Concerned about signs of autism? Gracent Pediatric Therapy offers autism testing in Chicago, including ADOS-2 assessments and early testing in Naperville.
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As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. You notice the small things — the way they play, communicate, react to change, or connect with others. If you’ve started wondering whether your child’s development looks different from other children their age, you may be asking yourself an important question:
Autism testing in Chicago is available through specialized clinics, children's hospitals, and private practitioners.
For many families in the Chicago area, this question can feel overwhelming. You may feel unsure, worried about labeling, or uncertain about what testing even involves. But seeking clarity is not labeling — it’s advocating. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is essential for developing effective treatment plans and accessing support services.
At Gracent Pediatric Therapy, we provide comprehensive autism testing for children in Chicago and surrounding suburbs, including an Early Autism Testing Clinic in Naperville designed specifically for toddlers. A child's pediatrician often plays a key role in early detection and referral for autism testing. Our goal is to help families gain answers, direction, and peace of mind — without long waitlists.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child communicates, interacts socially, processes sensory input, and engages with their environment. Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning it presents differently in every child.
Autism screening is a routine part of pediatric care and is designed to identify early signs of autism. During well-child checkups, pediatricians often use autism screening tools to help determine if a child may need further assessment for autism. Early signs of autism can appear as early as infancy, with some children showing signs within the first 12 months and others not until 24 months or later. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for autism at ages 18 months and 24 months, while the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDD) recommends screening at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months. Many pediatricians now use screening tools during well-child checkups to look for early signs of autism and determine if further evaluation is needed.
Research consistently shows that early autism diagnosis leads to earlier intervention — and early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes in communication, social skills, emotional regulation, and independence.
Children can sometimes be reliably diagnosed as early as 18 months. However, many families delay evaluation due to uncertainty, fear, or long wait times.
If you are noticing ongoing developmental concerns, early autism testing in Chicago can provide valuable clarity — whether autism is confirmed or ruled out.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects each child differently. The term “autism spectrum” reflects the wide range of strengths, challenges, and behaviors seen in autistic individuals. Some children may have significant difficulties with social skills and communication, while others may have milder symptoms or unique abilities in certain areas.
Understanding the autism spectrum is essential for families, educators, and healthcare providers. No two autistic children are exactly alike—each has their own combination of strengths, interests, and support needs. This is why diagnosing autism requires a comprehensive evaluation by a developmental pediatrician or your child’s healthcare provider, who can look at the whole picture of your child’s development.
Early intervention services, such as behavioral therapy and occupational therapy, can make a tremendous difference in a child’s development. These therapies are tailored to help children build social skills, improve communication, and navigate daily routines more independently. The earlier these supports are in place, the greater the potential for positive outcomes.
If you have concerns about your child’s development, seeking an evaluation is the first step toward understanding their unique needs and accessing personalized care. With the right support, children with autism spectrum disorder can thrive and reach their fullest potential.
Every child develops at their own pace. However, certain developmental patterns may suggest the need for a comprehensive autism evaluation for children.
Some autistic children may benefit from alternative communication methods, such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, to help them express themselves if they have limited or no speech.
It’s important to remember that one or two of these behaviors does not automatically mean autism. A professional autism assessment examines the full developmental profile, not isolated behaviors.
Parents often ask:
Here’s what we often tell families: If you’re consistently concerned, it’s worth exploring.
You may want to consider autism testing for children if:
An accurate diagnosis is essential for accessing services like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and ensures your child receives the most appropriate interventions for their needs. A formal autism diagnosis can also help differentiate autism from other disorders with similar symptoms, leading to more effective and targeted support.
Waiting rarely provides answers. Evaluation often does.
Families searching for autism testing Chicago often encounter long waitlists. Delays can mean months — sometimes even a year — before answers are available.
At Gracent Pediatric Therapy, we are committed to providing timely, comprehensive evaluations. The diagnostic process is a formal series of steps that involves the use of diagnostic tools and neuropsychological testing to provide an objective assessment. Our experienced Neuropsychology team conducts in-depth autism assessments using research-backed tools, including the ADOS-2. Comprehensive evaluations include a thorough review of developmental history, parent interviews, and direct observation. Neuropsychological testing is also used to differentiate autism from other disorders with similar symptoms.
A central component of our evaluation process is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2).
