Get the Answers You Need
We understand how hard it can be when your child misses a milestone or their behavior doesn’t match what you expected. It’s normal to feel uncertain, anxious, or overwhelmed—you’re not alone.
At Stride, we’re here to support you and help you find clarity. It starts with an autism screening and, if needed, a full diagnostic assessment. Our evaluations are led by licensed clinical psychologists with deep experience in working with young children and families in Illinois.
This assessment gives you insight into your child’s unique strengths and challenges so you can make confident, informed decisions. Whether or not your child receives an autism diagnosis, we’ll guide you toward helpful next steps and walk alongside you the entire way.
Autism Screening Questions
Please review the below questions. If you answer YES to 2 or more in each section, we recommend you contact us about a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.
*Stride specializes in work with toddlers and preschoolers. If your child is 5 ½ years or older, we can help find a referral who may better fit your child’s needs.
Social Communication and Interaction:
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Does or did your child have delays in speech or language compared to peers?
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2
Does your child struggle to understand facial expressions, gestures, or body language?
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Does your child have difficulty sharing interests or playing with peers?
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4
Does your child have difficulty with eye contact or looking towards others during conversations?
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5
Does or did your child have delays in speech or language compared to peers?
Restricted, Repetitive Behaviors, Interests, or Activities:
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Does your child engage in repetitive movements (hand-flapping, rocking)?
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2
Does your child use repetitive speech (echolalia)?
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Does your child insist on following specific routines or become upset by small changes?
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4
Does your child have interests that are unusual in intensity or focus?
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5
Is your child unusually sensitive or interested in certain sensory experiences (sounds, textures, lights)?
Note: A positive result on a screening tool is not a diagnosis. It should be followed by a thorough assessment by a healthcare professional. For more information, Contact Us today!
How ASD Diagnostic Evaluations Work
If a pediatrician or other professional has recommended you pursue an autism evaluation or diagnosis, you are in the right place! At Stride, our goal is to make diagnostic evaluations as easy and stress-free as possible.
If you are unsure about next steps and have developmental questions, please start with our quick screening questions or reach out to our Intake Specialists.
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Caregiver InterviewWe start with an interview about your concerns and your child's developmental history with our psychologist.
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Formal AssessmentUsing a series of assessments, including rating scales, observations, and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS®-2)s we evaluate your child's development.
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Diagnostic Feedback & RecommendationsWithin 2 weeks, you will meet with our team to discuss a summary of findings, recomendations, and answer any questions. You will also receive a detailed report. with specific recommendations to help your family and child.
Autism Spectrum Diagnostic Services for Illinois Families
If you're starting to notice signs of autism in your child, you're not alone—and we're here to help. At Stride Autism Centers, we offer in-depth autism evaluations for families throughout Chicago, Illinois. Our team is here to guide you with answers, clarity, and next steps you can feel confident about.
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Expert TeamYour child’s evaluation will be led by a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who’s also a Doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D). They bring both expertise and compassion to every family they support.
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Tailored AssessmentsWe use proven tools like the ADOS®-2 to learn how your child communicates, interacts, and plays—giving us a clear and accurate understanding.
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Family-Centered ApproachWe work closely with you to understand your concerns, hear your story, and create recommendations tailored to your young child’s unique needs.
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Convenient Location for Illinois FamiliesOur Orland Park center is easily accessible for families across the region. We make it simple to get the high-quality autism diagnostic services your child deserves.
The Stride Difference
Founded by a family just like yours, Stride was built by Brad Zelinger who made a career pivot to to create a mission-driven company dedicated to improving the lives of children with autism.
Inspired by his amazing sister Marisa who lives with a complex neurological disorder, Brad has assembled a world-class team of professionals and therapists to support toddlers and pre-school aged children from diagnosis throughout treatment.
Take the First Step with Stride
See how our Illinois centers support preschoolers with autism through expert evaluations and care tailored to each child.
Orland Park Location
Explore Images of Our Chicago ABA Therapy Center
Insurances We Accept
What Is an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis?
An autism diagnosis helps you understand if your child is on the spectrum. It involves a series of play-based observations and standardized tools, led by trained professionals called Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), who specialize in understanding your child’s development.
What does early autism diagnosis matter? Research shows that identifying autism early can make a real difference:
- Helps improve language and social development
- Reduces challenging behaviors over time
- Helps your child succeed in school and everyday life
At Stride Autism Centers, our experienced BCBAs lead the entire evaluation process. They’re highly trained, with over 2,000 hours of hands-on experience and a deep passion for helping kids thrive. Your child’s diagnosis is the first step toward getting the support they need and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Who We Are
At Stride Autism Centers, we’re proud to support families across Illinois and the Midwest with trusted autism diagnostic services for preschool children ages 2-6. Our mission is simple: help children with autism reach their full potential through personalized evaluations.
We know that seeking answers can feel overwhelming. That’s why our caring team is here to guide you through every step with compassion and clarity. Together, we’ll help your child grow with the support they deserve.
