Key Points:
- The autism evaluation process in Maryland often involves multiple professionals and structured assessments.
- Bringing school records, medical history, and detailed behavioral notes helps create a full picture of your child.
- Preparation includes emotional readiness for both parents and child, plus knowing what to expect before, during, and after the evaluation.
Preparing for your child’s autism evaluation can feel like stepping into the unknown. There’s the worry of missing something important, the stress of navigating appointments, and the emotional weight of what a diagnosis might mean. If you’re in Maryland, it’s important to know that this process doesn’t have to feel so daunting. With some clarity and preparation, you can help make the experience more manageable—and meaningful.
Families across the state often turn to ABA therapy in Maryland as part of early intervention after an autism diagnosis. But everything starts with an accurate, comprehensive evaluation. This article will walk you through how to prepare effectively—from gathering paperwork to talking to your child—so you can feel confident and supported.
Understanding the Autism Evaluation Process
Before diving into checklists and prep tips, it helps to know what the evaluation actually involves. Knowing the structure and goals of the process can reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control.
Who Performs the Evaluation?
Autism evaluations in Maryland are typically conducted by a multidisciplinary team, which may include:
- Developmental pediatricians: Medical professionals who specialize in developmental concerns.
- Child psychologists or neuropsychologists: Experts in behavior and cognitive functioning.
- Speech-language pathologists: Specialists who assess communication skills.
- Occupational therapists: They look at sensory processing and fine motor abilities.
- Behavioral specialists: Sometimes involved if the child is already receiving early intervention services.
Depending on the provider, this can take place in a medical setting, a diagnostic center, or through your local early intervention program.
What Happens During the Evaluation?
The evaluation typically includes:
- A detailed parent interview covering developmental history, social behaviors, communication, and family background.
- Structured observations where clinicians watch how your child responds to play, instructions, or social cues.
- Use of standardized tools like the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) or the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales.
- Possible additional tests for language development, motor coordination, or cognitive function.
Some evaluations may take multiple sessions. Others can be completed in a single, extended appointment. Either way, this is a process designed to understand—not label—your child.
What to Bring to the Evaluation
To help the clinical team gain a well-rounded view of your child, bringing supporting documents is essential. You are your child’s best historian, and your records can help fill in important gaps.
Here’s what to gather ahead of time:
1. Medical Records
Bring documentation of any previous developmental screenings, birth and health history, past diagnoses, or referrals from pediatricians. If your child has had hearing or vision tests, include those as well.
2. Educational Records
If your child attends preschool or school, bring IEPs (if applicable), teacher reports, progress notes, or anything that reflects their behavior and learning in a group setting. Educators often notice social delays or language gaps that may not show up at home.
3. Therapist Reports
If your child is already working with a speech therapist, occupational therapist, or behavioral therapist, ask for recent evaluations or progress notes.
4. Behavior Logs or Videos
Tracking repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, or emotional outbursts—especially when patterns emerge—can provide valuable context. Even a short phone video clip can be helpful if it captures something that doesn’t always happen in the clinic.
5. Family and Developmental History
You’ll likely be asked about family medical history and early developmental milestones. Bring notes to jog your memory so you don’t feel put on the spot.
Talking to Your Child About the Evaluation
Telling your child they’re going to an evaluation can be tricky, especially if they’re sensitive to new environments. But with the right language, you can help them feel safe and ready.
Start by framing the visit positively. Focus on the experience, not the label:
- “We’re going to meet some people who want to learn about the cool ways you play and learn.”
- “They’ll ask us some questions and maybe play games with you to get to know you better.”
For children who benefit from visual aids, create a simple social story or timeline that shows what the day will look like. Include pictures of the clinic, waiting room, or even the clinician (if available).
If your child struggles with transitions, prepare in small steps—like driving by the clinic before the visit or practicing answering questions at home.
What to Expect During the Appointment
Autism evaluations are designed to be interactive and child-friendly, even though they’re structured to gather diagnostic data. Understanding the types of activities involved can help you better prepare.
Here’s What Your Child Might Experience:
- Play-based assessments: The evaluator may offer toys or activities that encourage interaction, pretend play, or problem-solving. They’re looking at how your child communicates, responds, and uses gestures—not how “well” they play.
- Following instructions: Your child may be asked to perform tasks like pointing to pictures, stacking blocks, or identifying sounds. These tasks assess language comprehension and cognitive processing.
- Social prompts: The evaluator may test how your child responds to their name, engages in back-and-forth conversation, or shows joint attention (like pointing to share interest).
- Sensory reactions: Subtle observations are made about how your child responds to noise, textures, light, or movement. These help identify sensory sensitivities.
- Parent interviews: While your child is being assessed, or afterwards, you’ll likely be asked more questions about routines, behaviors, and concerns.
It’s okay if your child doesn’t “cooperate” perfectly. Evaluators are trained to read between the lines and adapt.
Emotional Preparation for Parents
It’s common to be flooded with emotions before, during, and after the evaluation. Whether you’re hoping for answers, dreading a diagnosis, or somewhere in between—it’s okay to feel a lot all at once.
Here’s how to emotionally prepare:
1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel
Worry, guilt, relief, fear—it’s all normal. Many parents find themselves wrestling with the “What ifs” even before stepping into the clinic. Take a breath. You’re showing up for your child in the best way possible.
2. Come With Questions
Write down anything you’re unsure about, including:
- What tools are being used?
- How is the diagnosis determined?
- What happens if my child doesn’t qualify?
- What supports can we access afterward?
This helps you stay focused and get the most from the feedback session.
3. Don’t Rush to Process
You may not feel clarity right away. That’s okay. Take time to read the evaluation report, ask follow-up questions, and talk to trusted professionals or other parents who’ve been there.
After the Evaluation: What Comes Next?
Following the evaluation, the clinician will either confirm or rule out an autism diagnosis. You’ll also receive a detailed report with recommendations for services, school accommodations, or therapy options.
One of the most frequently recommended interventions is ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis)—especially for children diagnosed on the spectrum in early childhood. ABA therapy focuses on improving specific behaviors such as communication, social skills, and adaptive learning. It’s individualized and data-driven, which makes it especially effective for early intervention.
Families in Maryland often turn to Crown ABA for support after an autism diagnosis. The team at Crown ABA offers customized ABA therapy in Maryland, helping children build essential life skills while reducing problematic behaviors in a supportive, engaging environment.
Final Thoughts: A Confident Next Step
The autism evaluation may feel like a big hurdle—but with preparation, it can be a powerful step toward understanding your child better. You don’t need all the answers right now. What matters is that you’re asking the right questions, gathering the right tools, and standing beside your child as they navigate a world that doesn’t always meet them where they are.
If your child is diagnosed and you’re looking for early support, ABA therapy in Maryland can be a highly effective way to begin. Providers like Crown ABA specialize in building therapy plans that meet your child where they are—so they can grow into who they’re meant to be.
Contact us today to learn how ABA therapy could be the next right step for your child’s development.
