Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Explore answers to commonly asked questions about CST Academy's pediatric therapy services for children with autism. Find helpful information to support your child's journey towards progress and success.

What Is a Diagnostic Evaluation?

A diagnostic evaluation is a comprehensive process that involves assessments, observations, and interviews with parents to gain a complete picture of your child’s development. This evaluation looks at key areas such as speech and language, behavior, attention, and more. The goal is to understand your child’s unique learning style, identify their strengths, and pinpoint any challenges that may need support.

What Is the Difference Between the Different Assessments?

The autism assessment focuses specifically on diagnosing autism spectrum disorder, the comprehensive diagnostic evaluation provides a broad overview of your child’s overall development across multiple domains, and the medical diagnostic evaluation is designed for early identification of developmental delays in children under 3 through the Illinois Early Intervention program.

For a detailed comparison and to determine which evaluation is right for your child, visit our Understanding the Different Assessments page.

Who Provides These Evaluations?

Autism Assessments

These are conducted by a licensed psychologist who specializes in autism spectrum disorder, ensuring an accurate and expert diagnosis.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations

Our comprehensive evaluations are carried out by a licensed psychologist with expertise in pediatric developmental assessments, offering a thorough understanding of your child’s overall development.

Medical Diagnostic Evaluations

These evaluations are led by a licensed developmental behavioral pediatrician and supported by a multidisciplinary team, including occupational, physical, speech, and developmental therapists, to provide a complete and detailed assessment for children under 3.

What Ages Do You Work With?

We provide specialized services for children aged 20 months to 12 years. If your child is under 3 years old, they may also qualify for medical diagnostic evaluations through the Illinois Early Intervention (EI) program, ensuring they receive the support they need from an early age.

What Areas of Development Are Assessed?

Autism Assessments

These focus specifically on areas like social communication, repetitive behaviors, and other criteria related to autism spectrum disorder.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations

This evaluation covers a broad range of developmental areas, including speech and language, behavior, attention, cognition, social-emotional skills, and more.

Medical Diagnostic Evaluations

These assessments look at overall developmental progress, focusing on motor skills, sensory processing, speech and language, and social-emotional development.

What Does the Evaluation Process Look Like?

The evaluation process at The Goldman Center is tailored to meet the specific needs of your child:

Autism Assessments

The process begins with an initial consultation, followed by a one-day testing session, and concludes with a feedback meeting where results and recommendations are discussed.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations

This process includes an initial consultation, two testing sessions (each lasting 2-3 hours), and a final feedback meeting to review the findings and next steps.

Medical Diagnostic Evaluations

A single in-person appointment (approximately 2 hours) is conducted, followed by a feedback meeting and a detailed report sent to you within a week.

To learn more about how to get started, including what to expect during each step of the process, please visit our Enrollment Process page. This will guide you through everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and informed evaluation experience for your child.

What Areas of Development Are Assessed?

Our evaluations cover a broad spectrum of developmental domains to provide a comprehensive understanding of your child’s abilities. These include:

Autism and developmental testing
Academic and cognitive testing
Neuropsychological testing
Social and emotional testing
Speech and language skills
Adaptive behaviors
Executive functioning
Play skills

Each assessment is tailored to identify your child’s strengths and areas for growth, ensuring a complete and personalized evaluation.

How Will My Child Stay Motivated During the Evaluation Process?

We ensure your child remains engaged and motivated throughout the evaluation by using positive reinforcement techniques. Before testing begins, you’ll have the opportunity to share your child’s favorite motivators with the psychologist—whether it’s a token system, stickers, or iPad breaks—so we can create a supportive and enjoyable experience for your child.

What Types of Activities Will My Child Participate in During the Testing?

During the testing, your child will take part in a range of developmentally appropriate activities, including play-based tasks, paper-and-pencil exercises, and answering questions. These activities are designed to be both engaging and informative, helping us assess your child’s strengths and identify areas where support may be needed.

Are Parents Present During the Diagnostic Evaluation Process?

Yes, parent involvement is encouraged, particularly for younger children. For children under the age of five, there is a specific component of the ADOS assessment that requires parental supervision. For older children (often ages 5+), parents typically wait outside during the testing sessions to allow for a focused evaluation, but we will check in with you as needed to gather insights and ensure a smooth process. This collaborative approach helps us provide a thorough and accurate evaluation.

What Should I Do If My Child Is Not Potty-Trained?

If your child is not potty-trained, you’ll need to stay in the clinic during the evaluation. Bathroom breaks should be managed either independently by your child or with your assistance as their parent or caregiver. Your presence ensures that your child feels comfortable and supported throughout the process.

Does Insurance Cover the Diagnostic Evaluations?

Yes, diagnostic evaluations are typically covered by in-network insurance plans, such as BCBS PPO. However, there may be out-of-pocket costs like deductibles. To make the process easier for you, we handle all billing and insurance claims directly, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Is There a Cost for Medical Diagnostic Evaluations Through Illinois Early Intervention (EI)?

No, there is no cost to families for medical diagnostic evaluations conducted through the Illinois Early Intervention (EI) program. These evaluations are fully covered by the EI program. To be eligible, you’ll need a referral from your service coordinator, and please note that this program is available for children under the age of 3.

How Can I Get Started?

If you’re concerned about your child’s development, the first step is to contact us to schedule a consultation and start the intake process. Our team is ready to guide you through every step, offering the support and information you need to take the next steps with confidence.

Get Started

"Our experience with The Goldman Center was incredibly supportive. They were there for us when we felt most vulnerable, quickly setting up an evaluation for our son when other places had long wait times. The staff treated us with kindness, answered all our questions thoroughly, and made us feel comfortable throughout the diagnosis process. They provided us with excellent resources and therapy programs, leading to great success for our son. We highly recommend The Goldman Center!"

"A friend recommended The Goldman Center to us, and now we recommend them to anyone who suspects their child may be neurodivergent. Getting a proper diagnosis was crucial for us, and we needed a place that was both thorough in testing and could clearly explain how our son's diagnosis specifically affected him. Goldman did exactly that, providing detailed insights and recommending resources tailored to our son's unique needs."

5-Star Google Reviews

Expert Evaluations to Continuous Care

Our expert evaluations provide a thorough understanding of your child's development, leading to personalized recommendations for ongoing support. From assessment to continuous care, we’re dedicated to guiding your child's growth every step of the way.