Autism Testing and Evaluation in Miami-Dade and Broward: A Parent Guide
If you think your child might be autistic, the path from first worry to diagnosis to support can feel confusing. This guide lays out the steps and the local options, in order.
Thrive Behavioral Therapy provides ABA therapy. We do not diagnose autism, but we help families every week find the right place to get an evaluation.
Step 1: Talk to your pediatrician
Start with your child's pediatrician. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental surveillance at every well visit and autism-specific screening at the 18- and 24-month checkups, typically using a questionnaire such as the M-CHAT-R/F[1][2]. Bring specific examples of what you have noticed. The CDC's free milestone checklists can help you organize your observations[3].
A screening questionnaire is not a diagnosis. If the screen or your concerns point to autism, ask for a referral for a full diagnostic evaluation.
Step 2: Use the free state programs while you wait
- Under age 3: Early Steps. Florida's Early Steps program evaluates and serves infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months with developmental delays. Anyone, including a parent, can make a referral as soon as there is a concern[4].
- Ages 3 and up: your public school district. Under federal special-education law, school districts must locate and evaluate children who may need services, including preschoolers. Contact Miami-Dade County Public Schools or Broward County Public Schools and ask about a pre-K or Child Find evaluation. A school evaluation can qualify a child for school services but is separate from a medical diagnosis.
- UM-NSU CARD. The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities offers free support, training and guidance to families in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties[5].
The AAP advises starting intervention for any identified delays right away, without waiting for the autism evaluation to be completed[1].
Step 3: The diagnostic evaluation
Autism is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation based on DSM-5 criteria[1]. In South Florida, evaluations are typically done by:
- Developmental-behavioral pediatricians
- Child neurologists
- Child psychiatrists
- Licensed psychologists who specialize in developmental evaluations
Hospital-based developmental programs and university clinics in Miami-Dade and Broward offer evaluations, as do private practices. Wait lists can be long, so it is reasonable to call several places and get on more than one list. Ask your insurance company which in-network providers can perform an autism diagnostic evaluation.
What to bring
- Your notes and short videos of the behaviors you are concerned about
- Any previous screenings, Early Steps or school evaluations
- Reports from speech, occupational or other therapists
- Your insurance card
Step 4: After the diagnosis
Ask the evaluator for a written report that states the diagnosis and the recommended services. Most insurance plans need this report to approve ABA therapy. Florida's autism coverage law requires many health plans to cover ABA for eligible children[6], although coverage depends on the type of plan[7]. From there, the typical next steps are:
- Book a free consultation with an ABA provider
- Insurance verification and authorization (see insurance)
- An ABA assessment by a BCBA and a written treatment plan
- Therapy begins, at home, at school or in the community
We can help you figure out the next step
Whether you are at the "something seems different" stage or holding a new diagnosis, you are welcome to call us. We serve families across Miami-Dade and Broward.
References
- Hyman SL, Levy SE, Myers SM; AAP Council on Children With Disabilities. Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatrics 2020;145(1):e20193447. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-3447
- Robins DL, Fein D, Barton M. Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F). https://www.mchatscreen.com/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn the Signs. Act Early. https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/
- Florida Department of Health. Early Steps (early intervention for infants and toddlers, birth to 36 months). https://floridaearlysteps.com/
- UM-NSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), serving Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties. https://www.card.miami.edu/
- Florida Statutes s. 627.6686, Coverage for individuals with autism spectrum disorder required (Steven A. Geller Autism Coverage Act). https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/627.6686
- Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Overview. https://myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers/consumerprotections/autism-spectrum-disorder
Frequently asked questions
Please reach us at info@thrivebehavioraltherapy.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Can a pediatrician diagnose autism?
Some pediatricians, especially developmental-behavioral pediatricians, diagnose autism. Many general pediatricians screen and then refer to a specialist for the full evaluation. Check what your insurance plan accepts.
How much does an autism evaluation cost?
It depends on the provider and your insurance. Many plans cover diagnostic evaluations. Early Steps (under 3) and school district evaluations are free, though a school evaluation is not the same as a medical diagnosis.
Does Thrive Behavioral Therapy diagnose autism?
No. We provide ABA therapy after a diagnosis. We are happy to talk with you about where to get an evaluation and what to expect next. Contact us.
Should I wait for a diagnosis before getting help?
No. The AAP recommends starting intervention for developmental delays as soon as they are identified. Early Steps, speech therapy and parent coaching can start while you wait for an evaluation.