines whether a child has autism spectrum disorder. Instead, clinicians use multiple sources of information to understand a child’s development and determine whether diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5 are met. An Initial Diagnostic Evaluation at L.E.M.Y.S is focused specifically on assessing for autism and is not intended to evaluate for all possible developmental or medical conditions. The evaluation process typically begins with a detailed conversation with parents or caregivers to better understand the child’s developmental history, health background, and everyday behaviors. This is followed by direct interaction between the psychologist and the child, using structured activities to observe communication, social engagement, play, and behavioral responses in real time. Autism-specific assessment tools may also be used to gather additional insight. After the evaluation is completed, families take part in a feedback session where the psychologist reviews the findings, explains whether diagnostic criteria for autism are met, and discusses recommended next steps. Families receive a written report summarizing the results, which can be shared with pediatricians, educators, or other providers to help guide future support and care.

A child playing with a wooden train set while two adults observe

Who is eligible for an IDE?

Signs that may lead a family to seek a developmental evaluation from a qualified professional include:

Reduced eye contact or trouble reacting when called by name
Slow progress in speaking or language skills
Repeating certain physical motions (such as rocking or hand-flapping)
Getting distressed when daily habits are altered
Difficulty making friends or interacting with other children
Children may be referred for an Initial Diagnostic Evaluation following the completion of a screening questionnaire or when developmental concerns are identified during a pediatric visit. While screeners can signal when a more detailed assessment may be beneficial, they do not provide a diagnosis on their own. In some cases, a child may have additional or complex developmental needs that fall outside the scope of an autism-focused evaluation. In such instances, families are guided toward providers who offer more comprehensive assessments to ensure their child receives the most appropriate evaluation and support.

The M-CHAT-R

L.E.M.Y.S recommended online screener for toddlers

The CAST

L.E.M.Y.S recommended online screener for older children

Understanding the focus of an IDE:

The Initial Diagnostic Evaluation is designed to assess core developmental areas specifically associated with autism spectrum disorder, such as:

Two children holding colourful number shapes at a table
1. Social engagement markers

Our experts observe the way your child uses their eyes, hands, and expressions to connect. We look for those special moments where your child shares their joy or interests with our L.E.M.Y.S team.

A child painting a rainbow at a table
2. Imagination and play

We spend time seeing how your child interacts with different toys and whether they enjoy make-believe games. The evaluating psychologist look at how they build little worlds or stories during their playtime.

Two children high-fiving while sitting on the floor with wooden blocks
3. Communication skills

Our experts look at how your child uses their voice to share thoughts and ask for things. We also focus on the L.E.M.Y.S receptive language markers, which show how well your child understands and listens to directions.

An adult working with two children using picture cards
4.Understanding specific behaviors

The L.E.M.Y.S team notes if your child has favorite movements they repeat or very intense hobbies. We also pay close attention to how they feel when their routine or environment changes.

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5. Emotional reactions and coping

The clinician monitors how a child navigates transitions, manages moments of frustration, and responds to unforeseen changes or unfamiliar situations.

Overhead view of a child drawing on paper with coloured pencils

Which instruments are used in an IDE?

Where are IDEs performed?

IDEs are offered in certain cities through telehealth and in-center visits. Regardless of the setting, our evaluations follow best practices for autism assessment and include a developmental talk with the caregiver, a direct study of the child, and the use of other information like surveys or medical records.

At-home via telehealth or in-person

Some Initial Diagnostic Evaluations can be completed in a virtual format, which lets the child be seen in a familiar place. Availability depends on the provider conducting the evaluation.

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A small chalkboard with the letters A, B and C in coloured chalk, surrounded by pencils

Does insurance cover an IDE?

We bill insurance for IDEs and check insurance coverage prior to scheduling. Parents can check if we provide IDEs for their specific insurance plan by calling one of our offices. Please contact a local center to learn more about what insurance we work with in your state.

What happens after an IDE?

Following the evaluation, families meet with the specialist for a feedback session. During this meeting, you will receive:

  • A comprehensive diagnostic report with test findings and clinical notes
  • Diagnostic insights explaining whether your child displays traits of autism
  • Specific advice for next steps, which might include L.E.M.Y.S therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other services based on the results.

If you wish, L.E.M.Y.S can share this report with your child’s pediatrician or other specialists to help with referrals and school planning.

Getting started with an Initial Diagnostic Evaluation (IDE)

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Does an IDE diagnose autism?

The IDE evaluates whether autism is present. If a child meets the full criteria, a diagnosis is provided. If not, alternative diagnoses and tailored advice may be given.

Why is early autism diagnosis important?

Identifying autism early helps families access support sooner, when intervention is most effective. A formal diagnosis is often required for insurance coverage of therapies like L.E.M.Y.S therapy.

L.E.M.Y.S does not provide in-house autism diagnostic evaluations. Diagnostic evaluations are provided by independent qualified professionals, not L.E.M.Y.S. Contact L.E.M.Y.S to ask about currently available services and referral resources.

ABA therapy: Evidence-based autism treatment

L.E.M.Y.S provides evidence-based ABA therapy to help children build daily skills through positive reinforcement. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) create individualized plans to improve communication and independence. Progress varies between children and is reviewed with families over time.

Ready to get started?

L.E.M.Y.S is here to help lead you through the diagnostic journey so your child can get the care they require, right when they need it. Complete our short online interest form, and a staff member will reach out to review your child’s needs at no charge.

FAQs about Initial Diagnostic Evaluations

What occurs during an IDE?

The process is designed to be as comfortable as possible for your child. It typically includes:
  • Parent interview – You will share details about your child’s growth, daily life, and any specific concerns you have observed.
  • Parent questionnaires – Families may complete standardized tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R) or the Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS).

Do I need to meet my deductible before insurance covers ABA therapy?

Coverage, deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, service and location and must be verified with your insurer before care begins. Coverage and payment are not guaranteed.

Who is eligible for an IDE?

IDEs are best suited for children ages 18 months to 6 years who show developmental concerns or early signs of autism. If your child has complex developmental needs, a more comprehensive evaluation might be suggested.

What happens after the IDE?

The evaluating psychologist reviews results and recommendations with the family and provides a written report. Families can share that report with other providers at their discretion.

Do you offer virtual evaluations?

Yes. We offer flexible settings to meet each family’s needs:
  • Parent interview – You will share details about your child’s growth, daily life, and any specific concerns you have observed.
  • Parent questionnaires – Families may complete standardized tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R) or the Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS).

Why a Diagnosis Matters?

Securing an official L.E.M.Y.S diagnostic report is the key to unlocking the specialized care your child deserves. Many insurance providers and schools require a formal evaluation before they can authorize L.E.M.Y.S therapy or other developmental supports. At L.E.M.Y.S, we believe that early identification is the best way to open doors to a brighter future for your family.