Should I Get My Child Tested for Autism?

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. You see their quirks, strengths, struggles, and the little things that make them who they are. But sometimes, you start to wonder:

“Is this just a phase? Do other kids do this? Who should I talk to about this?”

These are hard questions that often bring up a mix of emotions for parents, but the fact that you’re asking them means you’re tuned in and paying attention. The goal of this post is to give you a starting point for identifying red flags, seeking help, and understanding the process of looking into an Autism diagnosis.

First: What Are You Noticing?

No single behavior means your child has autism. But a pattern of differences in communication, behavior, and social interaction might signal the need for an evaluation.

Here are some common signs:

Communication & Language

• Delayed speech or language development

• Saying the exact same phrase repeatedly (echolalia)

• Not using gestures like pointing or waving

• Not responding to their name by 12 months

• Difficulty having back-and-forth conversations

• Talking a lot about one topic but not noticing if others are interested

  
  

Social Interaction

• Doesn’t make eye contact or avoids social interaction

• Prefers to play alone, even in group settings

• Doesn’t show or bring things to others just to share interest

• Struggles to understand social cues (tone of voice, facial expressions)

• Limited pretend play or difficulty imagining what others are thinking

  
  

Repetitive Behaviors & Routines

• Lines up toys or objects instead of playing with them

• Repeats movements (hand flapping, rocking, spinning)

• Becomes very upset with small changes to routine

• Has strong fixations or highly focused interests

• Unusual attachment to objects (e.g., always carries a specific item)

  
  

Sensory Differences

• Covers ears to certain sounds, even if they’re not loud

• Doesn’t notice pain, temperature, or other sensory input

• Strong reactions to textures (like clothing fabrics or tags), lights, or smells

• Seeks out or avoids specific sensations (spinning, crashing into things)

  
  

Other Signs

• Regression: lost skills they used to have (words, social skills)

• Very rigid thinking (“black and white” mindset)

• High anxiety, especially around social settings or changes

  
  

When Should You Get an Autism Evaluation?

Here’s a good rule of thumb:

If you’re wondering whether to get your child evaluated, there's no risk in asking for a professional opinion.

You don’t need to be 100% sure. You don’t need to wait until the signs are "severe." And you definitely don’t need anyone else's permission to ask for help. We recommend asking early because research shows that early identification and intervention for children with Autism is associated with better outcomes later on.

Consider seeking an evaluation if:

• You or others (teacher, pediatrician, therapist) have concerns about your child’s development

• There’s a family history of autism or related conditions

• Your child seems “different” in a way that’s hard to describe but noticeable

• They’re struggling with communication, behavior, or connection and it’s impacting daily life

What if My Pediatrician Says "Let's Wait and See"?

Some pediatricians take a “wait and see” approach — and in some cases, that’s fine.

But if your gut says something more is going on, you’re allowed to:

• Ask for a referral to a specialist

• Seek a second opinion from a psychologist or developmental pediatrician

• Contact your local Early Intervention program (for kids under 3)

  
  

Waiting too long can delay access to important support. Early identification = earlier help.

What If It’s Not Autism — But Something Else?

That’s okay. The goal of an autism evaluation is not only to identify autism, but also to rule out autism.

Maybe it’s:

• A speech delay

• Sensory processing differences

• Learning disabilities (like dyslexia)

• Anxiety

• ADHD

• Just a different style of learning or relating to others

  
  

An evaluation helps identify what your child needs, even if the answer isn’t autism.

What Happens If My Child Is Diagnosed?

A diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is, it just gives you language and tools to support them.

It opens doors to:

• Therapy (ABA, speech, OT, social skills)

• School services (IEP or 504 plans)

• Insurance-covered support

• Community and parent resources

  
  

Most importantly, it gives your child a deeper chance to be understood.

You Don’t Need to Have All the Answers to Ask the Questions

Getting your child evaluated doesn’t mean something is “wrong.” It means you’re doing your job as a parent: looking out for them, advocating for them, and making sure they’re supported in the ways that matter.

Next Steps

• Talk to your pediatrician and ask for a developmental or autism screening.

• Contact Early Intervention (under age 3) for an evaluation.

• Seek out a child psychologist or developmental pediatrician if you want to skip straight to a specialist.

  
  

In Summary

If you’re noticing signs that make you pause, trust that instinct. You don’t need to have all the answers to start asking the right questions. An autism evaluation isn’t about labeling your child, it’s about understanding them more clearly and getting the support they might need to thrive.

We provide comprehensive, evidence-based autism evaluation at Panorama Psychology. Call us for a free consultation to see if our testing services are a good fit for you!