The ADOS-2 is widely recognized as the field’s current gold standard assessment for diagnosing or excluding autism. Unlike simple screening tools, the ADOS-2 is a structured, interactive assessment that directly observes how a child:
Importantly, the ADOS-2 is largely play-based, which helps children feel comfortable during testing. It includes carefully designed activities that probe social communication and emotional reciprocity in a natural way.
Because autism presents differently in each child, this direct observation component is critical. The ADOS-2 allows our neuropsychologists to see how your child interacts in real time rather than relying solely on questionnaires.
For families with young children, waiting months for evaluation can feel incredibly stressful. That’s why we created our Early Autism Testing Clinic in Naperville, specifically designed for children 18 months to 4 years old.
This clinic offers:
For families in Naperville, Chicago, Elmhurst, Woodridge, and surrounding suburbs, this means earlier answers and earlier access to support.
Early testing allows families to begin intervention during critical developmental windows — when therapy can have the most significant impact.
A comprehensive autism evaluation for children at Gracent Pediatric Therapy includes multiple components to ensure accuracy and depth.
We begin with a detailed parent interview, where a thorough developmental history is a key component of the intake process for diagnosing autism. This intake allows our neuropsychology team to understand:
This conversation provides valuable context for testing.
Your child participates in the ADOS-2 assessment. One parent is present during testing and may be asked to participate at certain times. The assessment feels interactive and often resembles guided play.
When appropriate, we gather feedback from teachers or caregivers to understand how your child functions in different environments.
After the evaluation, families receive a detailed explanation of findings, diagnostic impressions, and clear recommendations. An accurate diagnosis can lead to eligibility for support and resources from government and insurance agencies. An official autism diagnosis also unlocks access to insurance-covered services and educational supports such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans.
Our goal is not simply diagnosis — it is direction.
If autism is diagnosed, families gain access to evidence-based therapies such as:
Parental training is a key part of autism treatment, helping caregivers manage their child's behavior and support their child's development. Early support and consistent therapy can help many autistic children build skills to meet their challenges.
Early intervention services can significantly improve communication, independence, and emotional regulation.
If autism is ruled out, the evaluation may identify other areas of need, such as:
Either way, testing provides clarity and a roadmap.
Caring for an autistic child involves more than just a diagnosis—it’s about building a network of support that addresses the whole child. Autism care is most effective when it brings together a team of professionals, family members, and community resources to meet your child’s unique needs.
Behavioral interventions, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), are widely recognized for helping autistic children develop new skills and manage behavioral challenges. Educational programs tailored to your child’s learning style can support academic growth and foster independence. Regular well-child visits with your child’s pediatrician or doctor are important for tracking progress, discussing any concerns, and ensuring your child’s health and development stay on track.
Support services extend beyond therapy sessions. Social skills groups give children opportunities to practice communication and build friendships in a supportive environment. Parent workshops offer guidance, resources, and a sense of community for families navigating daily life with autism. By focusing on your child’s strengths and interests, these services help nurture confidence and resilience.
Autism care is about more than addressing challenges—it’s about celebrating progress, supporting the whole child, and empowering families. With the right combination of behavioral interventions, educational programs, and support services, children on the autism spectrum can experience a tremendous impact on their well-being and reach their full potential.
Families throughout the greater Chicago area choose Gracent Pediatric Therapy because we offer:
We proudly serve families across:
Our team understands local school systems, therapy networks, and insurance processes, helping families navigate next steps smoothly.
Many parents who pursue autism testing for children in Chicago say the same thing afterward:
“I wish we had done it sooner.”
Seeking evaluation does not define your child. It empowers your family with information.
You are not labeling your child — you are advocating for understanding, support, and opportunity.
If you’re considering autism testing in Chicago or Naperville, our team at Gracent Pediatric Therapy is here to help.
With comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, ADOS-2 administration, and our Early Autism Testing Clinic for toddlers, we provide trusted answers — without unnecessary delays.
📍 Serving Chicago and surrounding suburbs
📍 Early Autism Testing Clinic in Naperville (18 months–4 years)
📞 Contact Gracent Pediatric Therapy today to schedule a consultation.
Early answers lead to early support — and early support can change a child’s developmental trajectory.
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Gracent Pediatric Therapy — formerly Pine Cone Therapies in Texas and includes three North Shore Pediatric Therapy centers in Illinois — is part of the Gracent network and a sister company to North Shore Pediatric Therapy. Together, we’re creating connected, compassionate care for children and families across every stage of growth.
