Get the Answers You Need
We understand the worry or uncertainty you feel when your child misses an important milestone or their behavior doesn’t seem to match what you expected. It’s normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed – you’re not alone.
At Stride, we’re here to help you find answers and support, starting with an Autism screening and if recommended, a diagnostic assessment. Our diagnostic services are led by our caring, licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Ashley Whittington-Barnish. This comprehensive diagnostic assessment will give you a clear picture of your child’s unique strengths & challenges, helping you make informed decisions. Whether or not your child receives an autism diagnosis, our goal is to put you on the right path to help your child thrive, with you involved every step of the 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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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
Understanding your child's unique needs starts with a comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic assessment. At Stride Autism Centers, we offer detailed autism evaluations to help you learn about your child's strengths and challenges and offer individualized recommendations to help your child stride forward.
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Expert TeamOur caring professional Licensed Clinical Psychologist is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Doctoral (BCBA-D), and is,, dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate evaluations
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Tailored AssessmentsWe use a variety of assessments, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS ® - 2), which is the gold standard autism assessment tool.
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Family-Centered ApproachWe work closely with families to hear concerns, learn about your child’s development, and provide tailored recommendations for next steps.
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Convenient LocationOur Orland Park Center offers easy access to the two in person appointments fo high-quality diagnostic services.
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.
We’re Excited to Meet You
Dr. Ashley Whittington-Barnish, PhD, LCP, BCBA-D, NCSP
Dr. Ashley Whittington-Barnish (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral (BCBA-D), and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). Having dedicated over 20 years to working with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities across home, school and center-based settings, Ashley has an enduring passion for supporting young children and their families.
Ashley has worked at Stride since the beginning and loves watching clients make meaningful progress. She is also an Associate Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and previously served as University Chair of the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Department and Department Chair of ABA at TCSPP’s Chicago campus. In addition to teaching numerous undergraduate and graduate classes in ABA and psychology, her research interests include staff training, caregiver training, and using technology to enhance learning opportunities
Prior roles include developing and launching “Sprouts,” an early intervention preschool program under The Autism Program grant, and providing assessments and treatment at Livingston County Special Services Unit, among others.
Ashley earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Educational Studies from Illinois Wesleyan University, and a PhD in School Psychology from Illinois State University.
Ashley lives in the south suburbs of Chicago with her husband, three kids, and two dogs. In her free time, she loves watching Chicago sports, seeing Broadway Chicago shows, and planning Disney trips with her family.
Get Started with Stride Today
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What is an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis?
An autism spectrum diagnosis is a detailed evaluation to see if a child has autism. It involves a series of tests and observations by trained Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to understand a child’s developmental challenges and strengths.
Why is an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis Important? Decades of clinical studies have shown that early diagnosis and intervention can lead to:
- Early help can improve language and social skills.
- Addressing behaviors early can reduce challenges.
- Effective support and better integration into regular education.
Stride Autism Centers is dedicated to delivering meaningful outcomes for both the learner and their family. Our BCBA professionals oversee all aspects of your child’s autism spectrum diagnosis. It takes rigorous academic study and 2,000 hours of training to become a BCBA, so only those who are deeply committed and capable ultimately earn the credentials to work with your child.
Who We Are
At Stride Autism Centers, we are deeply committed to serving the Orland Park community with best-in-class autism spectrum diagnosis services. Our focus is on helping children with autism reach their full potential through individualized and comprehensive autism evaluations.
We understand the unique challenges faced by families seeking support for their children with autism. Our dedicated team, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), is here to provide the compassionate care needed to promote your child’s growth and independence.
