What an Autism Evaluation Looks Like: A Step-by-Step Guide for Utah Families

Getting an autism diagnosis can be a turning point not just for a child, but for the entire family. But before therapy begins, before support systems are built, and before progress is made, there’s a crucial first step: the autism evaluation.

At Bridgeway Integrated Healthcare Services, we know this process can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re in Taylorsville or St. George, we’re here to walk you through what to expect from your first call to the final report.

This guide will help parents and caregivers across Utah feel informed and empowered as they navigate the autism evaluation process.

What Is an Autism Evaluation?

An autism evaluation is a structured process used by medical and behavioral professionals to determine whether a person meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). At Bridgeway, these evaluations are designed for children, teens, and young adults and are performed by qualified specialists who understand both clinical standards and families’ emotional needs.

Why an Early Evaluation Makes a Difference

Early identification of autism leads to earlier access to services like ABA therapy and educational support. According to the CDC, autism can be reliably diagnosed by age 2, and early intervention can significantly improve communication, learning, and daily living skills.

Tip

If you’re noticing signs such as delayed speech, limited eye contact, repetitive behaviors, or difficulty with transitions, consider starting the evaluation process now.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation

Here’s how the process works at Bridgeway, broken down into manageable steps.

Step 1: The Initial Consultation

What Happens

You’ll speak with one of our intake specialists either over the phone or in person at a Bridgeway location near you (e.g., Roy, UT or Riverdale, UT). We’ll ask about your child’s behaviors, development, concerns, and family history.

Why It Matters

This step ensures the evaluation is tailored to your child’s unique needs and helps determine which assessments are appropriate.

Local Search Example

Looking for an “autism evaluation near me in Lehi, UT”? Our Lehi office offers family-centered evaluations and behavioral therapy for children.

Step 2: Insurance Verification

What Happens

Our team will help you verify insurance benefits. We work with most major providers and Medicaid to help families understand what’s covered.

Why It Matters

Transparent pricing and precise coverage details reduce stress and prevent surprise bills.

Medicaid ABA Coverage Utah

We work directly with Medicaid plans to provide autism support services across Utah.

Step 3: Scheduling and Preparing for the Appointment

What Happens

You’ll schedule an in-person appointment at one of our nine Utah locations, such as Cedar City or Salt Lake City. We’ll send you the forms to complete in advance.

What You’ll Provide

• Medical history
• Developmental milestones
• Past evaluations (if any)
• Teacher or daycare observations (if applicable)

Parent Tip

Bring snacks, toys, and comfort items to help children feel more relaxed during the visit.

Step 4: The Evaluation Session

Who Conducts It

A licensed psychologist or behavior analyst trained in autism diagnostics.

What Happens:

Component	Description
Developmental Interview	A conversation with you about your child’s history and behaviors
Direct Observation	Structured play or problem-solving tasks are used to observe communication, behavior, and social interaction
Standardized Testing	Tools like the ADOS-2 or Vineland-3 are often used to gather objective data
Screening for Other Conditions	Sometimes behaviors can overlap with ADHD, anxiety, or sensory processing issues. This helps clarify

How Long Does It Take

1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your child’s age and needs.

Step 5: Review and Results

What Happens

You’ll receive a formal diagnosis (if applicable) and a detailed written report. This includes:

• Summary of observations
• Scores from standardized tools
• Clear next steps for support (ABA therapy, speech therapy, mental health services, etc.)

Parent-Friendly Explanation

We make sure our reports are written in plain language, with no confusing jargon.

Step 6: Recommendations and Next Steps

Next Steps May Include

• Enrollment in ABA therapy in Utah (available across all Bridgeway locations)
• Primary care for families in Richfield or other cities
• Coordination with your child’s school to support special education services in Utah
• Mental health counseling for your child or family