I think my child might have autism. What should I do first?
Clinically reviewed by Ruth Gluck, MSEd, BCBA
First, take a breath. Noticing something early is a good thing — it means your child can get help sooner. Here is a simple path forward, one step at a time.
Trust what you're seeing
Parents are usually the first to notice. Maybe your child isn't using words yet, doesn't point at things they want, doesn't respond to their name, or lines up toys the same way every time. Maybe eye contact feels rare, or changes in routine cause big meltdowns.
None of these signs means your child definitely has autism. But together, they are a reason to ask a professional — not a reason to wait and see.
Talk to your child's doctor
Start with your pediatrician or family doctor. Say exactly what you've noticed and when. Ask two things: “Can you screen my child for autism?” and “Can you refer us for a full evaluation?”
Doctors use a short checklist (often called the M-CHAT) for toddlers. It takes a few minutes and it's free. If the screen raises concern, the next step is a full evaluation by a specialist.
Get on an evaluation list now, not later
Evaluation waitlists in Kansas and Colorado can run months long. Get on a list right away — you can always cancel if you change your mind. If one clinic's wait is long, ask to be on two or three lists at once. That's normal and allowed.
- Ask your doctor for evaluation referrals in your area
- Call your insurance and ask which evaluators are in-network
- If your child is under 3, also call your state's early intervention program — it's free to be evaluated
- If your child is 3 or older, your public school district must evaluate for free too
You don't have to wait to do something
While you wait for an evaluation, you can talk to us. We'll explain what an autism diagnosis would and wouldn't change, what ABA therapy actually looks like day to day, and what your insurance would cover. There's no cost and no commitment to any of it.
If your child does get a diagnosis, you'll already know your next step — and you'll skip weeks of figuring things out from scratch.