Faster Autism Diagnosis for Kids

Our Autism Diagnostic Evaluation Process

RiseNow Autism Innovations provides comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations across the full lifespan — from young children through adolescence and adulthood. While we originally focused on evaluations for children ages 18 months to 6 years, we now serve individuals of all ages.

Our evaluations are clinician-led and designed to provide clear diagnostic answers along with practical, personalized recommendations. We use industry-standard assessment tools and clinical expertise to determine whether an individual meets criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Our Approach by Age

Young Children (18–72 months)
Evaluations for young children focus on early developmental signs of autism. We use a combination of standardized tools and clinical observation to assess communication, social interaction, play, and behavior. When clinically appropriate, this may include the Cognoa Canvas Dx tool. Families receive a written diagnostic report as part of the evaluation process.

School-Age Children and Adolescents (6–17 years)

Evaluating autism in school-age children and teens is often more complex than in younger children. By this age, many individuals have developed coping strategies or learned to mask their differences, which can make classic autism characteristics less obvious. Developmental history must be carefully reconstructed over a longer period of time, and co-occurring concerns such as anxiety, ADHD, learning differences, or social challenges frequently overlap with or obscure autism traits.

For these reasons, we begin with a comprehensive psychiatric intake that thoroughly reviews developmental history, current functioning, and any co-occurring conditions. If autism is strongly suspected, we then complete a focused autism diagnostic evaluation using standardized measures. Families typically receive individualized recommendations. A formal written report is available upon request.

Adults (18+)
Adult evaluations typically begin with a detailed psychiatric intake. Many adults seeking evaluation have long histories of social, sensory, or executive functioning differences that were never formally assessed. If indicated, we complete a focused autism evaluation using appropriate standardized tools and clinical interview methods. Adults do not automatically receive a written report; a formal report is available upon request for an additional fee.

Testing Tools We Use

Depending on age and clinical needs, our evaluations may include the following standardized measures:

ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition)
A structured, interactive assessment that allows the clinician to directly observe social communication, play, and restricted or repetitive behaviors.
CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition)
A clinician-rated scale that helps quantify the presence and severity of autism-related characteristics.
SCQ (Social Communication Questionnaire)
A caregiver-completed questionnaire that screens for autism-related social and communication differences across the lifespan.
MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition)
A sensory-based interview approach that explores how an individual experiences the world and helps identify autism-related patterns.
Cognoa Canvas Dx (available for children up to 72 months when clinically appropriate)
An FDA-authorized tool that incorporates parent questionnaires, home videos, and clinician input to support diagnostic decision-making. A formal Cognoa report is generated for eligible young children.

Additional questionnaires and developmental history forms are typically completed through our secure client portal prior to the evaluation.

What the Process Looks Like

Brief intake phone call to understand concerns and determine the appropriate evaluation path
Completion of required questionnaires and intake forms through the secure portal
Diagnostic evaluation session(s) with a qualified clinician
Review of all testing data, developmental history, and clinical observations
Clear diagnostic feedback and individualized recommendations

What Families and Individuals Receive

A clear diagnostic determination (or rule-out of autism)
Personalized recommendations for next steps (therapy, school supports, coaching, medication management if appropriate, and care coordination)
Written documentation as follows:
- Young children (18–72 months): Formal diagnostic report included
- Older children and adolescents: Recommendations provided; formal report available upon request for additional fee
- Adults: Formal written report available upon request for an additional fee

Our goal is to provide accurate, respectful, and useful evaluations that help individuals and families move forward with greater understanding and support.

Virtual-friendly components make this process accessible without long travel or extended waitlists.

Schedule a virtual consultation with RiseNow today and take the first step toward personalized support for your child.

This approach helps families move forward quickly, reducing uncertainty and enabling earlier access to care.