Diagnosis & Evaluation

The first step to gaining a deeper understanding of a person’s neurodevelopment is getting an evaluation.

Our team of pediatric experts, including psychologists, neuropsychologists, physicians, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals, utilize evidence-based tools — often including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS-2) — to provide comprehensive insights into a patient’s condition. Through this collaborative approach and the use of specialized assessments, we ensure a thorough evaluation process to better support each child’s unique needs.

The Thompson Center offers several types of pediatric evaluation clinics. The wait times for each vary. A patient will be assigned to one of the following clinics based on their initial referral form and intake paperwork.

Autism Diagnostic Evaluation

Our comprehensive pediatric autism diagnostic evaluations vary based on the patient’s age, behaviors and characteristics, and medical history. Appointments typically involve a parent/caregiver interview as well as patient assessments, using evidence-based tools. Depending on the patient’s history, these evaluations may involve professionals from the fields of psychology, medicine, speech/language pathology, neuropsychology, and more. These appointments usually last up to four hours.

Attention / Learning / Cognition Clinic

This clinic combines testing for ADHD and/or learning/cognitive disorders into one clinical appointment in order to streamline the process for patients and their families. These appointments are expected to last up to four hours.

Speech-Language Evaluations

This comprehensive evaluation uses a variety of assessments to evaluate a patient’s skills in relation to motor elements of speech as well as cognitive processes such as listening, expression, social skills, and comprehension. These evaluations are performed by a speech-language pathologist for patients ages 1-21 years. These appointments typically last 1-2 hours.

More about Speech-Language services

Pediatric Neuropsychology

While many children with health problems may develop typically, certain factors such as prematurity, heart conditions, cerebral palsy, seizures, and brain injuries can impact central nervous system functioning, putting a child at higher risk for developmental or intellectual concerns.

More about Pediatric Neuropsychology services

Foster Care Clinic

Visit our Foster Care Clinic page to learn more about evaluation services available to children in foster care.

More about Foster Care Clinic

How soon can I expect to be seen at the Thompson Center?

Visit our Referrals & Scheduling page for more information about making an appointment at the Thompson Center.

Referrals & Scheduling

I’m working toward getting on a waitlist or am waiting for my scheduled appointment. Is there anything I can be doing in the meantime?

While a formal diagnosis is required for eligibility for some services — such as insurance coverage for applied behavior analysis — there are medical services, resources, and training opportunities available to those awaiting an evaluation.

Are evaluations at the Thompson Center covered by insurance?

These services are covered by most insurance programs, including Medicaid. Contact your insurance provider for detailed coverage information. Some diagnostic appointments involve providers from a variety of disciplines; in these cases, you may be charged more than one copay per visit.

MU Health Care Billing, Insurance, & Financial Assistance

How do I get started?

Fill out our referral form to begin the process of getting scheduled at the Thompson Center.

Referrals & Scheduling

Caregiver Appointment & Meeting Questionnaire

In preparation for your child’s evaluation, it can be helpful to prepare answers to the following questions. If you would prefer to download and print the questionnaire, please use the download link below.

Please bring these answers with you to your child’s appointment. It helps our team understand what matters most to you and ensures we address your priorities.

1. What are the most important things you hope to talk about or learn today?
(Examples: understanding my child’s behaviors, learning next steps, sharing school concerns, etc.)
2. List any questions you’d like to ask the provider or evaluation team.
(Examples: “What happens after the evaluation?” “How do I talk to my child’s teacher about this?”)
3. Please share any recent changes, progress, or concerns you’ve noticed.
(Examples: changes in speech, social interactions, sleep, eating, mood, or new skills)
4. Is there anything new since your last contact with us?
(Examples: school testing, new therapies, family changes, medical updates)

Download the Questionnaire

Learn more about diagnostic evaluations at the Thompson Center on Supporting the Spectrum:

Season 1, Episode 1: Diagnostic Evaluations for Autism

Season 2, Episode 3: What’s An ADOS?

Supporting the Spectrum Podcast