Wondering where to begin?

The first step often depends on your child’s age.

Common starting points for New Jersey families.

Any age
Clinical route

Medical or developmental evaluation

Families may also seek a clinical diagnosis through pediatricians, neuropsychologists, or specialty centers. Use the provider finder above to see diagnostic evaluation options near you.

Find a provider

Early Signs

Autism Screening Tools

Not sure whether an evaluation is needed? These research-backed tools can help you decide whether to take the next step.

The M-CHAT-R

Recommended for toddlers

Ages 16–30 months

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) is a widely used parent-completed screening tool designed to identify early signs associated with autism. It can help determine whether a full evaluation may be a useful next step.

Take the M-CHAT-R screening

The CAST

Recommended for children

Ages 4–11 years

The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) is a parent-completed screening questionnaire designed for school-age children. It can help identify traits associated with autism and inform a conversation about whether a formal evaluation may be appropriate.

Open the CAST screening resource
A clinician and parent having a calm conversation while a child plays nearby

What to Expect

What an autism evaluation may include

A conversation about your child

You may be asked about development, communication, learning, behavior, daily routines, and your child’s strengths and needs.

Helpful information to bring

School notes, developmental history, medical records, prior evaluations, and your own questions can help give the clinician a fuller picture.

Questions families ask

A little more clarity.

Ready to take the first step?

We'll be in touch within one business day.