What Is in an Autism Evaluation Report, and How to Use It

Why the written report matters

The feedback conversation at the end of an evaluation is where you hear the findings and ask questions. The written report is what lasts. It is the document you return to later, and the one you may choose to share with a doctor, a school or a college.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests keeping copies of health care reports and evaluations, because that information may help people with autism qualify for special programs. It also suggests keeping records of conversations and meetings with providers and teachers, which makes later decisions easier.

What a report usually includes

Every provider writes reports in their own way, so headings and length vary. Most autism evaluation reports cover the same ground, because they follow the steps of the evaluation itself.

• The reason for the evaluation: who asked for it, what questions it set out to answer, and any concerns raised at home, school or work.
• Background and developmental history. The CDC explains there is no medical test such as a blood test for autism, so clinicians look at developmental history and behavior. NIMH notes that an adult evaluation may include a conversation with family about early development.
• What was observed and assessed, described in general terms. The CDC says a specialist may observe the person, give a structured test, ask questions and use questionnaires. For children, NIMH lists areas such as thinking skills, speech and language, and everyday self-care skills.
• How the findings fit or do not fit autism. The CDC notes that a formal evaluation shows strengths and challenges and can inform whether a person meets criteria for a developmental diagnosis.
• Other explanations considered. NIMH notes that in adults some signs overlap with anxiety or ADHD, so a good report explains what else was weighed.
• Strengths, not only challenges. NIMH says learning about a person's strengths helps a provider tailor recommendations.
• Recommendations for supports, services or further steps.

How to read your report

Start with the summary and the recommendations, then go back to the detail. The middle sections often explain how the evaluator reached the conclusion, which can be useful when you share the report with someone who needs the reasoning.

Mark any word or sentence you do not understand and bring it to the feedback conversation. Ask how each recommendation connects to what was found, and which ones matter most right now. It is reasonable to ask the same question twice.

If you have an older report, you may see different terms. The CDC explains that an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately, including autistic disorder, PDD-NOS and Asperger syndrome.

Who to share it with, and how

The report belongs to you, or to you as a parent of a child or teen. You decide who sees it. Share it when it helps the person reading it understand what support makes sense, and ask what they actually need first.

A public school is one common place. Federal special education rules say that if a parent shares an evaluation obtained at private expense, the school must consider it, if it meets the school's criteria, in decisions about the child's education. The school still runs its own process.

Colleges work differently. The U.S. Department of Education explains that colleges may set reasonable standards for documentation, and that it may include a current diagnosis, how it was reached, the credentials of the professional and how the condition affects learning. A high school IEP or 504 plan is generally not sufficient on its own. Ask the disability services office what it needs before you send anything.

Recommendations are not promises

A recommendation describes what may help. It does not oblige a school, college, employer or agency to provide it. The Department of Education notes, for example, that a college may offer an effective alternative to the adjustment a student asked for, is not required to lower or waive essential requirements, and may carry out its own evaluation at its own expense.

That is not a reason for discouragement. A clear, well-reasoned report gives the people deciding a solid starting point, and it gives you language for asking for what helps. Many families also use the recommendations to plan support at home that no one else needs to approve.

How our evaluation reports work

At Locascio Wellness, our adult autism evaluation and child and teen autism evaluation are carried out entirely by secure video, and are offered only to people physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona. Each ends with the findings explained in plain language, time for questions, and a written report co-signed by a supervising licensed psychologist. At the moment, the report is usually ready about a month after the first evaluation appointment. You can read more about our psychological evaluations.

Evaluations are private-pay, with a sliding scale available; see what evaluations cost. To start, use the short evaluation request form or book a free 15-minute consultation. After an evaluation, therapists on our team offer anxiety therapy and child therapy as separate services. If you or your child are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.