Autism Diagnostic Evaluations

Early Answers. Expert Evaluation. Meaningful Next Steps.

If you have concerns about your child's development, receiving a comprehensive evaluation is the first step toward understanding their unique strengths and support needs.

At Hickory Learning Group, our diagnostic evaluations combine compassionate clinical expertise with advanced assessment technology to provide families with clear answers and individualized recommendations.

Our multidisciplinary evaluation process integrates clinical interviews, standardized assessments, direct observation, and innovative diagnostic tools—including the EarliPoint System and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)—to help qualified clinicians make informed diagnostic decisions. The EarliPoint System is an FDA-cleared tool that provides objective measurements to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and assessment of autism when used alongside established diagnostic methods.

A Comprehensive Evaluation

Every child develops differently.

That's why our evaluations look beyond a diagnosis to understand how your child communicates, learns, interacts with others, plays, and navigates everyday life.

Our evaluation process may include:

  • Developmental and medical history review

  • Caregiver interviews

  • Direct observation

  • Standardized developmental assessments

  • Autism-specific diagnostic assessments

  • Review of previous evaluations and records

  • Individualized recommendations for services and supports

Our goal is not simply to determine whether a child meets diagnostic criteria.

Our goal is to help families understand their child's strengths, identify areas where support may be beneficial, and create a clear path forward.

Advanced Diagnostic Technology

Hickory Learning Group combines experienced clinical judgment with innovative technology to support accurate, efficient, and comprehensive evaluations.

EarliPoint Assessment

The EarliPoint System uses advanced eye-tracking technology to measure how children visually engage with social interactions and their environment. During the assessment, children watch short videos while the system objectively analyzes patterns of visual attention that may be associated with autism.

These objective measurements provide additional clinical information that complements traditional assessment methods and helps qualified clinicians develop a more complete understanding of each child's development. EarliPoint is indicated for children between 16 and 95 months of age who have developmental concerns and is used as one component of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation—not as a standalone diagnostic test.

ADOS-2

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is one of the most widely used standardized observational assessments for evaluating autism spectrum disorder.

During the evaluation, a qualified clinician engages your child in structured and semi-structured activities designed to observe communication, social interaction, play, imagination, and behavior.

The ADOS-2 provides valuable information that is considered alongside developmental history, caregiver interviews, clinical observations, and other assessment results to support an accurate diagnosis.

What to Expect

We understand that seeking an evaluation can feel overwhelming.

Our team is committed to making the process as supportive and informative as possible.

Throughout the evaluation, we'll:

  • Listen to your concerns and answer your questions.

  • Help your child feel comfortable in a welcoming environment.

  • Take time to understand your child's unique strengths and challenges.

  • Explain findings in language that is easy to understand.

  • Provide recommendations tailored to your child's individual needs.

We believe families deserve more than a diagnosis—they deserve understanding, guidance, and a clear plan for what comes next.

After the Evaluation

Following your evaluation, you'll receive a comprehensive report that summarizes the assessment findings, diagnostic impressions (when appropriate), and individualized recommendations.

Depending on your child's needs, recommendations may include:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

  • Parent-Mediated Interventions

  • Speech and language therapy

  • Occupational therapy

  • School-based supports

  • Community resources

  • Ongoing developmental monitoring

Our team will review the results with you, answer your questions, and help you understand the options available so you can make informed decisions about your child's care.

Why Families Choose Hickory Learning Group

Families trust Hickory Learning Group because our evaluations combine:

  • Experienced multidisciplinary clinicians

  • Evidence-based assessment practices

  • Advanced diagnostic technology

  • Individualized recommendations

  • Family-centered communication

  • A focus on each child's strengths as well as their support needs

Whether your child receives a diagnosis or not, our goal is to provide clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for the future.

Begin Your Journey

Every child deserves to be understood.

If you have concerns about your child's development, our team is here to guide you through the evaluation process with compassion, expertise, and personalized care.

Together, we'll take the first step toward understanding your child's unique strengths and helping them reach their full potential.

Start Services