“What to Expect During an Autism Evaluation at Summit Speech & Autism Center”

Introduction

You’ve been watching your child closely for a while now.

Maybe a teacher or pediatrician mentioned something. Maybe it’s just a gut feeling. Your child doesn’t quite engage like other kids do. They’re incredibly bright in some areas, but you’ve noticed things—delayed language, trouble with transitions, no interest in peers, and you’re wondering if it could be autism.

But the moment someone says “evaluation,” your stomach drops.

What will they ask? Will my child be labelled? Will we be judged? Will they understand our family?

If this is you, take a breath. You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place.

At Summit Speech & Autism Center, we’ve guided hundreds of families in Park City through this exact process. We specialize in autism evaluations using gold-standard tools like the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, but more importantly, we center our work around your child and your family—not just a checklist of symptoms.

This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect, step-by-step—from your first call to receiving your results—so that you feel informed, prepared, and supported the entire way.

Why Getting an Autism Evaluation Matters (And Why It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds)

Let’s clear something up right away:An autism evaluation isn’t about putting a label on your child. It’s about understanding how your child sees and interacts with the world—and giving you the tools to support them with confidence.

So many parents delay getting an evaluation because it feels scary. But here’s the thing: getting clarity early can be the turning point for your child’s growth. With the right support, children on the autism spectrum can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

In fact, the earlier you understand your child’s unique strengths and challenges, the more targeted and effective their support can be. That might mean speech and language therapy, social skills coaching, sensory integration work, or simply a new way to understand their behaviors.

And here’s the most important part:You’re not doing this evaluation because something is “wrong” with your child.You’re doing it because you care enough to get answers—and because you want to show up for them in the best way possible.

At Summit Speech & Autism Center, we approach every evaluation with compassion, curiosity, and a deep respect for the uniqueness of each child and family. This isn’t a cold or clinical process—it’s a collaborative one.

The Tools We Use: ADOS-2 and ADI-R Explained:

We get this question a lot:“What exactly is the ADOS or ADI-R—and why does it matter for my child?”

Let’s break it down without the clinical jargon.

ADOS-2: Watching How Your Child Communicates and Connects

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a play-based, structured observation. That’s a fancy way of saying:We spend time interacting with your child in a way that feels natural—using toys, games, books, and conversation—to see how they communicate, play, and respond socially.

What we’re looking for isn’t about “passing” or “failing.” It’s about understanding how your child communicates—whether it’s through spoken words, gestures, eye contact, or other cues.

We choose an ADOS module that matches your child’s age and language level, so it’s developmentally appropriate. For many kids, it just feels like playtime with a new adult. For others, it may feel a little new or different, and that’s okay too—we adjust and go at their pace.

ADI-R: Talking with You, the Expert on Your Child

The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a detailed, one-on-one interview with you, the parent or caregiver.

Why? Because you know your child better than anyone.

We’ll ask about your child’s early development, communication milestones, behaviours, and social interactions. Some of the questions might feel long or repetitive—but they help us get a full, nuanced picture of your child across time and settings.

And don’t worry—we’re not judging your parenting or looking for the “right” answers. We’re here to listen, understand, and support you in this journey.

In short, the ADOS-2 lets us understand how your child interacts with the world, and the ADI-R helps us understand their developmental history and daily life through your eyes. Together, they give us a full, well-rounded picture—so we can make an accurate, thoughtful diagnosis (if one is needed), and guide you toward the next steps with clarity.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect During the Evaluation Process

We know how important it is to feel prepared when you're stepping into something unfamiliar—especially when it involves your child. That’s why we’ve broken down our autism evaluation process at Summit Speech & Autism Center into clear steps, so you always know what’s coming next.

Here’s exactly what you can expect:

1. Initial Intake Call

Once you reach out, our first step is a friendly phone call with you.

We’ll ask about your child’s current behaviours, your concerns, any previous evaluations or diagnoses, and general background info. This isn’t a test—it’s a conversation to help us determine whether a full autism evaluation is the right next step.

We’ll also walk you through fees, insurance options, and scheduling so you’re not left wondering about logistics.

2. Parent Interview (ADI-R)

Next, we’ll schedule a parent interview using the ADI-R.

This usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours and can be done either in person or virtually, depending on your preference. We’ll talk through your child’s early development, communication, play, and behaviour patterns.

This part of the process is incredibly valuable—because no one knows your child like you do. Your insights help us make a more accurate and compassionate evaluation.

3. Child Observation Session (ADOS-2)

After the parent interview, we’ll schedule a session for your child to come into the clinic for the ADOS-2.

Depending on your child’s age and language level, this session can last anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. We use toys, games, and structured tasks to observe how your child communicates, plays, and engages with others.

We keep the environment welcoming, flexible, and child-led. If your child needs a break, we take one. If they’re shy at first, that’s okay. We meet them where they are.

4. Review of Records and Developmental History

In addition to the interview and observation, we also review any relevant developmental records—like IEPs, speech/language assessments, or school reports—if you have them.

This gives us a fuller understanding of your child’s journey and how their strengths and needs show up across different settings.

5. Feedback Session & Written Report

After we’ve completed all parts of the evaluation, we’ll schedule a feedback session with you.

In this meeting, we’ll:

• Share the results of the ADOS-2 and ADI-R

• Discuss whether your child meets criteria for an autism diagnosis

• Explain everything in plain language

• Answer all your questions

• Talk through next steps, resources, and recommendations

  
  

You’ll also receive a comprehensive written report, which includes your child’s profile, our observations, diagnostic conclusions, and clear, actionable recommendations for support.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help

Going through an autism evaluation can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

At Summit Speech & Autism Center, we’re here to make sure you feel guided, informed, and supported every step of the way. Our process is thorough, but it’s also thoughtful. We don’t just focus on checklists, we focus on your child and your family.

Whether your child receives a diagnosis or not, the goal is always the same: to understand them better, and to empower you with the clarity and tools you need moving forward.

If you're in Park City and you're wondering if an autism evaluation is the right next step, we're here to talk. No pressure, no rush, just a team that cares deeply about children and the families who love them.

📞 Reach out to schedule an intake call or ask questions. You don’t have to do this alone.